- Actors: Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Judy Holliday, Tom Ewell, David Wayne
- Directors: George Cukor
- Format: PAL
- Language English
- Classification: U
- Studio: Warner Home Video
- VHS Release Date: 12 Jan 1998
- Run Time: 101 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00004CNDD
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 16,023 in Video (See Top 100 in Video)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Adam's Rib, released in 1949, was one of the on-screen peaks for the matchless pairing of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. George Cukor's instinctively light touch on the director's tiller, the wittiest of Garson Kanin scripts and apparently effortless acting from the stars, merge for 100 minutes of sophisticated comic perfection.
It's tempting to think that, as the sparring husband and wife lawyers, Hepburn and Tracy drew on aspects of their now legendary real-life love affair. Screen chemistry alone can't account for the endless nuances, sidelong looks and timing which make Adam's Rib such a delight. There's also a generosity to their fellow actors that few major stars, then or now, would be confident enough to indulge in. Judy Holliday, playing the wife accused of shooting her philandering husband, had still not secured the lead in the film of her Broadway hit, Born Yesterday. Aware that anything else would have been a travesty, Hepburn as her defence lawyer ensured that Holliday was favoured in their scenes together and she duly got the part.
In all the best ways, Adam's Rib is a quick-fire battle-of-the-sexes comedy, with Hepburn's brittle feminism striking sparks off Tracy's bemused chauvinism. The verdict might be a victory for Hepburn, but the real winner is an underlying love and respect which made this partnership one of the all time greats.
On the DVD: Adam's Rib is presented in standard 4:3 format from a decent print, with a picture quality and mono soundtrack to please anyone who knows the film primarily from TV matinees. The lack of extras, apart from a scene index, is disappointing for a film of this stature. --Piers Ford
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Even if this movie lasted only all of its initial ten minutes, it would still be a classic! Cukor is vastly underestimated as a maker of pure cinema, just watch as the camera slides and pans and cranes and what not through New York City, with rich black & white textures and sharpness in all dimensions. The script is unfailingly witty, and obviously Hepburn & Tracy are at the top of their art. They were never better or more organic in their inter-acting. The DVD transfer is well-nigh perfect, and there is really no reason to tarry. Go get it!
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Adam's Rib sees the lawyer couple of Adam (Spencer Tracy) and feminist wife Katherine Hepburn in a courtroom battle over a woman who has shot her abusive, adulterous husband, in a comedy which questions the double-standard for men and women present in society. The film highlights some of the prejudice women met at that time, while also showing how they were aware of the possibilities of exploiting it. For its time, the film has an interestingly liberal and even stance, although perhaps it falls too much in favour of Adam.
One of the films best aspects is its portrayal of the loving relationship between Tracy and Hepburn, as he attempts to understand and reconcile his wifes beliefs and she tries to cut him some slack. The real-life relationship is evident in the chemistry the two share, producing one of the most believable couples seen on screen, and providing a warmth at the heart of the film.
Hepburn is ideal for the part of Amanda, as she brings strength to her character without turning her into a cliché, as she is still feminine and human. Tracy is also excellent as the bewildered husband Adam, dispensing some sharp lines. The climax is a little contrived but this can be excused as romantic comedies are never the strictest with reality!
Although, this film was well-acted and witty, it rarely made me laugh out loud and some of the set-pieces seemed a little lame. Inevitably, the film has dated - comedy tastes change. Despite this, i was still entertained and the charming performances of Tracy and Hepburn kept me watching. This film has gone down as a classic of its genre and I think deservedly so.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
This is one of Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn's best films. They play married lawyers, Adam and Amanda Bonner who end up battling it out in court for their clients. Adam is prosecuting a high-profile case in which a woman is accused of trying to murder her philandering husband. Amanda decides to act as her defense attorney unbeknowst to her husband and the legal battle lines are drawn. Known for their quips and quick wit, this film doesn't disappoint and is engaging until the end.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Tracy vs Hepburn
In the red corner we have Spencer Tracy and in the blue, Katherine Hepburn. In the courtroom today, we have defending, Ms Hepburn and for the plaintiff, Mr Tracy. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Tim Kidner
A Classic you must have
No one can beat the pair - Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn! They fit each other like peaces in a jigsaw puzzle and deliver their lines with 100% precision.
Published 7 months ago by Kristina Suder
Courting Greatness
A near perfect film in which Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn play lawyers on the opposite sides in a court case. Read more
Published on 1 Sep 2009 by Da Parsons
Don'r Remake This Film
Hepburn and Tracey give the performance of their lives. The film maybe stagey and come accross as rather theatrical, but that's what makes it. Read more
Published on 25 Jun 2008 by Glen1975
early fifties girl-power glitters and shines!
Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy are in great shape in this movie, fighting it out in court. They seem to have the perfect marriage, based on equality and love. Read more
Published on 26 Feb 2002
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