Hepburn, Tracy And Newspapers – What's Not To Love In This One?

Can you imagine blog-infatuated Hollywood making a film with two of its biggest stars set at a newspaper?

That's right, a newspaper.

It happened 66 years ago, and if newspapers aren't what they used to be, neither are romantic comedies. Do yourself a favor tonight: Tune into Turner Classic Movies at 9 and watch (either for the first time or the umpteenth) 1942's “Woman of the Year,” in which Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy spar and spoon like no onscreen pair since.

Hepburn is New York Chronicle foreign correspondent Tess Harding, a columnist and a feminist in equal measure, who basically opines in a radio broadcast that employs her that baseball is a waste of time.

This quickly gets the attention – and the goat – of sportswriter Sam Craig (Tracy), who happens to be employed by the Chronicle as well. So begins a high-flying battle of wits and battle of the sexes, with both battles disarmed by the inevitability of Tess and Sam falling in love.

I don't want to play spoiler in case you haven't seen “Woman of the Year.” But most of us have, so my favorite moments:

Trying to demonstrate baseball's appeal, Sam takes Tess to a Yankees game, where her wide-brim hat rankles the boys in the press box. Tess drinks Sam under the table, to the astonishment of his bartender pal Pinkie (William Bendix).

Sam finds himself at a party of international VIPs at Tess' apartment, where speaking English and nothing but has him outnumbered. His “conversation” with a man in a turban is priceless.

Sophisticated and sharp though it is, “Woman of the Year” is old-fashioned moviemaking. Much is made, near the end, of Tess' fumbling in the kitchen while trying to surprise Sam (whom by this time she's married) with breakfast.

But the Tess Harding character as a whole – a woman of conscience, courage and conviction who takes no you-know-what from anyone, of either sex – would be welcome on the résumé of any number of contemporary actresses who find themselves choosing between girlfriend roles or women in peril. Similarly, the Sam Craig character is no one-note Johnny. He's a man and a gentleman, and there's eloquence in more than merely his sportswriting.

I've said enough. Get reacquainted with this classic, either tonight or on your own time on DVD. Keep reading the newspaper while you're at it.