Desk Set (1957)

December 17, 2018 2:08 PM

Two extremely strong personalities clash over the computerization of a TV network's research department.

Turner Classic Movies: Desk Set

Cardigans and Cravats Yes, it is a Christmas Movie: #2: Desk Set

This one of my favorite librarian/library movies and it takes place around Christmas. It has the perennial theme of library jobs and libraries being replaced by computers.

posted by amapolaroja (11 comments total)

This is definitely my favorite of the Hepburn/Tracy movies. Thanks for reminding me of it.
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 2:32 PM on December 17, 2018 [1 favorite]

I love this movie so much! Especially the scene on the rooftop where he's quizzing her.
posted by paisley sheep at 2:45 PM on December 17, 2018 [1 favorite]

god i still want to work in that research department
that is still my dream job
that is still my dream philodendron
posted by halation at 3:48 PM on December 17, 2018 [7 favorites]

I couldn't appreciate this movie at the time I watched it because I had just been laid off :D It's quite emotional to be separated from your records.
posted by Calzephyr at 3:55 PM on December 17, 2018 [1 favorite]

god i still want to work in that research department
that is still my dream job
that is still my dream philodendron

Seconded. Also my dream apartment and wardrobe.
posted by mefireader at 7:49 PM on December 17, 2018 [2 favorites]

Thirded.

I did a little research on you.
You were born in Columbus, Ohio on May 22nd. That makes you a Gemini. You're a graduate of M.I.T. with a PhD in Science. You're a Phi Beta Kappa, although you don't wear your key, which means either that you're modest or that you lost it. You spent World War II in Greenland working on something so top secret that even I couldn't find out about it. You're one of the leading exponents of the electronic brain in this country and the inventor of an electronic brain machine called EMARAC -- the Electromagnetic Memory and Research Arithmetical Calculator.
That's all I found out so far, but I only had half an hour.

As a librarian working in the tech industry as a UX designer on research databases... it me.

I only wish somebody made a Bunny Watson action figure to stand alongside my Giles & Nancy Pearl.
posted by cheshyre at 5:24 AM on December 18, 2018 [6 favorites]

chesyre says: As a librarian working in the tech industry as a UX designer on research databases... it me.

Also, your husband is as handsome and charming as Spencer Tracy.

(Reader, I married her.)
posted by Xiphias Gladius at 5:30 AM on December 18, 2018 [7 favorites]

So far, we all seem to be librarians (or librarian-adjacent), I assume everyone is familiar with IBM's role in the making of the film.
posted by cheshyre at 5:47 AM on December 18, 2018 [1 favorite]

This movie amazed me. I enjoy Katherine and Spencer, I enjoy the "oh noes, technology" plot, but what really shocks me is that in this movie, they basically throw a party during the work day while working WHILE HAVING AN ALL DAY DRUNKATHON, AT WORK. For like, a half hour of this movie. And NOBODY CARES.

Dude, my work parties are during lunch, we get a 2 hour lunch while the office closes, and no alcohol ever and we all just play that stealing game. Oh, the older generation.
posted by jenfullmoon at 6:31 AM on December 18, 2018 [6 favorites]

When I set my mind on Library School, an older librarian ordered me to watch this and Party Girl. It’s pretty good aspirational fare, although I wish my work dialogue was so snappy.
posted by GenjiandProust at 6:52 AM on December 19, 2018 [2 favorites]

If my life as a librarian had been this fun, I probably would still be working in libraries! Love this movie, and also hi other librarians who went into UX!
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 9:30 AM on January 4, 2019 [1 favorite]