Adam's Rib (1949)

Plot: Two Lawyers engage in a "Battle of the Sexes" over a women on trial for shooting her husband.
Stars: Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, David Wayne, Judy Holliday, Jean Hagan, Tom Ewell
Best Quote: Hepburn: And it felt not only that you meant it, but as though you felt you had a right to. I can tell.
Tracy: What've you got back there? Radar equipment?

This is the best Tracy-Hepburn comedy in terms of their chemistry together and the supporting cast.  The two are completely relaxed and believable as a loving couple torn apart by an attempted murder trial.  Unlike Desk Set, Pat & Mike, or Without Love, Tracy is not playing a "character" (from a play or otherwise) but has a role tailored to his personality. Meanwhile, Hepburn's character is more warm and even-tempered than usual. 

And the supporting actors: Hagen, Holiday, and Ewell are wonderful.  They're the funniest things in the movie. Particularly enjoyable were Hagen's transparent lies, and Ewell's conceited Caveman act.   

The only lemon in the supporting cast is David Wayne

Who gives an uncertain, uneven performance. In the first half, he seems to be going for "wacky Gay neighbor". In the 2nd half,  frustrated romeo. So, which is it?  Further, his character is supposed to be a standard Comic trope.  The "family friend" who charms the wife, but annoys and arouses jealousy in the husband. And when the "cad" oversteps his bounds, we're supposed to cheer when the husband puts him in his place.  However, Wayne doesn't really fill the bill - he's just too annoying and young (6 years younger than Hepburn) to be a threat. 

Another problem? Dull patches in both direction/script. 

Most of these dead spots occur in the last 30 minutes after Holiday, Ewell, and Hagen move off-screen,  and the trial grinds on. Examples:

• Tracy refuses to talk to Hepburn and she follows him around demanding he speak.  This scene is slackly directed and goes on far too long
• Hepburn calls a female Scientist, shop foreman, and lady wrestler to the stand in show Women can do anything. This may have been edgy/interesting back in 1949, but today its dullsville.
• Tracy fumbles his lines during his final statement to the jury. Not funny - Tracy was likable but he's no Bob Hope.
• Worst of all, the movie should have ended after Tracy punches out Wayne. Maybe with some sort of funny line and  a Hepburn-Tracy embrace. Instead it drags on for another seven minutes, as Hepburn-Tracy visit a CPA. Tracy tears up, and Hepburn forgives him - and takes him back. Later we learn that Tracy can cry on cue and manipulate his spouse. See, men are just like women. The End.  This mild joke isn't worth seven minutes!

Summary:  Overall, the 2nd best Tracy-Hepburn Comedy next to Woman of the Year. Very good for the first 65 minutes, not as good for the last 35.