Movies set in a courtroom are mainly dramas. Not all that often are they comedies, which makes Adam's Rib somewhat unique. Adam (Spencer Tracy) and Amanda Bonner (Katharine Hepburn) are a happily married couple who are also lawyers. They are informed of the case of Doris Attinger (Judy Holliday), who tried to murder her cheating husband. Adam is the state attorney, while Amanda defends Doris. The case causes Adam to re-think his views on equal rights, and the Bonners' marriage to strain.
I'm more accustomed to courtroom dramas (12 Angry Men, The Verdict, etc.), but courtroom comedies? That's completely different. Tracy and Hepburn's chemistry is strong (much like in real life). The concept is original enough for me to like, and the movie had its moments.
My Rating: ****1/2
This movie has a whole lot of back story (Ruth Gordon, yes the actress, and her husband Garson Kanin derived the characters from Kate and Spence and then they got Judy Holliday as Kate's client as a sort of test screener for her upcoming performance in Born Yesterday - hilarious film.)
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it.
A very nice film, wonderful performances from the leads, ESPECIALLY Hepburn in my opinion!
ReplyDeleteI think the film overly simplified the gender stuff and after a while the court case had nothing to do with the merits and totally everything to do with women's rights... but, for it's time, I'm sure it was courageous and, by and large, it's a wonderful movie!
I love when she slams the kitchen door back at him! Highlight of the movie.