Review of Woman of the Year (1942) by Daniel K — 25 Jan 2009

An odd film, notable mainly for the electric chemistry that Hepburn and Tracy exhibited instantly (they met for the first time on the set of this movie, apparently). Some of the gender politics are dated (obviously! Sixty-five years old, people!), but I thought that, at its core, it's a cautionary tale about why people shouldn't rush into marriage half-cocked, which I think is a fair-enough point to make.

Having said that, the context of the ongoing Second World War and the role of women in the workplace hangs around the film's neck like a chain, and it's less successful in this area. However, these days Hepburn and Tracy are the main attraction, and they don't let you down - they're a funny, convincing odd couple.

There's an atmospheric, almost noirish, scene when the two of them are alone in her apartment for the first time that fair sizzles. Worth seeing for the stars.