An Affair to Remember: The Remarkable Love Story of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy

by Christopher Andersen

Featuring twenty-four pages of photographs, a biography draws on the author's extensive conversations with Katharine Hepburn and other intimates to tell the poignant story of her longtime partnership with Spencer Tracy. By the author of Jack and Jackie. Reprint.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, History, Film, Romance, Media Tie In

528 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 1997

About the author

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Christopher Peter Andersen is an American journalist and the author of 32 books, including many bestsellers. A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, Andersen joined the staff of Time Magazine as a contributing editor in 1969. From 1974 to 1986 Andersen was senior editor of Time Incorporated's People Magazine. He has also written for a wide range of publications, including The New York Times, The New York Daily News, Life, and Vanity Fair.

While his early nonfiction books veered from psychology (The Name Game) to true crime (The Serpent's Tooth) to art collecting ('The Best of Everything', with former Sotheby's chairman John Marion), he is best known for his controversial biographies. Between 1991 and 2011, he published 14 New York Times bestselling biographies. Andersen wrote Mick: The Wild Life and Mad Genius of Jagger to mark the 50th anniversary of the Rolling Stones in July 2012. The book quickly became Andersen's 15th New York Times bestseller.

Reviews

[Carolann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure I have a better understanding of either Katherine Hepburn or Spencer Tracy.

Love is different things to different people.
Views and opinion are always different on what constitutes love.

I don't get the affair that went on between these two at all.

Katherine Hepburn was apparently very devoted to Spencer Tracy.
So much so that each time he went on a drunken rampage
She was there to quietly clean him and the situation up.
Is that love?
If Spencer Tracy had not been an actor he would just been some poor drunken slob that nobody cared about.
Is enabling someone to almost drink themselves to death love?

I don't know how he felt about her.
According to this book he liked to call her cruel nicknames, and during one bender he assaulted her

Is that love?

And yet because they were such wonderful actors
We are just supposed to buy that they had some beautiful love story?
I don't buy it.
I think it is a load of crap.

[Sirena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really long and I skimmed over some of it. Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy were two of the biggest actors during the Hollywood Golden Age. Due to that fact, people glorify their relationship by calling it one the greatest romances of all time. What romance? He was married, an alcoholic, verbally abusive and often times did not show up for work. She cleaned up his messes, made excuses for him when he was on a bender, and sacrificed her career to make sure he was safe and clean. That is called enabling. I have known more than my fair share of couples who have behaved the exact same way as Spencer and Kate and no one would dare call those relationships "an affair to remember." In any event, I find it sad that someone as talented, smart and outspoken as Katharine Hepburn would put up with such nonsense from Spencer Tracy. She was no better than his wife in that regard -- a doormat.

I think we get blinded by the Hollywood spin when it comes to actors' and actresses' romances. Bad behavior always seems to be excused when it comes to the silver screen. We don't want to know that these people are human beings with feelings, flaws and bad habits and they are treated like they can do no wrong. If both Spencer and Katharine were alive today, I don't think this "romance" would go down in history quite the same way.

[Connie G · Rating 3 out of 5]

There has always been a lot of interest in Connecticut about Katharine Hepburn who was born in Hartford and retired along the Connecticut shore. That was probably why our book group librarian picked this book about Hepburn and the love of her life, the talented Spencer Tracy. This biography tells about their parents and childhoods as well as their years as actors. Katharine Hepburn was a very independent woman, unusual for that time. The married Spencer Tracy was a very popular movie star, but fought the demon of alcoholism. He could go on alcoholic binges for days, getting violent and destructive before he passed out. Hepburn and Tracy had a special chemistry, both on and off screen, and she was instrumental in keeping him sober.

I really enjoyed reading about their childhoods and later lives. Some of the book about their early movie careers was not quite as interesting, probably in part because I was not as familiar with the screen stars of that era. The book had been very well researched with some letters, telegrams, and photos included. The author had interviewed Hepburn many times over a fifteen year period for other publications before writing this book.

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching, Moving, Informative & Intriguing! A Beautiful & Memorable Read! I Loved It!

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A TRUE LIFE LOVE STORY WELL TOLD

This legendary true-life love story was an engrossing read. Seemingly very well researched & documented it brings to life two American movie icons who loved each other with every breath of their being. Never could any fiction writer concoct such a story. It is sad, funny, depressing, desperate, and passionate in the most asexual way possible.

It is a privilege to have such a close look into the lives of two such brilliant people, the likes of which we are not likely to ever see again.

A special treat for classic movie lovers, but even if you have never seen a movie or ever heard of Tracy & Hepburn, the love story they shared is poignant enough to render you speechless.

