Katharine Hepburn. When that name is said, what comes to mind? Fiery spirit? Stubborn independence? Proud strength? How about immense talent? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. Today, May 12th (also known as Ms. Hepburn's birthday) TCM salutes an iconic screen star, for her lasting impact on modern film--and for her personality, namely how she is not afraid to share her outspoken views (seen in the famous Dick Cavett interview from the 1970s).
As an actress, she was magnetic. Especially during her younger years, Hepburn was a stunning beauty. It was impossible to not look at her. Those finely-sculpted cheekbones and that lovely porcelain skin could easily keep you glued to the screen. Every breath she took made you sigh. Every movement, every line delivery, was magic. In her earlier work (out of her extensive filmography), Hepburn portrayed (usually) a more emotional, vulnerable character than what is seen in her later work (and what is intrinsically associated with her)-that domineering strength. She was incredibly versatile-she could play the sweet role (in 1938's "Holiday"-more on that later), the funny/nutty role (in the iconic screwball comedy "Bringing Up Baby"), and the strong role (in 1951's "The African Queen," 1940's "The Philadelphia Story," practically any Tracy-Hepburn film, to name a few--the list is endless).
In honor of her memory, I will analyze what I deem to be one of the best (if not THE best) performance that Hepburn ever gave in a film-"Holiday". In the movie, Hepburn plays Linda Seton, an unhappy socialite who feels restless, despite the fact that her family possesses a large amount of money. Enter in Johnny Case (Cary Grant-sorry Spencer Tracy, but Grant was Hepburn's best co-star), a down-to-earth man who is engaged to Linda's sister, Julia (Doris Nolan). Linda seeks adventure and spontaneity, and so does Johnny. They are a perfect match for each other (the chemistry between Grant and Hepburn melts off of the screen). Linda is considered a "misfit" by her sister and affluent father, Edward Seton, Sr. But Linda receives help from her lovably alcoholic brother, Ned (played to perfection by Lew Ayres) and Johnny's erudite and witty friends, Nick and Susan. While Grant is (as always) fantastic, funny, enthusiastic, and energetic (his circus training comes into play here, as Johnny performs many flips and turns-one, might I add, that includes Hepburn herself), the film itself belongs to Hepburn. It is a different side to the actress that many people might not know-it's a vulnerable Hepburn. Although the character of Linda is confident, there are moments where her façade falters-where the inside feelings are shown. Hepburn lets you in, but pulls you out before it becomes too heavy or depressing. She creates a multi-faceted character in the space of 90 minutes-something very few actors can accomplish; sometimes, it takes years and years for a character on a television series to develop. But Hepburn, an experienced theatre thespian, does it with ease and emotion. The film itself is, in my opinion, one of the best films ever made. It's witty without being too over-the-top or self-aware, sweet without being saccharine, and inspirational without being preachy. "Holiday" contains a pointed message-what is life really meant for? Is it to gain material possessions, or to truly "live," to follow what we want to do? (I think you can answer that question yourself.) In short, "Holiday" is a perfect film to view to see what great of an actress Hepburn was.
Hepburn was Hepburn. Talented, strong, never one to back away from a challenge, she held an impressive body of work that will continue to inspire a generation of future actors and moviegoers.
There will never be another one like her.