State of the Union (1948)

"Contemporary as ever...Great entertainment.  Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide
"A near perfect companion piece to Mr. Smith Goes to Washington...  Silver Screen Reviews

Editor's Note Based on a Pulitzer Prize winning play by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, this well cast film is enhanced by Tracy's portrayal of an idealistic industrialist who runs for the presidency.

	Angela Lansbury
	Katharine Hepburn
	Spencer Tracy
	Van Johnson
	Anthony Veiller - Screenplay
	Anthony Veiller - Producer
	Frank Capra - Producer
	Frank Capra - Director
	George J. Folsey - Cinematographer
	Howard Lindsay - Based On Play By
	Myles Connolly - Screenplay
	Russel Crouse - Based On Play By
	Victor Young - Original Music By
	William Hornbeck - Editor

At the urging of a power-mad female newspaper publisher, self-made millionaire Grant Matthews goes after the Republican presidential nomination. In order to enhance his image, he convinces his estranged wife to return to him so they can provide a united front to the voting public. But as the campaign goes along, the liberal candidate becomes increasingly disillusioned with the political process. Entertainment Weekly
"Frank Capra's comedy-drama scathingly examines the way political candidates are packaged." -- Grade: B 08/25/2006 p.71

Crazy for Cinema 8 of 10
The main problem with this Hepburn/Tracy pairing is not enough Tracy with Hepburn. The film itself is an intriguing look at the underhanded dealings and compromises needed to succeed on the road to the White House. Though over 50 years old, the film is probably just as accurate a portrait of campaigning today as it was then...Great performances and a well-written script are somewhat ruined by slow pacing and an abundance of politicking. Those not interested in the workings of the government machine need not apply.

DVDLaser.com 9 of 10
The 1948 Frank Capra film is based on a play about a man running for President and the conflict that arises between his wife and the woman who is running his campaign. It is a talky feature, and loaded with topical references that will become obscurer and obscurer with each passing election. The performances of Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Angela Lansbury, Van Johnson, and Adolphe Menjou, on the other hand, are timeless. The plot seems to mistake pragmatism for evil and idealism for good, but that is what movies are for. - Doug Pratt