Desk Set

"Certainly. How does champagne go with Four Roses, Scotch, Martinis, and Bloody Marys?"
"Oh, fine. They're all the same base: alcohol."

In the Federal Broadcasting Network, the reference library is run by Bunny Watson (Hepburn).  People call the reference library for answers to difficult questions.  The president of the company hires Richard Sumner (Tracy) to build a computer for the department, but not tell anyone in the department his real purpose.

Sumner spends his days in the library, taking notes on everything and everyone.  He is impressed by Bunny's extensive knowledge, and they become friends.  The rest of the employees worry that they will be replaced by Sumner's machine, especially when he pulls their personnel files and takes notes on their performance.  Meanwhile, Bunny is looking for a long-term commitment from her boyfriend, Mike Cutler (Young) a network executive.  Even though they have been dating for seven years, Mike has no intention of settling down... until Sumner shows an interest.


This was the eighth film Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn did together (nine total).  They have an easy on-screen chemistry... you know they are going to get together, but it is fun to watch them match wits.  This is not their best pairing (that would be Adam's Rib), or their best known pairing, but it's still good.  Joan Blondell and Gig Young are great as well, as the best friend and jerk boyfriend respectively.

The plot is predictable, but enjoyable.  The story is incredibly dated, as we now use computers and the internet to answer questions.  Regardless, it is an enjoyable film.

Desk Set (1957) 103 minutes
Director: Walter Lang
Spencer Tracy as Richard Sumner
Katharine Hepburn as Bunny Watson
Gig Young as Mike Cutler
Joan Blondell as Peg Costello
Dina Merrill as Sylvia Blair
Sue Randall as Ruthie Saylor