Both Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn had their fair share of great films and performances (both when in the same film together and apart), and their partnership/chemistry spanning twenty five years on and off screen is nothing short of legendary. Have never been able to get enough of seeing them together. Have also liked some of Walter Lang's other work, 'The King and I' being a personal favourite.
As far as Tracy and Hepburn's nine film collaborations go, starting with 1942's 'Woman of the Year' and finishing with 1967's 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' and Tracy's death, 'Desk Set' for me is one of the stronger ones if not the best. Personally put 'State of the Union', 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' and particularly 'Adam's Rib' above it ('Woman of the Year' is also in the top five), though consider none of the nine films less than watchable. Even their heavily problematic weakest 'The Sea of Grass', despite it not serving them (well, Tracy) or Elia Kazan particularly well. 'Desk Set' is a treat for anybody who loves Tracy and/or Hepburn as actors and who loves them as a pairing, and it's a more than respectable representation of Lang too.
'Desk Set's' story is very slight, one that occasionally drags and by the end it does feel rather stretched.
One also cannot help being reminded of how far technology has come on since the 50s, because the film's depiction of technology is, although interesting from curiosity/historical stand-point, very of the time.
Tracy and Hepburn however are on sparkling form. Tracy's subtlety works a charm, as does Hepburn's strong will. Both have great comic timing and provide bags of personality, Lang really complements them and allows them to get on with it meaning that their chemistry shines with wit and endearment. They also have a strong supporting cast, with particularly good support from feisty Joan Blondell, splendidly caddish Gig Young and perky Dina Merrill. Lang's direction is never less than solid and really gets the best out of his two stars.
Even though the story is not an exceptional one, that doesn't stop the script from ceaselessly crackling with wit and dazzling with sophistication complete with a very smart edge. The quiz and apartment/bathrobe scenes are among the funniest material they did. Mostly the pace is engaging as are the well-rounded characters. 'Desk Set' is full of charm, is easy to watch and it doesn't simplistic or over-complicated. The production values, with the first time Tracy and Hepburn are seen in colour on screen together, are stylish and lovely to look at, those glorious fashions being to die for.
Summarising, nice film with a lot of pleasures. 8/10 Bethany Cox
As far as Tracy and Hepburn's nine film collaborations go, starting with 1942's 'Woman of the Year' and finishing with 1967's 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' and Tracy's death, 'Desk Set' for me is one of the stronger ones if not the best. Personally put 'State of the Union', 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' and particularly 'Adam's Rib' above it ('Woman of the Year' is also in the top five), though consider none of the nine films less than watchable. Even their heavily problematic weakest 'The Sea of Grass', despite it not serving them (well, Tracy) or Elia Kazan particularly well. 'Desk Set' is a treat for anybody who loves Tracy and/or Hepburn as actors and who loves them as a pairing, and it's a more than respectable representation of Lang too.
'Desk Set's' story is very slight, one that occasionally drags and by the end it does feel rather stretched.
One also cannot help being reminded of how far technology has come on since the 50s, because the film's depiction of technology is, although interesting from curiosity/historical stand-point, very of the time.
Tracy and Hepburn however are on sparkling form. Tracy's subtlety works a charm, as does Hepburn's strong will. Both have great comic timing and provide bags of personality, Lang really complements them and allows them to get on with it meaning that their chemistry shines with wit and endearment. They also have a strong supporting cast, with particularly good support from feisty Joan Blondell, splendidly caddish Gig Young and perky Dina Merrill. Lang's direction is never less than solid and really gets the best out of his two stars.
Even though the story is not an exceptional one, that doesn't stop the script from ceaselessly crackling with wit and dazzling with sophistication complete with a very smart edge. The quiz and apartment/bathrobe scenes are among the funniest material they did. Mostly the pace is engaging as are the well-rounded characters. 'Desk Set' is full of charm, is easy to watch and it doesn't simplistic or over-complicated. The production values, with the first time Tracy and Hepburn are seen in colour on screen together, are stylish and lovely to look at, those glorious fashions being to die for.
Summarising, nice film with a lot of pleasures. 8/10 Bethany Cox