[Susan Foreman]

'State Of The Nation' (1948) - Blu-ray pre-order available from Powerhouse direct - £15.99

Release date: March 20

"The immortal screen couple Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn (Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner) take the lead in this fabulously witty political comedy drama from director Frank Capra (It’s a Wonderful Life), filmed against the background of the 1948 Presidential election.

Wealthy aeroplane manufacturer Grant Matthews is encouraged to become a presidential candidate by his girlfriend, press baron Kay Thorndyke. Forced to publicly reunite with his estranged wife Mary in order to present the illusion of a happy marriage, he comes close to nomination. But, as Grant and Mary realise that political success will mean compromising their principles, Grant has a change of heart.

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Harold Lindsay and Russel Crouse (The Sound of Music), and with supporting turns from Angela Lansbury (Gaslight) and Adolphe Menjou (The Sniper), State of the Union is a brilliant blend of political satire and romantic comedy."

INDICATOR LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES

• High Definition remaster
• Original mono audio
• Audio commentary with critics and writers Claire Kenny, Glenn Kenny and Farran Smith Nehme (2023)
• The John Player Lecture with Angela Lansbury (1973): archival audio recording of the celebrated star of film, stage and television in conversation with Rex Reed at London’s National Film Theatre
• Lucy Bolton on Angela Lansbury (2023): the academic discusses the life and eventful career of the much-loved performer
• Original theatrical trailer
• Image gallery: promotional and publicity materials
• New and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Limited edition exclusive booklet with a new essay by Raquel Stecher, archival interviews with director Frank Capra, archival set reports, an overview of contemporary critical responses, and full film credits
• UK premiere on Blu-ray
• Limited edition of 3,000 copies