State of the Union

1948, Comedy/Drama, 2h 4m

5 Reviews 500+ Ratings

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State of the Union Photos

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Movie Info

Aircraft tycoon Grant Matthews (Spencer Tracy) is goaded into running for president by his politically ambitious longtime girlfriend, newspaper publisher Kay Thorndyke (Angela Lansbury). At the suggestion of unscrupulous campaign manager Spike McManus (Van Johnson), Matthews reunites with his long-estranged wife, Mary (Katharine Hepburn), for the sake of appearances. But when the idealistic Mary learns of Kay's behind-the-scenes role, it throws the entire campaign into turmoil.

Genre:

Comedy, Drama
Original Language:

English
Director:

Frank Capra
Producer:

Frank Capra
Writer:

Anthony Veiller, Myles Connolly
Release Date (Theaters):

Apr 30, 1948 original
Release Date (Streaming):

Aug 29, 2006
Runtime:

2h 4m

Cast & Crew

Spencer Tracy
Grant Matthews

Katharine Hepburn
Mary Matthews

Angela Lansbury
Kay Thorndyke

Van Johnson
"Spike" McManus

Adolphe Menjou
Jim Conover

Lewis Stone
Sam Thorndyke

Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for State of the Union

All Critics (5) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (4) | Rotten (1)

Full Review… Dan Callahan Slant Magazine

Full Review… Eve Tushnet Patheos

Full Review… Rich Cline Shadows on the Wall

Full Review… Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com

Full Review… Ken Hanke Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

View All Critic Reviews (5)

Audience Reviews for State of the Union

Nov 13, 2011

Capra's last great work, this political thriller is an amazing study of politics. It features great performances from Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. The final scene is definitely something that's worth waiting for.

Graham J Super Reviewer
Oct 24, 2010

Tracy becomes president with the help of his wife, Hepburn, even though his advisers often disagree with her help. This is a fun movie.

Aj V Super Reviewer
Apr 04, 2010

Another in a long line of Tracy/Hepburn collaborations, this film has all the political entitlement and virtues of Mr. Smith, with the twist of the impressionable duo, one confused and exploited for means, and his wife, so steadfast and determined in her beliefs that she resembles the true persona of Hepburn. Always child friendly and feel good, Capra delivers on yet another inspiring film.

Spencer S Super Reviewer
Nov 22, 2008

As always the pair works together wonderfully this time as a couple in a troubled marriage. Angela Lansbury offers a razor sharp portrayal of the other woman, even the usually vapid Van Johnson offers up a quality performance.

jay n Super Reviewer