Woman of the Year (1942)

89% of critics liked it
(19 reviews)
78% of users liked it
(6,321 ratings)

Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn costarred for the first time in the delectable romantic comedy Woman of the Year. Tracy plays New York sportswriter Sam Craig, who becomes incensed at comments about the uselessness of sports made by foreign correspondent Tess Harding (Hepburn). Sam and Tess… More Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn costarred for the first time in the delectable romantic comedy Woman of the Year. Tracy plays New York sportswriter Sam Craig, who becomes incensed at comments about the uselessness of sports made by foreign correspondent Tess Harding (Hepburn). Sam and Tess subsequently use their respective columns to carry on a feud-at least, until they finally meet face to face. After Sam takes Tess to her first baseball game (one of the funniest scenes ever committed to celluloid), the two fall in love. Once married, however, their happiness is threatened by their wildly divergent lifestyles (Sam hadn't intended to spend his honeymoon helping to hide a prominent European refugee from the authorities, nor is Tess prepared for her husband's rowdy sports-oriented pals). When Tess is voted "Woman of the Year", a jealous Sam walks out on her. She endeavors to win him back by cooking him breakfast-with disastrous results. Despite their oil-and-water relationship, Sam and Tess are made for each other, and they're back together for the final fadeout. A hands-down winner at the box office, Woman of the Year earned a "best original screenplay" Oscar for Ring Lardner Jr. and Michael Kanin. Nominated for an award was director George Stevens, an RKO contractee brought to MGM at Hepburn's insistence. And need we remind you at this late date of the subsequent lifelong romance between stars Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 52 min.
Directed By: George Stevens
Written By: Ring Lardner Jr., Michael Kanin
Genres: Romance, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 19, 1942 Wide
On DVD: Aug 27, 1997
Studio: MGM Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Bosley Crowther, New York Times
For the first time in months, this critical spectator feels like tossing his old hat into the air and weaving a joyous snake dance over the typewriter keys in celebration of Metro's triumphant Woman of the Year...
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
The premise is promising...But Stevens lacks the courage to make much of the conflict; the film ends with an embarrassing sequence in which Hepburn is tamed and installed in the kitchen.
Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile
Filled with witty lines and hilarious situations, the film is good entertainment, reminding us of Hepburn and Tracy's appeal
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Fine Tracy-Hepburn comedy-romance directed by George Stevens.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
A marvelous comedy-drama, brimming with wit, style, and sophistication.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
The first teaming of Tracy and Hepburn shows the chemistry between the stars, setting the pattern for future and better battle of the sexes romantic comedies.
, Time Out
Tracy and Hepburn were a great team, and this, their first outing together, set the seal on the pattern to follow into the next decade.
Lori Hoffman, Atlantic City Weekly
One of the best Tracy-Hepburn movies
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
It starts strong, but bogs in a muddled slapstick finale.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
This is the first of many Tracy & Hepburn movies, and the chemistry's not quite there yet in this one. Some impressively funny scenes and a hilarious ending redeem the long stretches of predictability.
, Film4
The Oscar-winning screenplay provides plenty of smart lines along the way as art anticipates life.
Nell Minow, Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies
Brilliant except for the odd part about the adopted child and awkward ending.

Read all 12 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

I do like Hepburn and Tracy, and they give good performances, but the story is too predictable and boring.
Spencer S

Another great Tracy/Hepburn pairing. This is the closest of their films to show their actual relationship behind the scenes.
Stella D

this is how to do romantic comedy. amazing chemistry and sharp dialogue
jay n

good but desk set is better
Michael G

Whiile very good, it's sad to watch when you realize there'll never be another team-up this great again.
Byron B

Snappy romantic comedy! There's a reason Tracy and Hepburn were such a famous pair. Their chemistry and delivery of great dialog with plenty of attitude is worth seeing.
Sunil J

Not as great as some of Hepburn/Tracy's other movies together but it still sparkles with their chemistry

Read all 7 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Spencer Tracy as Sam Craig

            Katharine Hepburn as Tess Harding

            Fay Bainter as Ellen Whitcomb

            Reginald Owen as Clayton

            William Bendix as Pinkie Peters

            Dan Tobin as Gerald

            Gladys Blake as Flo Peters

            Minor Watson as William Harding

            Roscoe Karns as Phil Whittaker

            William Tannen as Ellis

            John Berkes as Pal

            Jimmy Conlin as Reporter

            Edith Evanson as Alma

            Connie Gilchrist
            
            Sara Haden as Matron at orphanage

            Winifred Harris as Chairlady

            George Kezas as Chris

            Ben Lessy as Punchy

            Edward McWade as Adolph

            Gerald Mohr as Radio Emcee

            Cyril Ring as Harding's chauffeur

            Henry Roquemore as Justice of the Peace

            Ludwig Stossel as Dr. Martin Lubbeck

            Ray Teal as Reporter

            Michael Visaroff as Guest

            Duke York as Football player

            Joe Yule as Building Superintendent

            Grant Withers as Guest

            William J. Holmes as Man at Banquet
See full cast