Today’s quick review: Adam’s Rib. When Doris Attinger (Judy Holliday) shoots her philandering husband, assistant district attorney Adam Bonner (Spencer Tracy) is assigned the case to prosecute. But his wife Amanda (Katharine Hepburn), seeing the incident as a question of women’s rights, signs on as Doris’s defense attorney. As the two struggle to sway the jury, the case begins to strain their once-idyllic marriage.
Adam’s Rib is a legal comedy that pits husband against wife in a contentious trial. Adam’s Rib features a capable pair of leads, an enjoyable dose of comedy, and an excellent supporting performance from Judy Holliday. Adam and Amanda Bonner are both likable characters, a couple who clearly love each other in spite of their foibles. The film does a fair job of infusing their battle of wits with cheap tactics, silliness, and irony.
However, Adam’s Rib is not quite as funny or as clever as other classic comedies. The jokes are frequent and amusing, but not as sharp as they could be. The film benefits from good chemistry between Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. But as the case progresses, the arguments become more and more serious. The film never makes the jump to drama, but several key scenes later in the film are more filled with bickering than with humor.
Give Adam’s Rib a watch if you are in the mood for a competent classic comedy. Depending on your taste, you may find it less entertaining than the most memorable movies of its era. But strong performances and good use of the premise make it worth checking out for fans of the genre. For a sillier take on a similar concept, check out How to Murder Your Wife.
7.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for solid but not phenomenal humor.