Konterr Brilliant and touching

Sexyloutak Absolutely the worst movie.

Aubrey Hackett While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

Kien Navarro Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

richard-1787 This film bears no resemblance to the other Spencer Tracy - Katherine Hepburn films. It is a very serious drama, with no hint of comedy.And, while it sometimes veers into melodrama, it is a very important film that needs to be seen. It deals with the dangers of third columnists, those who, impatient with democracy, would bring fascism to this country. Meet John Doe hints at this as well, but not as powerfully as this movie.Yes, it's melodramatic at times. But it tells, very well, a very important tale, one that we dare never forget.Watch this movie, if you get a chance. And remember its message, which, alas, is for all times. Those with power, especially those who have acquired power through wealth, sometimes lose patience with democracy and want to by-pass it to get what they want. It is the function of a free press to expose them, and to save us from them.

thinker1691 In the early days of the 1940's, America was being inexorably drawn into World War Two. During that time, there was a great national Isolationist movement which sought to keep America out of the global conflict. The strongest and perhaps the most influential figures which arose were America's heroes. Among them was famed aviator, Charles Lindbergh. Having visited Germany prior to the invasion of Poland, was convinced America could not win a war against Germany. This movie called " Keeper of the Flame " represents the views of the late Robert Forest, a rich industrialist, popular and civic leader who although groomed himself as a true American patriot, was in fact a 'sleeper' Fascist. Because he believed Forest was an American hero, Steve O'Malley (Spencer Tracy) a famous war correspondent, returns home. His mission is to write the biography of Forest. Instead, as he begins writing the story, he discovers that Forest's wife Christine (Katharine Hepburn) and her family is hiding a family secret which everyone wants to keep buried with the deceased. With Richard Whorf, Margaret Wycherly and Forrest Tucker in supporting roles, this mysterious film quickly becomes a spy vs spy drama. One which Tracy and Hepburn play to the hilt. Due to her association with her husband, I could not help but see Bogart in this movie. Nevertheless, this is a dark film which easily explains the title. Recommended to anyone wanting to recall why America eventually went to war. ****

wes-connors ****** Keeper of the Flame (1942) George Cukor ~ Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Margaret Wycherly The film opens with the never appearing "Robert Forrest" dying in a car crash. Robert Forrest was, as it turn out, a great American hero; his tragic accident is big news; and, and the country mourns. Biographical journalist Spencer Tracy (as Steve O'Malley) decides to write a story about Forrest's life; but, the prospective "Keeper of the Flame" finds it difficult to interview beautiful Forrest widow Katharine Hepburn (as Christine). And, the people closest to the deceased accident victim are mysteriously uncooperative. What are they hiding? Tracy and Hepburn, under George Cukor's moody direction, are great fun to watch. Mr. Cukor and photographer William Daniels are especially Garbo-like when introducing Hepburn's character. Still, it's Tracy who holds everything together. The revelation about "Robert Forrest" was unexpected (to me, anyway); it was nice to see a film show the American belief system is based on ideas and truths rather than mindless patriotism.The film should have been better. First, the movie's main "romantic" relationship seems to occur too suddenly; certainly, the film's stars were capable of portraying a man and woman falling in love. Also, what did the Forrests' do? It's hinted, once, that "Christine" may have been an actress (believable); but, what office did her husband hold (if any)? Of the supporting cast, Margaret Wycherly seems truest, as the dead hero's "invalid" mother; a couple of the other players become more grating than effective, after a good first impression.

Michael_Elliott Keeper of the Flame (1942)*** (out of 4) Deeply involving drama has an American hero getting killed in a car accident and while the country mourns his death a reporter (Spencer Tracy) goes to his home to try and tell his life story. When the reporter finally meets the widow (Katharine Hepburn) he starts to realize that there's a mysterious truth behind the man's legend that might go against everything he stood for. I'm not sure why this film doesn't get more credit when people discuss the various films with Tracy and Hepburn but I found the movie to be very involving and contain quite a bit of suspense. The film was clearly influenced by Citizen Kane and this is easy to see in the film's look and atmosphere. The movie is incredibly dark and I really can't recall one scene that takes place with any light. The cinematography really captures the moody settings and the visual style is certainly very impressive. Tracy is his usual self in that he gives another wonderful and intense performance. Tracy is one of my favorite actors because you can read so much into just by watching his face and here the intensity in his face is great to watch. Hepburn is also wonderful in her role and when she finally reveals all the secrets towards the end, it's among the best I've seen her in any movie. I think the film has some flaws including the whole mystery aspect that takes too long to reveal. I think the film would have been better had some hints been dropped throughout the film but instead they are all held for the end. Even with that flaw, this is still a highly entertaining film that deserves more credit than it gets.