Adam’s Rib

Year: 1949

Grade: B

Country: USA

Director: Cukor

Review

good film about the battle of the sexes. stars two incomparable actors: katharine hepburn and spencer tracy. tracy was in at least two other films where he played the voice of reason, either in front a court (inherit the wind), or close enough (guess who’s coming to dinner). there’s something indescribably great about him and the characters he chooses. they’re everymen in the sense that they’re grounded in reality, but they’re also idealistic and supremely capable and intelligent. katherine hepburn can be as big a pain in the ass as you’re likely to see in cinema, but her heart is always in the right place and you always like her in spite of her nagging or annoying characteristics. think african queen, adam’s rib, on golden pond, etc. she’s strong and stubborn, but ultimately the audience likes her, and it’s no different here. relatively ahead of its time.

in my first review i didn’t like the direction, but i didn’t have the problem this time around. maybe i’m just more accustomed to the style now.