Thankfully, Tracy & Hepburn lived in a time when journalism could boast at least a modicum of decency & respect. Had Tracy & Hepburn lived in today’s smut-driven tabloid universe they likely would not have survived & we would probably never have had the several amazing movies they made together.

Read: Oct.15/12

[Melissa Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spencer Tracy has been one of my favorite actors since I was young and my dad and I watched "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" on tv. Katharine Hepburn was never my top list, although I did love "The Philadelphia Story"and "African Queen". Of their movies together, my favorites are "Desk Set" and "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" so I picked up this book for a 12 day vacation that would include long flights. There was a lifetime of information (seriously) about both in this 500+ page biography, but well written and I enjoyed learning more about Spencer's wife and children and what a completely opposite person Katharine became when she was around Spencer and how she handled his alcoholism.

"She was a living legend, a symbol of fierce independence who defied convention to live life on her own terms. He was the greatest screen actor of all time, the personification of the rock-solid American male. During their twenty-six years together, Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy mesmerized the world with their famous on-screen chemistry like no other couple. Yet their private love affair - which ended only with Tracy's death in 1967 - remained shrouded in secrecy. Now, as Hepburn turns ninety, international best-selling author Christopher Andersen draws on his own extensive conversations with Kate - as well as those who knew the legendary duo intimately - to paint the first full, inspiring portrait of these beloved American icons and the life they shared."

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was well done and really gave a background on both Hepburns and Tracy's lives - but Spencer Tracy was a dog and Katherine Hepburn must have had her own issues to tolerate his garbage for so many years!

[Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best biographies that I have ever read. Written as a personal story rather than a research paper or an analysis of these two people. There is no arguing about who was right or who was wrong. There is not the usual name dropping or extraneous data that could be referenced at the end of the book. Even though it was told out of order it didn't keep switching back and forth where you can't keep track of the time. The book flows and keeps you interested.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty-seven years, that's how long the love affair of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy lasted. The first book I ever read on these two remarkable people (Tracy and Hepburn) left me amazed by what they had accomplished in their film careers and introduced me to the beauty of their relationship with each other.

This book, by Christopher Anderson, helped me understand how "one of the greatest romances of our time" endured. Spencer had been married to the same woman for over forty years at the time of his death and the public was not aware that he and Katharine were romantically involved beyond the movie roles they played opposite each other. Mr. Anderson explains this phenomenon in the preface: "Out of respect for all three, the press did something for them it had done for no other figures of their prominence: it jealously guarded their secret."

Hepburn's pre-Tracy affairs and the extent of his erratic behavior are revealed as well as her tragic family history. A full range of some of Katharine's and Spencer's famous quotes are collected in this book, some of my favorites are: "Sometimes I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door and just visit now and then. - Kate" and "I've been loved and I've been in love. There's a big difference. - Kate".

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars for a well written biography. Zero stars for the relationship. As a clinical psychologist and a person with 37 years of sobriety I believe I can comment on a dependency relationship with some wisdom. Spencer Tracy was addicted to alcohol, finding his value in affairs, manipulation, injurious anger, and being worshipped. Kate was addicted to being needed by Spencer Tracy. This does not a healthy relationship make. I have never liked the concept of a "slip" in AA. It is as though you can be working your program perfectly and someone will throw a banana peel in your path. You do not slip, you consciously make a choice to have a drink or a drug of choice. Spencer chose never to get help with his alcoholism. He trotted out the drinking when Kate threatened to leave him for a film or when he felt insecure. He had blatant affairs to see if "Kate really loved him". The author seems to believe Tracy was a really great guy, but there was little evidence of this in the book. Personally, if I had been Katharine Hepburn I would have kicked his ass to the curb. I am a firm believer that there is rarely a healthy person and a sick person in a relationship. Kate grew up in a history of many suicides. Why wouldn't she be compulsively drawn to the idea of preventing one person, Tracy, from committing slow suicide??? She needed to save someone more than she needed the mutual regard and respect in a healthy relationship. She idealized her father despite the fact that he did not give approval easily and was a "spanking" dad. She sought "love" from Spencer but did not believe his injurious rage directed at her was not OK. Sadly this is a story of two damaged people who fed their own pain through addiction to each other. Kristi & Abby Tabby

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have seen some of Hepburn's work and want to learn more about her life behind the scenes, check out this book. Hepburn was an incredible woman and her relationship with Tracy is fascinating. The two of them interacted with the greatest stars of the time. The book is filled with a million anecdotes that you can use to drive your friends and family crazy. Like Hemingway goading Tracy, "Can't you just have a drink or two? Do you have to go till you're insensible?" A big theme of the book: no, Tracy couldn't have just one drink.

If you enjoy this book, check out Lauren Bacall's "By Myself and Then Some."

[Joyce Cottrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The other night Guys Who's Coming to Dinner was on TCM. It's always been one of my favorite movies. After it was over and I finished crying, I pulled out this book and reread it. (I cried with the book, too.)

