Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn remained a Hollywood power couple onscreen and off for a quarter century. Their union began with Woman of the Year (1942), George Stevens' charming romantic comedy about the omnipresent tension between love and work.Sports reporter Sam Craig (Spencer Tracy) and political columnist Tess Harding (Katharine Hepburn) exchange cross words in their respective columns, leading to an unlikely relationship. Sam and Tess become married, but their relationship soon sours. Tess becomes so wrapped up in her work that she neglects their marriage, while Sam can't accommodate her political activism.
Unlike later Tracy and Hepburn pairings, Woman of the Year isn't a battle of the sexes tale. Instead, George Stevens and writers Ring Lardner and Michael Kanin emphasize the leads' differing approaches to work and life. It's far easier for Tess to connect with Sam's work, enjoying a baseball game or discussing boxing, than for Sam to fit in among politicians and swells. Ultimately Sam comes to resent her condescension, forcing Tess to make accommodations in her lifestyle.
Woman's story is familiar enough, but it offers interesting treatment: Tess is the politically active one, speaking dozens of languages and giving antifascist speeches, while Sam enjoys the "frivolous" pursuit of sports. Things come to a head when Tess adopts a Greek refugee child; she embraces the boy as a moral cause rather than someone to love, baffling Sam. If Tess learns to embrace her femininity, Sam encourages her to keep working, realizing she isn't happy as a simple home maker.
Stevens manages an effective, efficient show, staging clever set pieces and emotional moments. The raucous baseball game, where Tess gets a crash course in sports from Sam, is a highlight, along with Sam's befuddled trip to a diplomat's ball. Even better is the long, near-silent scene shows Tess trying to make Sam breakfast, burning her coffee and splattering egg on her shoe. Woman's energetic yet low key, allowing characters rather than gags to drive its humor.
Katharine Hepburn is at her best, tough, brassy and self-assured, sweet-talking Sam, intimidating presidents and embracing her humanity. Hepburn fares well in emotional moments (weeping at her mother's wedding) and humor (watching a waffle maker bubble with batter). Spencer Tracy plays his standard tough guy with surprisingly ace timing. Their chemistry plays less with banter, wit or sexual charge than simple, comfortable familiarity: they just feel natural together.
Woman of the Year isn't as progressive as 21st Century viewers might like, yet it's still a major step forward. Tess finds a middle ground between work and love; Sam accepts her work and encourages her career. Everyone winds up happy as only classic Hollywood can confect.
