Woman of the Year
Woman of the Year

Movie spotlight

Woman of the Year

1942
Movie
114 min
English

Rival reporters Sam Craig and Tess Harding fall in love and get married, only to find their relationship strained when Sam comes to resent Tess' hectic lifestyle.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Google Users88%
Director: George StevensGenres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A sportswriter, Tess Harding, who is a successful and independent woman, marries a newspaper columnist, Sam Craig. Their careers and differing personalities clash as Tess prioritizes her work over their home life, leading to humorous and poignant situations. Sam struggles to reconcile his traditional views of marriage with Tess's modern, career-driven approach. The film explores the evolving roles of men and women in the 1940s and the challenges of balancing professional ambition with marital happiness.

Critical Reception

Woman of the Year was a critical and commercial success, praised for its witty screenplay, sharp dialogue, and the sparkling chemistry between its lead actors. It was seen as a progressive film for its time, tackling the then-controversial subject of a woman's career within a marriage. Katharine Hepburn's performance earned her an Academy Award nomination, and the film solidified her status as a leading lady capable of both comedic and dramatic roles.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intelligent exploration of gender roles and marital dynamics.

  • The chemistry between Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy is a major highlight.

  • Witty dialogue and sharp social commentary made it a standout film of its era.

Google audience: Audiences generally loved the film for its smart humor and the engaging dynamic between Hepburn and Tracy. Many appreciated its forward-thinking portrayal of a career woman and the relatable struggles of balancing work and a relationship.

Awards & Accolades

Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay (Joseph L. Mankiewicz); Katharine Hepburn nominated for Best Actress.

Fun Fact

The film was originally conceived as a vehicle for other actors, but Katharine Hepburn insisted on Spencer Tracy as her co-star, and their real-life romance soon developed on set, contributing to their undeniable chemistry on screen.

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