Dina Merrill Remembers Tracy and Hepburn

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Dina Merrill’s part in Desk Set came thanks, in part, to Marlon Brando.

During her audition for Sayonara, she tested with Brando, who was already cast to play the lead. However, since he was unfamiliar with his lines, he wanted to improvise. Merrill, who hoped to break into the industry by getting a part in this film, suggested sticking to the script instead, so she wouldn’t flub the test. As it turned out, her audition went well… but Brando thought she was “bossy.”

While she didn’t get the part, the audition put her in line for Desk Set, starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn.

In order to be considered though, she first had to interview with the great Kate. Thankfully, the film veteran approved, and Merrill made her film debut.

Working with Tracy and Hepburn was quite the experience, especially given how wonderfully they treated the other cast members.

“They were so nice to us on the set. They were both saying, ‘C’mon, let’s get the girls in the shot,’” remembered Merrill.

When an appropriate dress couldn’t be found for Sue Randall to wear in a scene, Hepburn allowed the actress to pick something from her own wardrobe, which had been specifically created for her by Valentina.

“They were so generous and so kind to us,” Merrill said, who received an orchid as a gift from them.

Kate also took the time to impart some wisdom to the actress. While waiting on set before she was needed for a scene, Merrill usually read. Hepburn gently nudged her to instead watch them perform, so she could learn from Spencer Tracy, who was recognized as one of Hollywood greatest leading men.

“It was the last time I brought a paper or magazine or anything to read. And she was right!”

The subtle style of Tracy and the meticulous delivery of Hepburn made for an acting master class.

“They were so comfortable with each other. They did all their own blocking and rehearsing before they came on the set. They knew exactly what they were going to do. All the director did was tell them where the camera was and work the other actors into the scene.”

That director was the well-established, Oscar-winning Walter Lang.

Above all, the leads' relationship with one another wasn’t something to miss.

Merrill said, “He was a lovely, warm, friendly man. She looked after him like a mother would look after a child.”

In fact, Hepburn even traveled ahead of Tracy to make arrangements for him before he arrived on location to film Devil at 4 O’Clock.

“She wasn’t in the picture, but she just looked after him.”

After Desk Set, Tracy and Hepburn both sought to work with Merrill again. He tried to get her a role in Ten North Frederick. However, one of the producers wanted to cast Suzy Parker instead. In the end, Spencer left the project because he was unsatisfied with the other actress’ ability. Kate suggested Dina for the part of Olivia in a production of Twelfth Night, though that too wasn’t meant to be.

Still, Merrill stayed in touch with the stars and even had impromptu meet-ups.

“Hepburn lived very near me in New York. Several times I’d be walking down the street, and I’d hear ‘Dina! Come in and have coffee.’ She’d be sitting in the kitchen, looking out the window, and see me walking by. So I’d go in and sit and chat with her,” Merrill said.

Below are Sue Randall, Joan Blondell, and Dina Merrill from Desk Set.