Have loved a lot of Spencer Tracy's and Katharine Hepburn's performances, both had their fair share of great films and performances, and their partnership/chemistry spanning twenty five years on and off screen is nothing short of legendary. Have never been able to get enough of seeing them together. Also like to love quite a number of the films directed by George Cukor.
Tracy and Hepburn did nine films together, starting with 'Woman of the Year' in 1942 and ending with 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' (and Tracy's death) in 1967. For me, all of them are watchable and above and most are good and more, 'Keeper of the Flame' and particularly 'The Sea of Grass' were disappointments but still had enough good things to make them watchable. Cukor directed three of the nine, of which 'Pat and Mike' is the last after 'Keeper of the Flame' and my personal favourite Tracy/Hepburn film 'Adam's Rib'. As far as their films go when ranking from best ('Adam's Rib') to worst ('The Sea of Grass'), 'Pat and Mike' is somewhere in the lower middle. It's entertaining and well performed, a treat for those who are fans of the stars and their chemistry, but the battle of the sexes/romantic comedy theme was handled even better in 'Adam's Rib' with even more wit and class than seen here.
'Pat and Mike' takes a little too long to find its rhythm, some of the early scenes lack momentum.
Maybe there could have been less of the sport sequences, some engrossed and are well staged but not all of them excited or added as much as others and the pace gets bogged down as a result.
On the other hand, Tracy and Hepburn really do shine here and so does their chemistry. Really did get the sense that they were in love, and 'Pat and Mike' was one of the films where that feeling was most strong. Hepburn was simply born for her role here and she is in her element in what is actually the more interesting and more prominent role. Tracy's subtlety and charm is on full display too and it is very difficult not to appreciate either of those qualities. The supporting cast aren't as strong but still make good impressions, notably Aldo Ray.
Cukor directs with ease and control on the most part, although it takes a while to settle, while the production values are slick and stylish and the music pleasantly seductive in spots. Enough of the sport sequences are charming and exciting and the script sparkles in wit and sophistication at its best (which of course is when Tracy and Hepburn are on screen). The story is slight but is easily amiable and generally the pace is more than competent.
In summary, pretty decent. 7/10 Bethany Cox
