I Take This Woman (1940) in Color — Starring Spencer Tracy & Hedy Lamarr

Plot Summary

Dr. Karl Doddrick Decker is a brilliant and idealistic physician working in a New York clinic for the poor when he encounters the devastatingly beautiful Georgi Grahame on an ocean liner. Georgi is a sophisticated European socialite who is contemplating ending her life after being abandoned by the wealthy playboy she loved. Karl’s compassion and genuine decency save Georgi from her despair, and she gradually warms to his steady, selfless devotion.

Despite knowing that Georgi does not truly love him—she is grateful to him and admires his character, but her heart still belongs to her former lover—Karl asks her to marry him, believing that his love and devotion will eventually win her genuine affection. Georgi agrees, partly out of gratitude and partly because she recognises the quality of the man before her, even if she cannot yet give him the passionate love he deserves.

Their marriage is tested immediately when Karl abandons a lucrative private practice opportunity to continue his work at the free clinic, a choice that Georgi, accustomed to luxury and social status, finds difficult to accept. The sacrifice drives a wedge between them, and when Georgi’s former lover reappears on the scene, the fragile foundation of their marriage begins to crack under the strain of unresolved feelings and competing desires.

The drama builds to an emotional crisis when Karl must choose between his principles and his marriage, while Georgi must finally confront the truth about what she truly values—the shallow glamour of her former life or the genuine, selfless love offered by the husband she has never fully appreciated. The resolution delivers powerful emotional moments that showcase the extraordinary talents of both Tracy and Lamarr.

Cast & Crew

Director: W.S. Van Dyke

Stars: Spencer Tracy, Hedy Lamarr, Verree Teasdale, Kent Taylor, Laraine Day, Jack Carson

Spencer Tracy brings his characteristic emotional honesty and understated power to the role of the devoted doctor, while Hedy Lamarr demonstrates genuine dramatic ability beyond her famous beauty. Director W.S. Van Dyke manages the complex emotional dynamics with skill, supported by a strong ensemble that includes early appearances from several future stars.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The colorization of I Take This Woman beautifully reveals the glamour of 1940s Hollywood star power, with Hedy Lamarr’s legendary beauty and Spencer Tracy’s commanding screen presence presented in rich, warm tones that enhance every emotional moment. Now also available in colour. The colourful presentation of the contrasting worlds—the elegant society settings and the humble clinic—creates a visual richness that deepens the film’s exploration of values and genuine worth. Buy I Take This Woman (1940) Colorized – €15.00

Historical Significance

I Take This Woman had one of the most troubled production histories in Hollywood, famously earning the nickname “I Re-Take This Woman” due to its extensive reshoots and directorial changes. Despite its difficult genesis, the finished film showcases the remarkable chemistry between two of MGM’s biggest stars and delivers a mature exploration of love, sacrifice, and the difference between gratitude and genuine passion. Through colorization, this fascinating chapter in Golden Age Hollywood has been preserved for modern audiences who can now appreciate its star power and emotional depth in a vibrant new presentation.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes — AI-assisted colorization
• Audio: English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: Approximately 97 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — play on any device
• Instant download: Yes
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Do Spencer Tracy and Hedy Lamarr have good chemistry?
A: Yes, despite the film’s troubled production, Tracy and Lamarr create a compelling screen pairing that brings genuine emotional complexity to their characters’ difficult relationship.

Q: Is this a typical romantic drama of the period?
A: While it follows some conventions of 1940s romantic drama, the film’s exploration of a marriage built on gratitude rather than love gives it an emotional complexity that distinguishes it from simpler love stories.

Q: Why was the film nicknamed “I Re-Take This Woman”?
A: The production went through extensive reshoots and multiple directors, becoming legendary within the industry for its troubled journey to the screen, but the final product delivers genuine star power and emotional drama.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file that plays on virtually any modern device including computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs.

Q: Is there DRM protection on the file?
A: No, the download is completely DRM-free, meaning you own the file outright and can watch it on any device without restrictions or internet requirements.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: The download is available instantly after payment is confirmed, allowing you to start watching within minutes of your purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• Today We Live (1933)
• Walk on the Wild Side (1962)
• City Streets (1931)
• Lightning Strikes Twice (1951)
• Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)