This book is a moving story of the lives, ambition, and love of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy (warts and all). It makes me want to watch every movie they made, separately and together. I've enjoyed Adam's Rib, Pat and Mike, and other movies they've made together. Now I want to see the rest of their films.

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hollywood reads like a soap opera. Blind drunk, deaf son, married, tons of affairs, brilliant actor, long time affair, with some triple affair overlaps, that was just Spencer Tracy! All sorts of other actors/actresses, manic depressives, more alcoholics, on and on and on....then lots of untimely deaths.....I kept reading, really liked to learn about their upbringing before hitting hollywood.
Ok read. Put your feet up, grab a drink or 20.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words can not express the emotion I felt reading this book. I could not stop crying at the end. I have always admired Katharine Hepburn and even more so now. "She was merely the latest in a long line of tough, morally courageous women who made sacrifices for the far weaker men they loved...He needed her and she needed him to need her."

Absolutely beautiful!

[Joy H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Added 4/26/13. - Found while browsing Internet.
June 2, 2015 - I borrowed this book from my public library. I'm enjoying it immensely. As I said at my group: "They were quite the couple! I don't know where they got the energy to do all the things they did. So many plays, so many movies, so much traveling! So much emotion!

[Franny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, easy read. Warning: this is a romanticized telling of their relationship, but nonetheless enjoyable. If you are looking for a more realistic account, check out Spencer Tracy by James Curtis.

[Nancy Loe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Blech. Clip job from Christopher Andersen who is not the most insightful biographer to begin with. Save your money.

[Lin S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was well written but a "Love Story"......you decide.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once the movie industry started NO ONE, was true to their husband, wife, boy or girl friend. They slept with everyone!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy have always been my favorite 'celebrity' couple since the first time I watched Woman of the Year (1942). Woman of the Year is hands down one of my top 3 favorite movies of all time!

An Affair to Remember begins with a condensed biography of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy as individuals and then dives into their 27 year long relationship. Several quotes were provided throughout this book that told their story better than I ever could.

"'Love' has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get - only with what you are expecting to give - which is everything." - Katharine Hepburn

"I've been loved and I've been in love. There's a big difference." - Katharine Hepburn

"We learned to be invisible in all the right places." - Spencer Tracy

"People are shocked that I gave up so much for a man. But you have to understand it gave me pleasure to make him happy, to ease his agony." - Katharine Hepburn

[Julianna Bruno · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not a fan of biographies (I like memoirs waaaay more) but I was definitely interested in hearing more about their affair (which I’ve known existed since I was 10).

Overall, the book cemented what I’ve always known:
Katherine Hepburn is an iconic and phenomenal woman, and Spencer Tracy was a problematic, flawed, and often very unkind individual (to speak generously on his behalf).

He “escorted” young 15 year old Judy Garland around town to clubs, until the married 36 year old was advised that it wouldn’t be good for his image if that got into the papers. Yuck. At the very least it should have been a court case…and yet it felt skimmed over???? Like the focus of the novel was talking about this cute romance, that was ugly and sometimes volatile and plagued by alcoholic tendencies.
The cheating wasn’t an issue for me, it was the [child] abuse, etc.

Katherine Hepburn adored him, and to this day I still don’t understand why

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts were interesting...that age of Hollywood is always interesting to me. The writing was good, but the fact that Tracy refused to divorce his wife for no reason, along with other things, did not leave me with a warm fuzzy feeling when I finished.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough. He disagrees with a few other biographies in that he firmly believes there was no lull in the relationship between spence and Kate in the late 50s and early 60s. However, a wonderful source.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't learn much that I didn't already know, but this was still an interesting read about a couple of fascinating people. Still, all that research and all those editors and Joseph Cotten's name was still misspelled? :)

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Spencer Tracy in the movies. But it’s always fascinating to me to read about the real-life version of what we see on screen. Tracy was a tough character - his and Kate’s story is full of interesting twists and turns. Neither were perfect, but they were truly devoted to each other.

[Kim Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I already knew a lot of the facts in the book and have always admired Kate Hepburn. Spencer Tracy definitely had a spell over her. I’m not sure she got as much as she gave but she understood the terms of the arrangement and seems to have accepted it.

[Amy Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely thorough biography of both Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy and their relationship. I really enjoyed it, the writing is very good and eloquent and it never felt slow, it's just a very long book, but it's chock full of everything you could ever imagine wanting to know about these stars.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. Tasteful and respectful. Spans their childhoods, careers, and Spenser's death. Truly an affair to remember.

[Smadha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad biography about the life of Spencer Tray with Katherine Hepburn.

[Elanorel_Kroos · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Book is full of guesswork.