It is always hard to not get excited to see something that you'd heard nothing but great things about. That was certainly the case with 'Adam's Rib'. Have loved a lot of Spencer Tracy's and Katharine Hepburn's performances and their partnership/chemistry is nothing short of legendary, can never get enough of seeing them together. Also like to love quite a number of the films directed by George Cukor.
Tracy and Hepburn starred in nine films together (this, 'Woman of the Year', 'Keeper of the Flame', 'Without Love', 'The Sea of Grass', 'State of the Union', 'Pat and Mike', 'Desk Set' and 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner'), three of which also directed by Cukor (this, 'Keeper of the Flame' and 'Pat and Mike'). My first Tracy and Hepburn film was 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner', which still holds up as a great film and deservedly one of the more famous collaborations, but if there was a vote for their best film on my part 'Adam's Rib' would be it. It is a wonderful film that is among the most entertaining films seen in a while, is one of Cukor's best and is one of the quintessential films bordering around the battle of the sexes, its wit and sophistication hard to beat.
Both stars give performances of a lifetime in roles that couldn't have been more perfect fits. Appreciated Tracy's subtlety while Hepburn plays hers to the hilt and lives it, furthermore their chemistry is at its most sparkling. More than up to their level is the star-making turn from Judy Holliday, very nearly stealing the show. All the cast are on top form but it's all about Tracy, Hepburn and Holliday.
Cukor's direction is some of his most subtle, yet it always engages and is at ease with the material. Also think it's some of his best and shows a master at work at the peaks of his powers. 'Adam's Rib' is beautifully filmed too and the story is ceaselessly compelling from the first second to the last, opposing sides in court has seldom entertained or thought provoked as much as it does here.
Alongside the lead performances, the other star of 'Adam's Rib' is the script. The sparkling wit, knowing sharpness and thought-provoking sophistication helped earn it a deserved Oscar nomination and it would have been a more than worthy win if released in a different year to the script that won for 'Sunset Boulevard' (deservedly). It is amazing too that the battle of the sexes/sexual politics is still pertinent and relevant now, which goes to show how well it has stood the test of time and easy to relate to.
Overall, a wonderful film that brings the best out of Tracy, Hepburn, Holliday and Cukor. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Tracy and Hepburn starred in nine films together (this, 'Woman of the Year', 'Keeper of the Flame', 'Without Love', 'The Sea of Grass', 'State of the Union', 'Pat and Mike', 'Desk Set' and 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner'), three of which also directed by Cukor (this, 'Keeper of the Flame' and 'Pat and Mike'). My first Tracy and Hepburn film was 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner', which still holds up as a great film and deservedly one of the more famous collaborations, but if there was a vote for their best film on my part 'Adam's Rib' would be it. It is a wonderful film that is among the most entertaining films seen in a while, is one of Cukor's best and is one of the quintessential films bordering around the battle of the sexes, its wit and sophistication hard to beat.
Both stars give performances of a lifetime in roles that couldn't have been more perfect fits. Appreciated Tracy's subtlety while Hepburn plays hers to the hilt and lives it, furthermore their chemistry is at its most sparkling. More than up to their level is the star-making turn from Judy Holliday, very nearly stealing the show. All the cast are on top form but it's all about Tracy, Hepburn and Holliday.
Cukor's direction is some of his most subtle, yet it always engages and is at ease with the material. Also think it's some of his best and shows a master at work at the peaks of his powers. 'Adam's Rib' is beautifully filmed too and the story is ceaselessly compelling from the first second to the last, opposing sides in court has seldom entertained or thought provoked as much as it does here.
Alongside the lead performances, the other star of 'Adam's Rib' is the script. The sparkling wit, knowing sharpness and thought-provoking sophistication helped earn it a deserved Oscar nomination and it would have been a more than worthy win if released in a different year to the script that won for 'Sunset Boulevard' (deservedly). It is amazing too that the battle of the sexes/sexual politics is still pertinent and relevant now, which goes to show how well it has stood the test of time and easy to relate to.
Overall, a wonderful film that brings the best out of Tracy, Hepburn, Holliday and Cukor. 10/10 Bethany Cox