In Leading Ladies, what does Leo (Maxine) mean when he says "Katharine Hepburn was born...with a knife in her teeth"?

Mr. Ludwig,I am a student of theatre and I currently have the honor of performingas Leo Clark in "Leading Ladies" this August for a local communitytheatre. First off I believe this is an amazing show! I have onequestion though. While I was studying theatre I was told never to saya line unless you completely understand it's meaning, and I think thatwas some of the best advice I ever received. While talking with Megduring their first interaction Maxine says "Katharine Hepburn was bornin Cape Cod someplace with a knife in her teeth" I was wondering ifyou could please help me out and explain that line to me. Keep up thegreat work, I hope I get to work on many more of your plays!Cheers,BruceKen replies:Dear Bruce,Thanks very much for your email and for your kind words.Katharine Hepburn was known for her distinctive sort-of wide-mouthedaristocratic enunciation of words. In those days they would tell youngladies striving to be like Hepburn to speak as though holding a knifein their teeth.I hope this helps. Best of the luck with the role! And thank you again for writing.Best regards,KenTo ask Ken a question, click here.