Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn Movies Ranked: All 9
The Golden Age of Hollywood produced some of the most unforgettable on-screen duos, including John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, William Powell and Myrna Loy, as well as Olivia De Havilland and Errol Flynn. Among these beloved pairs, Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy stand out, captivating audiences with their incredible chemistry both on and off the screen. Their partnership not only entertained but also left a lasting impact on classic cinema, establishing them as one of the greatest couples in film history.
Throughout their remarkable careers, Hepburn and Tracy collaborated in nine films, including classics such as Adam’s Rib, Woman of the Year, and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. Their films not only became box office hits but also showcased their real-life romance, which endured until Tracy’s passing in 1967. While their love story was often marked by controversy, the undeniable chemistry and witty exchanges between Hepburn and Tracy delighted audiences and solidified their legacy in cinema. This list will evaluate and rank all nine Hepburn and Tracy movies based on their engagement of the audience, memorable moments, and overall timelessness.
9 ‘Explore the Witty Dynamics of ‘Desk Set’ (1957)
Discover the Direction of Walter Lang
In the delightful romantic comedy Desk Set, Hepburn portrays Bunny Watson, a reference librarian at the Federal Broadcasting Network, who finds herself in a lackluster relationship with a television executive (Gig Young). The plot thickens when a computer expert, Richard Summers (Tracy), is brought in to automate her department, leading Bunny to fear for her job. Initially, the two clash, but as they spend more time together, their mutual disdain transforms into undeniable chemistry.
Adapted from the 1955 play by William Marchant, Desk Set delivers a charming yet somewhat shallow romantic comedy experience. Despite Hepburn and Tracy’s remarkable performances, the film suffers from a lack of depth and direction, making certain plot points feel implausible. Nevertheless, the film’s saving grace lies in the enchanting dynamic between Hepburn and Tracy, keeping audiences engaged and entertained.
Desk Set
- Release Date
- August 2, 1957
- Runtime
- 103 minutes
- Writers
- Phoebe Ephron
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8 ‘Unraveling the Mystery in ‘Keeper of the Flame’ (1942)
Experience Direction by George Cukor
Directed by the acclaimed Academy Award winner George Cukor, Keeper of the Flame plunges viewers into a gripping noir narrative featuring Tracy as Steven O’Malley, a war correspondent assigned to write about a celebrated World War I hero who has died under mysterious circumstances. What initially appears to be a straightforward story quickly spirals into a complex investigation as Steven uncovers a web of secrets connected to the man’s widow (Hepburn), who may hold the key to unraveling the truth.
Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its release, Keeper of the Flame remains a notable entry in Hepburn and Tracy’s filmography. Critics pointed out issues with pacing and a second half that did not quite match the intensity of the first. However, the film showcases outstanding performances by the lead duo and presents a thrilling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, Keeper of the Flame is regarded as one of Hepburn and Tracy’s most underrated cinematic treasures.
Keeper of the Flame
- Release Date
- April 1, 1943
- Director
- George Cukor
- Runtime
- 100 minutes
- Writers
- Donald Ogden Stewart
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