Cast
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Spencer Tracy
as Col. James B. Brewton
Katharine Hepburn
as Lutie Cameron Brewton
Robert Walker
as Brock Brewton
Melvyn Douglas
as Brice Chamberlain
Phyllis Thaxter
as Sara Beth Brewton
Edgar Buchanan
as Jeff
Harry Carey
as Doc J. Reid
Ruth Nelson
as Selina Hall
William Phillips
as Banty
Robert Armstrong
as Floyd McCurtin
James Bell
as Sam Hall
Robert Barrat
as Judge Seth White
Charles Trowbridge
as George Cameron
Trevor Bardette
as Andy Boggs
Morris Ankrum
as A.J. Crane
Crew
Director
- Elia Kazan
Producer
- Pandro S. Berman
Reviews
John Chard
Why do women insist on loving men for what they want them to be instead of what they are?
The Sea of Grass is directed by Elia Kazan and written by Conrad Richter, Marguerite Roberts and Vincent Lawrence. It stars Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Robert Walker, Melvyn Douglas, Phyllis Thaxter, Edgar Buchanan and Harry Carey. Music is by Herbert Stothart and cinematography by Harry Stradling.
We are on the America's frontier and St. Louis woman Lutie Cameron (Hepburn) marries New Mexico cattleman Col. James B. 'Jim' Brewton (Tracy). Brewton is seen as a tyrant by the locals and Lutie quickly comes to realise that nothing will stop her husband from driving his plans forward.
For serious Western fans it straight off looks odd seeing the pairing of Tracy and Hepburn in this setting of farmer/rancher feuding, and the pic never quite breaks away from the initial reaction of things being off kilter. In spite of the undoubted quality of the lead actors, this just becomes a raging soap opera. It's never once convincing, the studio bound theatrics becoming an eyesore, and as the run time inexplicably crawls drearily to two hours in length, there's not even any action to perk up proceedings.
This was a rare blip in the filmic career of Kazan, who gives us all a warning when we find that he disowned the film, even saying he was ashamed of it. That's pretty damning evidence that serves notice on why this should be avoided by anyone other than Kazan, Hepburn and Tracy completists. One tends to think that the plot trajectory of Lutie embarrassed him, for without doubt it's offensive to womanhood, the finale only confirming this in a whirl of smugness not becoming the stars and director. It's a nicely enough produced production, with Stradling's smooth photography sparkling due to HD screenings via TCM, but as the script struggles to enact vibrancy, so shall you struggle to stay awake. 4/10
Jun 16, 2019
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Sea of Grass examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Elia Kazan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1947, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Sea of Grass took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.3 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 123 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 170 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 62 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 467 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1947, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Sea of Grass shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Thank You for Smoking, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Sea of Grass subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Cheaper by the Dozen and Damage explore similar territory, The Sea of Grass stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 25, 1947
- Runtime: 2h 3m
- Budget: $2,349,000
- Revenue: $4,689,000
