Sua Esposa e o Mundo

It's ironic that this is probably the least well-known of the Tracy/Hepburn collaborations--and yet, it's among their best as far as performances and overall content is concerned. Everyone, including KATHARINE HEPBURN and SPENCER TRACY, looks good in this film. VAN JOHNSON has one of his most engaging roles as the good guy who sees through the manipulations of corrupt ANGELA LANSBURY and ADOLPHE MENJOU.

And so, dirty politics is the theme of this film taken from the stage play by Howard Lindsey and Russel Crouse that starred RALPH BELLAMY and RUTH HUSSEY. Unfortunately, as directed by Frank Capra, it has a certain staginess about the proceedings with actors making entrances and exits as if on cue in rather static situations. But it's a pretty polished script and it's amusing to see the wonderful ANGELA LANSBURY (all of 23) playing a sophisticated woman in her 40s with such ease and perfection.

Spencer has a role tailor-made for his abilities, a man whose integrity is so challenged that he refuses to play by the rules of the game and play party politics. Hepburn, as the wife aware of his affair with Lansbury, is forthright and honest in her performance and, thankfully, less mannered than usual.

Still timely in the way it talks about Republicans and Democrats, it's worth seeing for the marvelous cast and what they manage to do with the stage material. The title, of course, refers to politics as well as the marital union of Tracy and Hepburn.

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.

In the 1980 New Hampshire primary, an exasperated Ronald Reagan blurted out the famous line "I'm paying for this microphone!" when a moderator threaten to turn off the microphones at an unruly debate. It was a hugely successful and defining moment for Reagan, nailing down his image as a man of rugged independence who refused to suffer fools gladly -- to say nothing of his ability to craft a clever quip. However, given his Hollywood roots, it seems more likely he consciously or unconsciously lifted this line from Spencer Tracy's character in "State of the Union."

This is a political fable but basically an emotive drama dealing with an American businessman (Spencer Tracy) who is encouraged by opportunities to run the presidency and while leaving his integrity behind in the process . Along the way , the cunning and powerful named Kay Thorndyke (Dame Angela Lansbury) helps him become Republican nominee for President . Then the party machine starts to worry as he begins speaking for himself and against ambition and corrupt politicians . His estranged wife (Katharine Hepburn) is asked to return so they can masquerade as a loving couple for the sake of his political career . As she attempts to help him , as the backstage political machinations erode his personal convictions . How's the State of the Union? It's GREAT!

Another Spencer Tracy/Katharine Hepburn vehicle with wonderful wisecracks , being adapted from a highly successful , topical Broadway play , but the writers Anthony Veiller , Myles Connnolly and Frank Capra himself changed dialogue constantly to reflect the news . Capra and his colleagues at Liberty Picture originally hoped to cast Cary Cooper and Claudette Colbert . Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn are a joy to see , as usual . Here shines Spencer Tracy giving an excelent acting , providing a tour-de-force in his outburst at the end that reminds one of the speech he was to make nearly twenty years after at his last film : Guess who's coming to dinner . But this movie loses much of its impact due to much overtalking and the overuse of obvious political stereotypes in its main and supporting players . Hepburn and Menjou were at odds politically , over communist witch hunts in Hollywood with the House Un-American Activities Committee or House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC or HCU) , but they are really splendid together onscreen. Remaining secondary cast are frankly fabulous , as they're very well accompanied by Angela Lansbury who has a magnificent nasty role which she performs icily and to the hilt , along with Van Johnson , Adolphe Menjou , Lewis Stone, Charles Dingle , Howard Smith , Raymond Walburn , Margaret Hamilton , among others.

The motion picture was well directed by Frank Capra who carries out a sharp dissection of political chicanery and delivering good acting from the prestigious actors . Frank Capra was an expert in manipulating emotions such as proved in his films of the 1930s and 1940s , as he influenced the lives and beliefs of people of the nation with movies as 'Mr Deeds goes to town' ,' It happened one night' , 'You can't take it with you' , 'It's wonderful life' , 'Mr Smith goes to Washington' , ' Mr Deeds goes to town' , and 'Meet John Doe' . State of the Union (1948) rating : 6.5/10 . The flick will appeal to Spencer Tracy , Katharine Hepburn fans , as well as Frank Capra enthusiasts.

This is my favorite Tracy-Hepburn film and one of my favorite Frank Capra films. I recommend reading Capra's out-of-print biography, "The Name Above the Title" for the interesting story of the reaction to this film by official Washington in 1948.

Quite reminiscent of "Meet John Doe," the story tests the character of a man against the political power-brokers who want to use him for their own purposes. Ideals battle pragmatism in ways that still ring true 50+ years later.

Angela Landsbury is a wicked woman (can we call her a fem fa tale?) in an amazing performance foreshadowing her role in 1962's "Manchurian Candidate." Adolphe Menjou's sleazy political boss is about a greasy as they come.

All in all there is nothing like a Capra film to make me what to stick to my principles and listen to the people who really love me. Add to Capra's theme of the inherent wisdom of the people this first rate group of actors and you have two hours of time well spent.