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State of the Union Overview:

State of the Union (1948) was a Comedy - Drama Film directed by Frank Capra and produced by Frank Capra and Anthony Veiller.

SYNOPSIS

Hepburn and Tracy are ably guided by Capra in a fascinating political drama that becomes a warm romance. Aircraft manufacturer Tracy takes a run at the presidency, but finds his campaign hindered by what we would call the "character issue." He's been separated from wife Hepburn for years, and dallies with newspaper publisher Lansbury. Tracy convinces Hepburn to stand with him during the campaign and the romantic feelings return. But their new affection is threatened by Tracy's willingness to sacrifice his ideals for political expediency. Based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

State of the Union BlogHub Articles:

THE VAN JOHNSON BLOGATHON: State of the Union (1948)

on Aug 25, 2017 From Caftan Woman

Michaela of Love Letters to Old Hollywood is hosting The Van Johnson Blogathon running from August 25 to 27. Click HERE for all the contributions on the popular and versatile actor. Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy The couple above are Mary and Grant Mitchell, and they are preparing for ... Read full article

THE VAN JOHNSON BLOGATHON: State of the Union (1948)

By Caftan Woman on Aug 25, 2017 From Caftan Woman

Michaela of Love Letters to Old Hollywood is hosting The Van Johnson Blogathon running from August 25 to 27. Click HERE for all the contributions on the popular and versatile actor. Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy The couple above are Mary and Grant Mitchell, and they are preparing for ... Read full article

STATE OF THE UNION ( 1948 )

By Crystal Kalyana on Aug 24, 2015 From In The Good Old Days Of Classic Hollywood

KATHARINE HEPBURN MONTH STATE OF THE UNION ( 1948 ) Frank Capra is one of the most influential directors the world has ever seen. During the annals of his career he has produced a myriad of triumphant classics and major award winning films that have garnered him a multitude of accolades and critical... Read full article

State of the Union (1948)

By Beatrice on Apr 8, 2015 From Flickers in Time

State of the Union Directed by Frank Capra Written by Anthony Vieller and Myles Connolly from a play by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse 1948/USA Liberty Films First viewing/Netflix rental Mary Matthews: That’s a heck of a thing to call a woman! Trailer... Read full article

State of the Union: the Wish Fulfillment Edition

By Judy on May 12, 2014 From Cary Grant Won't Eat You

This post is part of The Great Katharine Hepburn blogathon. Be sure to check out the other entries! The political satire in 1948’s State of the Union feels disturbingly fresh. Replace a phrase or two, and presidential nominee Grant Matthews’ (Spencer Tracy’s) speeches on the “working man” ... Read full article

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State of the Union Quotes:

Mary Matthews: You politicians have stayed professionals only because the voters have remained amateurs.
Kay Thorndyke: But there is one question on his mind you better have the answer to.
Jim Conover: What's that?
Kay Thorndyke: He's beginning to wonder if there is any difference between the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.
Jim Conover: Now that's a fine question for a presidential candidate to ask. There's all the difference in the world. They're in and we're out!
Mary Matthews: Oh, that's silly. No woman could ever run for President. She'd have to admit she's over 35.
Mary Matthews: It's a small request, but I'd give anything for a good smack on the south end.
Mary Matthews: Another thing - he used to hate to hear me swear. Whenever I'd let with something, he'd smack me on my sitter, hard. I've done a lot of swearing on this trip.
Jim Conover: And no smacks?
Mary Matthews: It's a small request, but I'd give anything for a good smack on my south end.
Jim Conover: I wish there was something I could do about that.
See More Quotes from State of the Union
State of the Union Facts
Although rarely listed as an aviation movie, there is a terrific flying sequence using a Lockheed 12 twin and AT6/SNJ. The aircraft are appropriate and the maneuvers within their capabilities.
"State of the Union" won the Pulitzer Prize in Drama in 1946.
Claudette Colbert was originally cast to play Mary. Days before production began, Frank Capra fired her from the film because she refused to work into the evening. Capra then hired Katharine Hepburn after Spencer Tracy suggested her.
Katharine Hepburn's , Adolphe Menjou's and George J. Folsey's names are misspelled in the opening credits because the distribution rights were originally owned by MGM, but only for seven years. The rights were then sold to another company, which had to create its own opening credits.
Originally distributed by MGM, rights later reverted to its production company, Liberty Films. The opening was altered to black out the MGM logo (although Leo the Lion's roar can still be heard). The film then continues with the "Liberty Films Presents" logo.
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