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State of the Union

Play trailer Poster for State of the Union 1948 2h 4m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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80% Tomatometer 5 Reviews 78% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
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.
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State of the Union

Critics Reviews

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Dan Callahan Slant Magazine 08/23/2006
1.5/4
The shock of State of the Union, Capra's last movie in a political vein, is its technical sloppiness. Go to Full Review Eve Tushnet Patheos 03/03/2019
It's a pleasure to watch because of the talent on display-and, this is me so let's be real, because its climactic scene is about the joys of public self-abasement. Go to Full Review Rich Cline Shadows on the Wall 04/20/2008
4/5
sassy, sparky, hilarious Go to Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com 07/01/2005
3/5
Ken Hanke Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC) 03/02/2005
3/5
So-so political comedy reflects lesser work by all. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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09/02/2024 One of the stronger Tracy/Hepburn vehicles, this time a political comedy set during the 1948 Republican nomination process. The principle couple shines of course but this time are backed by a truly first class supporting cast and some decent writing. Is the final scene a bit corny and hackneyed? Sure. This film does have some dated parts but it's still highly entertaining and worth the time of any Tracy/Hepburn fan... See more Q D 08/19/2024 Drivel! One of the most boring contrivances I’ve ever seen. Couldn’t even finish it. Ironically, I finally quit at the climax, when the star Spencer Tracey becomes the hero by making a speech on authenticity-gag me with a spoon. ( I am a great fan of Katherine Hepburn this was a milquetoast slap in the face to her reknown strong, deep and edgy characters) See more 11/17/2019 especially during this time in our nation's history everyone should watch this movie and listen very very carefully. It draws quite a few parallels to what is actually happening here in the u.s. today. It gives us a clear indication of the paths we should all, as Americans, be seeking today. See more 05/05/2019 The best comedy movie ever made! See more ashley h @ashleyhobgood87 09/13/2017 State of the Union is an excellent film. It is about an industrialist is urged to run for President. Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, and Angela Lansbury give amazing performances. The screenplay is well written. Frank Capra did a great job directing this movie. I enjoyed watching this motion picture because of humor and drama. State of the Union is a must see. See more 01/19/2016 GOP and Dem Debates? Done! This State of the Union is more fun. Hepburn, Tracy, Lansbury, Van Johnson, and Adolphe Menjou directed by Frank Capra. See more Read all reviews
State of the Union

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Cast & Crew

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Frank Capra

Director

Spencer Tracy

Grant Matthews

Katharine Hepburn

Mary Matthews

Angela Lansbury

Kay Thorndyke

Van Johnson

"Spike" McManus

Adolphe Menjou

Jim Conover

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State of the Union

State of the Union (1948) State of the Union (1948) State of the Union (1948) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis 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.
Director
Frank Capra
Producer
Frank Capra
Screenwriter
Anthony Veiller, Myles Connolly
Production Co
Liberty Films
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 30, 1948, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 12, 2014
Runtime
2h 4m
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