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State of the Union

Play trailer Poster for State of the Union 1948,  2h 4m,  Comedy/ Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 80% 5 Reviews Tomatometer 79% 500+ Ratings Popcornmeter
80% Tomatometer 5 Reviews 79% 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.

Critics Reviews

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Dan Callahan Slant Magazine Aug 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 Mar 3, 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 Apr 20, 2008
4/5
sassy, sparky, hilarious Go to Full Review
Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Jul 1, 2005
3/5
Ken Hanke Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC) Mar 2, 2005
3/5
So-so political comedy reflects lesser work by all. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Kylo W Sep 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
Albus S Oct 15, 2015 One that should be more popular. A gradual build up to a fantastic climax. Inspirational.
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State of the Union

My Rating

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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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