Happy Birthday... Katharine Hepburn

Born Katharine Houghton Hepburn on May 12th, 1907 it could easily be argued she was one of the best actresses of her time. She died on June 29th, 2003 at the wonderful age of 96! I'd say, and I'm sure she'd agree, she lived a long and wonderful life, both personally and professionally. Unlike many stars around her at the time, she truly did things her way and I think that's why many today can't quite understand her. There are rumors about how she lived her personal life, some proven and others remain murky to this day. But whatever you may think about who she was off camera, there is one thing that can't be denied about her on camera...my was she beautiful, and funny, and classy, but most of all, an amazing performer who far out-shined her co-stars. I love Katherine Hepburn at just about any age and in just about every movie I've had the pleasure of seeing her in.

Two days ago TCM showed some of her movies. Admittedly, for the exception of Bringing Up Baby, they weren't what I would consider some of her best roles. Below I'm going to list for you the ones I've seen and I would highly recommend you seek to watch as well. Many of them, I'm sure, will be featured on multiple occasions on TCM throughout the year.

Little Women (1933)
Stage Door (1937)
Bringing Up Baby (1938)
Holiday (1938)
The Philadelphia Story (1940)
Woman of the Year (1942)
Adam's Rib (1949)
The African Queen (1951)
Pat and Mike (1952)
Summertime (1955)
Desk Set (1957)
Suddenly, Last Summer (1959)
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)

Looking back there were more Katharine Hepburn movies I DIDN'T see versus the ones I have seen. I'm not sad about it because it only helps me realize just how many more times I'll get to experience her nuanced way of smiling, and laughing, and just making me feel great while watching her act. The short list above doesn't even begin to cover some of the great roles she's played throughout her 40+ years spent as one of the most sought after stars. She played along side some leading men as well; most notably, Spencer Tracy whom she loved deeply till the day he died.

Of the list above my favorite serious role for her I'm torn between Suddenly, Last Summer and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. But as for her best comedic role I will probably always say Bringing Up Baby. No matter how many times I watch that movie I will always find myself laughing till I'm near tears.

What's your favorite Katharine Hepburn movie? Why?

Bringing Up Baby (1938) (Movie Review)

 



Director: Howard Hawks

Screenwriter(s): Dudley Nichols & Hagar Wilde

Producer: Cliff Reid & Howard Hawks

Distributor: RKO Radio Pictures

In Theaters: February 18th, 1938

Run Time: 102 minutes

Starring: Katharine Hepburn & Cary Grant

Genre(s): comedy/romance

Storyline: Mild mannered zoology professor Dr. David Huxley is excited by the news that an intercostal clavicle bone has been found to complete his brontosaurus skeleton, a project four years in the construction. He is equally excited about his imminent marriage to his assistant, the officious Alice Swallow, who is interested in him more for his work than for him as a person. David needs the $1 million endowment of wealthy dowager Mrs. Carleton Random to complete the project. Her lawyer, Alexander Peabody, will make the decision on her behalf, so David needs to get in his favor. However, whenever David tries to make a good impression on Peabody, the same young woman always seems to do something to make him look bad. She is the flighty heiress Susan Vance. The more David wants Susan to go away, the more Susan seems not to want or be able to. But David eventually learns that Alexander Peabody is her good friend…

Movie Trailer:


My Review: I remember the first time I watched Bringing Up Baby. I was lucky enough to have a mother who brought home VHS tapes of countless classic movies, and not just starring Katharine Hepburn. For me, when it came to my understanding of comedy, it came from actors like Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn before I even discovered Lucille Ball. But being able to see a movie like this on the big screen just can’t compare. If you ever get a chance to see a classic on the big screen I cannot stress enough how much you should jump at the opportunity to see whatever it is.

These two have done a few others movies together but this one is my favorite. It truly showcases Katharine’s sense of humor, something many, including herself, have said she never truly had. In fact it was Cary who showed her the art of timing. And boy did she master it beautifully. Unlike other duos of their day (Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland or Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers) they didn’t have singing or dancing that made them flow together so well. It was their fantastic acting ability and it didn’t hurt that they both have larger than life personalities on the screen. It’s hard to notice anyone or anything else other than them when they are on the screen but do try because the ensemble cast in this movie just helps in so many ways to move this comedy along.

My Rating: ★★★★