George Stevens is fast becoming one of my favourite film directors. While his films can't be distinguished by a particular signature style or visual flair, they all have one thing in common - they deal with issues of personal relationships in a very sincere and human way.
"Woman of the Year" is one such film, exploring the theme of male/female relationship within the institution of marriage.
This movie was the first and, in my opinion, the best of Hepburn-Tracy pairings. It is fresh, innocent and devoid of any of the contrived 'let's exploit the formula' approach of their latter films.


/>Katherine Hepburn plays the role of Tess Harding, an early version of a 'superwoman'. Harding is career woman who has it all and on her own terms - high profile job as one of America's leading newspaper columnists, close involvement in politics due to her extensive coverage of war and foreign affairs, top notch education ( she seems to speak every language under the Sun, fluently), financial independence, large social circle, celebrated feminist and humanitarian role in society, etc, etc.. (you get the picture).
Tess meets and falls in love with a rival reporter on the same paper, Sam Craig, played by Spencer Tracy. He is totally besotted with her from the moment he sees her, but is keen to prove his role as a sports reporter is just as valid and important for the nation's happiness and well-being.



This is a photo of them attending a baseball game on their first date. The shadow of the netting is both real and symbolic.


In no time Tess and Sam get married and that is when the problems begin. Tess treats their marriage as a footnote on her busy daily schedule. Needless to say, things go downhill pretty fast. Tess finally realises marriage is the only thing in her life she attempted and failed to conquer. In no time she is whipping up waffles for her husband's breakfast (or trying to in any case) in a bid to save her marriage:




She thinks that going for another extreme - ditching her career in order to stay at home, like a good little wife should, will sort everything out. Her husband on the other hand, has no such illusions. He simply wants her to understand that marriage needs attention, effort and commitment from both parties.


The whole movie sparkles with humor and witty dialogue. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a movie this much, mostly because the theme is very relevant and close to my heart. As a married woman pursuing a career, I could identify with a number of issues raised in this film - reconciliation of work life and domesticity within a marriage, career versus motherhood, adjustment and compromise as biggest stumbling blocks in early days of marriage, etc..
It was also interesting and funny to look at things from 1940s male point of view. There is a scene where Sam realizes he needs a new hat and gets very upset with his wife for not taking care of it. He's actually reduced to going out and buying it himself (shock, horror!). He is proud of his wife's high profile career, as long as his socks are mended.


After only one viewing, this movie has left a big impression on me and I know I'll be revisiting it often.
It offers a poignant look at marriage and the issues it deals with will always be relevant, regardless of shifts in attitudes within the modern society. It also has many genuinely funny moments, and is worth watching for the humour alone.