The Desk Set (1957)

Episode SummaryIn this festive installment, the hosts shake off their "Wild Turkey" hangovers and travel back to 19571111. After a deep dive into the historical and cultural shifts of the late 1950s—from the launch of Sputnik to the debut of Leave it to Beaver—the discussion turns to the workplace classic Desk Set. The hosts explore the legendary chemistry of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, the timeless fear of being replaced by automation, and the chaotic charm of mid-century office Christmas parties.Timeline & Key Highlights00:00 – Holiday Survival: Banter about surviving Thanksgiving dinner, Aunt Gloria’s attire, and the mysterious "Cooter Jack".03:04 – Destination 1957: A historical snapshot of the year, including the Space Age kickoff, school integration in Little Rock, and the birth of icons like Spike Lee and Gloria Estefan5.06:13 – 1957 Nightlife: A look at what was playing in theaters, including The Bridge on the River Kwai, 12 Angry Men, and An Affair to Remember6.08:11 – Feature Presentation: Desk Set (1957): The hosts introduce the story of Bunny Watson, a library reference clerk whose department is threatened by a massive new computer called EMERAC.15:00 – Identity & Intellectual Equality: A deep dive into Bunny Watson’s character—a powerful woman in 1957 who holds her own intellectually against Richard Sumner.41:13 – The Office Christmas Party & The "Pink Slip" Incident: Discussing the film’s iconic party scene and the spectactular computer malfunction that accidentally fires everyone in the building, including the company president.01:10:00 – Human Ingenuity Wins: How Bunny saves the day with a simple bobby pin, proving that human insight remains essential even as technology advances.01:37:52 – Festive Bonus Recommendations: Quick takes on other holiday watches, including It Happened One Christmas and the 1995 female Scrooge film, Ebbie.Featured Film: Desk Set (1957)The Stars: Katharine Hepburn as Bunny Watson and Spencer Tracy as Richard Sumner (their eighth film together).The Conflict: Man vs. Machine. The installation of "EMERAC" (the big brain) triggers rumors of mass layoffs.The Legacy: A commentary on gender roles and technological disruption that remains relevant in the modern era of AI and automation.Closing Thoughts"Be kind, rewind." The hosts encourage listeners to share their own favorite holiday movies as they head into the new year.