State of the Union (1948)

Director:

Frank Capra

Writers:

Howard Lindsay (play) and
Russel Crouse (play) ...

Release Date:

30 April 1948 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Tagline:

How's the State of the Union? It's GREAT!

Plot:

An industrialist is urged to run for President, but this requires uncomfortable compromises on both political and marital levels.

Plot Keywords:

Industrialist | Compromise | Politician | Marriage | Hotel

US TV Schedule:

Mon. Dec. 21

8:00 PM

TCM

Cast

Spencer Tracy	...	Grant Matthews
Katharine Hepburn	...	Mary Matthews (as Katherine Hepburn)
Van Johnson	...	'Spike' McManus
Angela Lansbury	...	Kay Thorndyke
Adolphe Menjou	...	Jim Conover (as Adolph Menjou)
Lewis Stone	...	Sam Thorndyke
Howard Smith	...	Sam I. Parrish
Charles Dingle	...	Bill Nolard Hardy
Maidel Turner	...	Lulubelle Alexander
Raymond Walburn	...	Judge Alexander
Margaret Hamilton	...	Norah
Art Baker	...	Radio Announcer
Pierre Watkin	...	Sen. Lauterback
Florence Auer	...	Grace Orval Draper
Irving Bacon	...	Buck Swanson

Also Known As:

The World and His Wife (UK)

Runtime:

124 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

UK:A (original rating) | UK:PG (re-rating) (2005) | Canada:PG (Ontario) | USA:Approved | USA:Passed | Finland:S | Sweden:Btl

Filming Locations:

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Company:

Liberty Films (II)

Trivia:

Originally distributed by MGM, rights later reverted to its production company, Liberty Films. The opening was altered to black out the MGM logo (although Leo the Lion's roar can still be heard). The film then continues with the "Liberty Films Presents" logo.

Goofs:

Factual errors: Katharine Hepburn's name is misspelled in the opening credits as "Katherine".

Quotes:

Mary Matthews: It's a small request, but I'd give anything for a good smack on the south end.

Movie Connections:

Featured in 100 Years of Comedy (1997) (V)

A Masterful Chemistry Class

Politics then and now, what's the difference? "People are beginning to think that there is no difference between the Republican and the Democratic party" Sounds familiar? Special interests groups, lobbyists, mercenaries and somewhere in the middle of it all Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn, projecting the hopes of all well meaning Americans, or earthlings in general for that matter. The chemistry between Tracy and Hepburn is so all consuming that whatever we see them do or hear them say we believe, we believe totally. As if this was not enough, Adelph Menjou gives his character a truth that is as relevant and uncomfortable as it is entertaining. But the crowning jewel of this wonderful film is Angela Lansbury - she was barely 20 years old when she made this movie and look at her, just look at her. Not merely holding her own with seasoned stars like Tracy and Hepburn but at times, overshadowing them. This is considered a minor Capra, I just say, you must be kidding.