Watch The Spencer Tracy Legacy

The Spencer Tracy Legacy is a 1986 American documentary film directed by David Heeley and produced by Alan Landsburg. The film stars Spencer Tracy's longtime companion Katharine Hepburn, as well as fellow stars Joan Bennett and Angela Lansbury. The documentary tells the story of Spencer Tracy's life and career through interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.

The film begins with Tracy's childhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and his early years working in stock theater companies. Tracy's rise to fame in Hollywood is chronicled, including his work with some of the most prominent directors of the time, such as Frank Capra and George Cukor. Hepburn, who appeared in nine films with Tracy including "Woman of the Year" and "Adam's Rib", speaks fondly of their relationship both on and off-screen. Hepburn provides some of the most insightful commentary and often displays a great deal of emotion as she recounts her memories of the beloved actor.

The documentary also touches on Tracy's personal life, including his marriage to Louise Treadwell and his struggle with alcoholism. Tracy and Treadwell's son, John, is interviewed in the film and speaks candidly about his father's addiction and the toll it took on their family. Tracy's Catholicism is also a topic explored in the film; Tracy converted to Catholicism in 1940 after experiencing a spiritual awakening while shooting the film "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". Throughout his career, Tracy was known for playing morally upstanding characters, and his faith played a significant role in his personal life.

The Spencer Tracy Legacy also features interviews with other stars who worked with Tracy, including Bennett, who appeared with him in "Father of the Bride" and "Father's Little Dividend". Bennett, who passed away just two years after the documentary's release, speaks warmly of Tracy and remembers him as a consummate professional. Angela Lansbury, who starred alongside Tracy in "State of the Union", also provides some interesting insights into working with the icon.

The documentary also delves into Tracy's lesser-known roles, such as his portrayal of a Catholic priest in "Boys Town". The film examines Tracy's ability to bring depth and nuance to even the most seemingly simple characters. The movie also highlights Tracy's remarkable screen presence and ability to command the screen with even the slightest gesture.

Overall, The Spencer Tracy Legacy is a heartfelt and loving tribute to an icon of Hollywood's golden era. The film serves as a testament to Tracy's talent and charm, and it provides fascinating insights into both his personal and professional life. As a documentary, it is well-crafted and engaging, with a great mix of archival footage and new interviews. Fans of Spencer Tracy and classic Hollywood in general will not want to miss this gem of a film.

The Spencer Tracy Legacy is a 1986 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.