Question 1

Why was Claudette Colbert replaced by Katharine Hepburn just days before production?

Accepted Answer

Claudette Colbert was originally cast as Mary Matthews but was fired by Frank Capra a few days before production began because she refused to work into the evening. Capra then hired Katharine Hepburn on Spencer Tracy's suggestion.

Question 2

Which historical figure's name was edited out of certain broadcasts of this film?

Accepted Answer

In the unedited version, Grant Matthews lists Mohammad (founder of Islam) among great people whose spirits live in the White House. In the version broadcast on TCM, Mohammad's name was edited out, though it was included when TCM aired the film in 2019.

Question 3

How did the 1948 political climate influence the film's plot?

Accepted Answer

At the time of release, President Harry Truman was considered a sure loser in the 1948 election, making the Republican Presidential nomination seem highly valuable. This is why Van Johnson's character is amused when a young woman predicts Truman's victory.

Question 4

What real-life political conflict existed between Adolphe Menjou and Katharine Hepburn?

Accepted Answer

Adolphe Menjou, an ultra-right-wing conservative who cooperated with HUAC, accused Katharine Hepburn of being a Communist sympathizer. Hepburn, a liberal critic of blacklisting, was angered, as was her co-star Spencer Tracy.

Question 5

Who did Frank Capra originally want to play Grant Matthews, and why?

Accepted Answer

Frank Capra originally wanted Clark Gable to play Grant Matthews so that Gable and Claudette Colbert could be reunited after their success in It Happened One Night (1934), also directed by Capra.

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