Without Love (1945)

A military research scientist (Spencer Tracy) and a widow (Katharine Hepburn) have no interest in romantic relationships but for different reasons. He got burned in love and wants nothing more to do with it and she had a beautiful loving marriage and doesn't want to impinge on that memory. So they decide to get married without love but for companionship. Based on the play by Philip Barry (THE PHILADELPHIA STORY) with Hepburn repeating her stage role and directed by Harold S. Bucquet (DRAGON SEED). Rarely mentioned when discussing the Tracy and Hepburn movies and for good reason. It starts off promisingly but the film paints itself into a corner. After they get married, there's no place for the movie to go except the obvious. Still, it's far better than SEA OF GRASS and at least as good as KEEPER OF THE FLAME. Surprisingly for one of the weaker Tracy/Hepburn vehicles, the reviews were fairly good and the picture was a hit at the box office. But it's dullish and unmemorable. Some of the supporting players, notably Lucille Ball and Keenan Wynn add some juice to the proceedings. With Patricia Morison, Felix Bressart and Carl Esmond.