Desk Set (1957)

Two extremely strong personalities clash over the computerization of a television network's research department.

Director:

Walter Lang

Writers:

Phoebe Ephron (screenplay), Henry Ephron (screenplay)

Stars:

Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Gig Young

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Spencer Tracy	...	Richard Sumner
Katharine Hepburn	...	Bunny Watson
Gig Young	...	Mike Cutler
Joan Blondell	...	Peg Costello
Dina Merrill	...	Sylvia Blair
Sue Randall	...	Ruthie Saylor
Neva Patterson	...	Miss Warriner
Harry Ellerbe	...	Smithers
Nicholas Joy	...	Mr. Azae
Diane Jergens	...	Alice
Merry Anders	...	Cathy
Ida Moore	...	Old Lady
Rachel Stephens	...	Receptionist

Storyline

The mysterious man hanging about at the research department of a big TV network proves to be engineer Richard Sumner, who's been ordered to keep his real purpose secret: computerizing the office. Department head Bunny Watson, who knows everything, needs no computer to unmask Richard. The resulting battle of wits and witty dialogue pits Bunny's fear of losing her job against her dawning attraction to Richard.

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Plot Keywords:

computer | research | television network | intelligence analysis | library | 

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Taglines:

Make the office a wonderful place to love in!

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Certificate:

G

Did You Know?

Trivia

The sound effects created for EMARAC were re-used in numerous movies and TV series, notably Fantastic Voyage (1966).

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Goofs

When Bunny and Richard are standing outside Bunny's apartment building, she calls Richard (Spencer Tracy) Darling.

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Quotes

Richard Sumner: All clear?
Bunny Watson: You can tell those five other guys they can come out from under the bed.

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Crazy Credits

Opening credits: "The filmmakers gratefully acknowledge the cooperation and assistance of the International Business Machines Corporation."

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Connections

References Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

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Soundtracks

Something's Gotta Give
(uncredited)
Written by Johnny Mercer

User Reviews

Take a Second Look

On my first viewing of this movie, I didn't particularly like it. I was surprised that Tracy and Hepburn filmed this movie at all. But then, I re-watched it recently during the AMC tribute to the late great Kate. On second viewing, I found a lot about it endearing and quite humorous.

Although the technology is antiquated, the reaction to change in an organization is not. Speaking from an EEO perspective, Hepburn's boyfriend would be a sexual harassment suit waiting to happen in today's world. However, the office politics are identical to the office politics today. Instead of using the telephone to gossip, people in the office now use email.

Tracy and Hepburn gave great performances in this light-hearted romantic comedy. The scene in Hepburn's apartment is hilarious. Her reaction to her boyfriend's suggestion that he thought she would be alone is priceless. And, when Tracy stumbles out, we get to see Hepburn's uncontrollable laughter (that was probably not scripted) which always makes me lol.

So, take a second look if you first didn't like this movie.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 August 1957 (West Germany)

Also Known As:

Desk Set

Filming Locations:

Rockefeller Center, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Color by Deluxe)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1