The Dick Cavett Show (TV Series) Katharine Hepburn: Part 1 (1973) User Reviews

Ah, yes, I remember it well

[blanche-2 · 10/10 · 2 February 2009]

I saw this show when it first aired 36 years ago and never forgot it. I just watched it again; this TCM presentation was different in that it shows what went on when they were just setting up. I had the good fortune to transcribe some interviews with Hepburn over the years. Consequently, none of what went on in the set-up was very surprising.

What is so striking about the interview is Hepburn's sharp memory and still enormous energy - at the time of the interview, she was 66 years old. She is very funny, capable of self-deprecating humor as well as great insight. I especially appreciated the idea of "listening," which she didn't feel the youth of 1973 did very well. Wonder what she thought when the new century hit, if she thinks people were distracted in 1973.

It really doesn't matter what anyone says about her image being phony, etc. You can't fake intelligence, dignity, humor, and talent. Hepburn possessed all of these in spades, and her Cavett interviews are fantastic and not to be missed.

Great candid interview with Katherine Hepburn

[PudgyPandaMan · 10/10 · 30 August 2008]

I was fortunate enough to have caught this on TCM. I have actually seen it several times, and it is always fascinating to watch. Hepburn is quite a conversationalist. This episode originally aired in 1973 when Hepburn was 66 years old. It is amazing how quick her wit and conversation is at this age.

The first thing that strikes you is how casually and seemingly unlady-like she is sitting - she is sort of slouched in her chair and has one leg propped up on a table. She is very casually dressed, in the ever present trousers that she always wears, she never wears a dress. She is just being herself, who she is, without putting on airs. That's what strikes me about her. But she is very confident in who she is and what she believes. She can almost come across as arrogant, but somehow it works for her.

They include some of the behind the scenes footage of when they were setting up the interview set. She was very particular in what she wanted and how she wanted to sit, etc. It was upon her insistence that she have a table to prop her leg up on. She gave orders and couldn't stand what she perceived as incompetence or delay on the part of the set crew. It comes across as a little elitist and spoiled, but again, you can seem to forgive her this as it works for her.

I was amazed at how well Cavett keeps up with Kate's conversational gymnastics, because he would ask her one thing - and she would start out answering but would end up going off in another direction entirely. But he would seemingly always bring the conversation back around to what he wanted to know. Her straying tales were never annoying though, as she would always have some interesting anecdote or wisdom to share.

It is obvious that Kate finds herself fascinating, and if I remember correctly, even states so herself. But perhaps that's why we find her so fascinating as we are so convinced of it by her own belief of it! If you are a fan of Hepburn, you have got to see this interview. I think it is the most honest and revealing discussion I have seen the very-private Hepburn have about her life and career.

Priceless look into the mind and like of Kate Hepburn

[niccolorosso · 10/10 · 28 September 2019]

Completely enjoyable exposure of the real KH is all ways. Bright and still passionate at 66. One of a kind personality. Watch this and let yourself absorb her energy.

I saw this Show

[cyrusclaffey · 9 May 2007]

I just happened to see this show on TBS, which must own the rights to this (thru TW perhaps). I can only say i was lucky! I've never a been a particularly big fan of hers, but given my age am familiar with the fact that she is and was considered a good actor and was an original Hollywood "Star" during in her career. I feel ;lucky that I saw a broadcast of this tape, Katherine Hepburn did nothing short of living up to her freputation as one Ameroicna Cinema great early actresses. And this was primarily because it readily apparent to me that she was as serious and sensitive of an artist - and as intelligent - as any creative intellectual.