A Look at the 1957 Film 'Desk Set' and Its Relevance to Today's Tech Anxiety

The 1957 romantic comedy Desk Set stars Katharine Hepburn as Bunny Watson, the head of research at a television network. Alongside her knowledgeable team, they manage queries using traditional methods. They recall information, consult reference books, or call experts. However, their jobs come into question with the introduction of a large IBM computer by Spencer Tracy’s character, Richard Sumner. He is a methods engineer aiming to automate tasks to improve efficiency and productivity.

Screenwriters Phoebe and Henry Ephron crafted a narrative that not only showcases the chemistry between Hepburn and Tracy but also mirrors modern concerns around technology, including internet search engines and artificial intelligence.

Once, research departments were standard in news organizations. Reporters would reach out to these centers, often referred to as 'the morgue', to find specific information like historical events or statistics. However, with the rise of internet search engines, many of these departments have ceased to exist due to the speed and ease of online research.

Today, those very tools raise new concerns due to emerging AI capabilities. A recent search for "1980s TV dramas" resulted in confusing outcomes, showcasing the limitations of current search technologies.

In Desk Set, the staff's skepticism regarding the computer’s ability to replace them resonates with today’s apprehensions about job loss due to automation. Richard expresses surprise at the team's worries, to which Bunny responds dryly, "Hm. Fascinating."

The efficiency of the research department is displayed through various scenarios where they quickly provide accurate and relevant information. Their intelligence and curiosity are evident, making their work seem irreplaceable.

This film marks the eighth collaboration between Hepburn and Tracy. Hepburn’s portrayal of Bunny, with her witty retorts and confident demeanor, is captivating. One memorable line occurs when Richard questions her credentials, to which she humorously responds that she would have dressed up had it been an interview. Despite their initial professional clashes, a romantic connection develops between the two.

The film’s portrayal of technology and job security becomes more poignant as one character exclaims, “He’s trying to replace us all with a mechanical brain!” Another employee worries about the widespread job loss due to technology. Such sentiments are increasingly relevant in today’s world, where businesses are adopting AI to cut costs and maximize efficiency, echoing Richard’s earlier comments about the "work/man-hour relationship."

However, this promise of increased productivity comes with complications. Reports reveal issues surrounding AI, pointing to its tendency to provide incorrect information, which mirrors the challenges posed by the computer in Desk Set.

The film also highlights that new technologies require human oversight. As Bunny and her colleagues face layoffs, the newly hired operator of the computer struggles to manage it, leading to further chaos. Richard is puzzled as the team explains they have just lost their jobs. He believed the computer was meant to assist them rather than replace them, an error that results in the computer mistakenly terminating the entire staff.

The mixed feelings around technology—excitement and fear—presented in Desk Set reflect societal anxieties that were relevant then and continue to be today. This unique blend captures how entertainment can address significant issues while still being lighthearted.

In contemporary Hollywood, films that reflect current societal anxieties are becoming rarer, leaving audiences with a sense of nostalgia for movies like Desk Set.

film, technology, anxiety, automation, jobs