I have read many different views on this movie -- some feel it hasn't aged well, some found David Wayne absolutely annoying -- whatever the opinion of it is, it's usually reviewed in several long paragraphs. But what can one say about this terrific film that exhibits "the battle of the sexes" in a very fresh way?
George Cukor (along with Billy Wilder and Joseph L. Mankiwecz) is one of my favorite all-time directors. His vision here is sharp, clear and oh-so precise, something that gives the film it's punch and flair. The Ruth Gordon-Garson Kanin screenplay sparkles with humor and brilliance.
There are scenes in this movie to die for. This is probably my favorite of the nine Spencer Tracy-Katherine Hepburn films out there. This movie displays their remarkable chemistry as Amanda Bonner (Hepburn) defends a woman (Judy Holliday) accused of trying to kill her husband (Tom Ewell). To complicate things, Amanda's husband Adam is the one representing the husband. Spencer Tracy has that gruff but lovable quality and a great delivery. Katherine Hepburn's quick wit and adamancy in destroying the double standard is divine. But aside from one of the most famous and remarkably gifted duos in Hollywood History, there's an amazing supporting cast as well.
Take for instance Tom Ewell (of "The Seven Year Itch" fame) as Warren Attinger. Never have I seen anyone portray ignorance and stubbornness as he does! Although people seem to be frankly annoyed by David Wayne's Kip Lurie, I don't think they should take it out on Wayne, who is a great actor. Kip was SUPPOSED to be annoying and hated -- after all, we weren't supposed to WANT Amanda to leave Adam, now were we? Jean Hagen's Beryl Caighn is the epitome of the "ditzy homewrecker." And I must say that it's SOMETHING to see her without bleached blonde hair saying, "Well of course we tawk! Don't ivrybody?" a la "Singin' in the Rain." But to me, the most shining performance in this film is given by the one and only Judy Holliday. (This was actually a "screen test" for her to reprise her Broadway role as Billie Dawn in the film version of "Born Yesterday." I'd say she passed that one with flying colors, wouldn't you?) Her Doris Attinger is sweet, loving, compassionate, defensive, hurt and absolutely hilarious. ("How did you feel after you shot your husband, Mrs. Attinger?" "Hungry.") She's such an amazing lady and performer.
So, would I recommend "Adam's Rib"? But of course! After all... there's nothing like Spencer and Kate flirting under the table in a courtroom.
George Cukor (along with Billy Wilder and Joseph L. Mankiwecz) is one of my favorite all-time directors. His vision here is sharp, clear and oh-so precise, something that gives the film it's punch and flair. The Ruth Gordon-Garson Kanin screenplay sparkles with humor and brilliance.
There are scenes in this movie to die for. This is probably my favorite of the nine Spencer Tracy-Katherine Hepburn films out there. This movie displays their remarkable chemistry as Amanda Bonner (Hepburn) defends a woman (Judy Holliday) accused of trying to kill her husband (Tom Ewell). To complicate things, Amanda's husband Adam is the one representing the husband. Spencer Tracy has that gruff but lovable quality and a great delivery. Katherine Hepburn's quick wit and adamancy in destroying the double standard is divine. But aside from one of the most famous and remarkably gifted duos in Hollywood History, there's an amazing supporting cast as well.
Take for instance Tom Ewell (of "The Seven Year Itch" fame) as Warren Attinger. Never have I seen anyone portray ignorance and stubbornness as he does! Although people seem to be frankly annoyed by David Wayne's Kip Lurie, I don't think they should take it out on Wayne, who is a great actor. Kip was SUPPOSED to be annoying and hated -- after all, we weren't supposed to WANT Amanda to leave Adam, now were we? Jean Hagen's Beryl Caighn is the epitome of the "ditzy homewrecker." And I must say that it's SOMETHING to see her without bleached blonde hair saying, "Well of course we tawk! Don't ivrybody?" a la "Singin' in the Rain." But to me, the most shining performance in this film is given by the one and only Judy Holliday. (This was actually a "screen test" for her to reprise her Broadway role as Billie Dawn in the film version of "Born Yesterday." I'd say she passed that one with flying colors, wouldn't you?) Her Doris Attinger is sweet, loving, compassionate, defensive, hurt and absolutely hilarious. ("How did you feel after you shot your husband, Mrs. Attinger?" "Hungry.") She's such an amazing lady and performer.
So, would I recommend "Adam's Rib"? But of course! After all... there's nothing like Spencer and Kate flirting under the table in a courtroom.