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From Amazon.co.uk
MGM's bold idea to remake George Cukor's Oscar-winning upper-class romantic farce, The Philadelphia Story, into a star-studded technicolor musical with Cole Porter tunes somehow works splendidly and remains an underrated gem. Even the plot and character names--and some bits of dialogue--all remain the same as the original. Crooning Bing Crosby replaces Cary Grant as the wealthy ex-husband trying to win back his soon-to-be-remarried ex-wife, spoiled ice queen Tracy Lord (Grace Kelly, stunning and aloof in her last film role, originated in the earlier comedy by Katherine Hepburn). Unlike Grant, however, Crosby has jazz great Louis Armstrong, playing himself, in his corner for quixotic persuasion. Frank Sinatra (cocky in James Stewart's former role) and Celeste Holm add support as the nosy reporters covering, and subsequently complicating, the upcoming wedding. Sure, High Society lacks the original's witty satire, sarcasm and character complexity; but it's assuredly paced and wonderfully acted, and contains enough romantic chemistry to keep the plot engaging. And then there's the music. Unlike the grandiose production numbers of many 40s and 50s musicals, High Society's musical sequences are considerably low-key and intimate, focusing on Porter's lyrical content and the style in which it's delivered by the charismatic performers. Armstrong kicks the film off in telling style: he sings the title track, a calypso tune outlining the plot like a Greek chorus--not as an elaborately choreographed song-and-dance number, but instead stuffed claustrophobically in the back of a limousine with his jazz band. Other musical standouts include Sinatra and Crosby playfully tossing barbs during "Well, Did You Evah?"; Crosby and Armstrong teaming up for an energetic clash of styles in "Now You Has Jazz"; the two soaring, archetypal ballads by the leads--Crosby's "I Love You, Samantha" and Sinatra's superior "You're Sensational"; and, finally, the satirical Sinatra/Holm duet, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?", the closest High Society ever comes to social or class-commentary. --Dave McCoy, Amazon.com
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
62 of 63 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Just released on DVD format, this fabulous musical remake of George Cukor's The Philadelphia Story (1940) sees Grace Kelly in her last ever film role before crossing the pond to marry into the Monaco monarchy (she even wore her actual engagement ring in the movie).
Kelly plays the spoilt heiress Tracy Samantha Lord, a rather icy perfectionist (this generation would say 'control freak'), who is due to marry the stuffy George Kitteridge (John Lund) when her ex-husband C K Dexter-Haven (Bing Crosby), unexpectedly turns up... Still in love with her, he puts in place a subtle plan to win back her heart. Throw in an incorrigible little sister, a playboy dad, a couple of snoops from Spy magazine, Louis Armstrong (as himself) and buckets of champagne... and now you has jazz!
With a witty script and quite the line-up (it was the first time Crosby and Frank Sinatra, playing Spy magazine reporter, appeared on screen together), the romantic comedy is carried by one of Cole Porter's best - and one of his last - musical scores which includes Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, Well, Did You Evah?, Now You Has Jazz, and Kelly and Crosby's moving duet True Love.
Rarely are remakes a patch on the original but in this case High Society is an exception. That said, however, The Philadelphia Story - with an equally strong cast that includes Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant and James Stewart - is as swell a party...
Like most rereleases of older movies onto DVD, what actually makes you update your video copy are the bonus features. This version includes a short documentary on 'the making of...', narrated by Celeste Holm (born 1919, who played Spy magazine photographer). Although it makes for entertaining viewing (throwing up little snippets such as how Kelly's father warned Prince Rainier of Monaco before they got married she was a crap driver), one can't help thinking that someone cruelly substituted Holm's oxygen tank with helium. Which is slightly distracting. Other special features are a nostalgic newsreel of the film's 1956 première, the original theater trailer and, rather bizarrely, 'Millionaire Droopy', a five-minute cartoon about two dogs (Spike and Droopy) battling over an inheritance, which uh... has absolutely no relevance to High Society at all.
Overall verdict? Thoroughly entertaining and an absolute must for fans of classic musicals and all that jazz...
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By FAMOUS NAME
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD
Uplifting, and feel-good musical starring Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly!
This is a lovely film full of entertaining songs and performances, and all done in rich and sumptuous colour! Grace Kelly gets 'the pick of the boys' in this - but ends up re-marrying her estranged husband, played by Bing Crosby. Whilst never really mad about Bing Crosby, one has to say, that at almost 53 years of age here (and remember; people were much older for their years back then than they are now) still looked a bit of a spunk! Especially when compared to the too-rugged looking Frank Sinatra, and the slightly serious and boring chap she (Grace Kelly) intends to marry.
Watch this lovely movie, and forever after go on singing 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire'!
Enjoy!
This is a lovely film full of entertaining songs and performances, and all done in rich and sumptuous colour! Grace Kelly gets 'the pick of the boys' in this - but ends up re-marrying her estranged husband, played by Bing Crosby. Whilst never really mad about Bing Crosby, one has to say, that at almost 53 years of age here (and remember; people were much older for their years back then than they are now) still looked a bit of a spunk! Especially when compared to the too-rugged looking Frank Sinatra, and the slightly serious and boring chap she (Grace Kelly) intends to marry.
Watch this lovely movie, and forever after go on singing 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire'!
Enjoy!
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By bernie
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD
By now you know this is a remake of "The Philadelphia Story" and may have a tendency to compare them. I did this my self at first; then I realized they each have their strong points. I even get them mixed up now and them. All you have to do is remember this is the musical. My favorite song in the list is "True Love". Of course as with everything different people are bound to have different favorites and there are plenty to chose from.
In case you are new to the story, basically C.K. Dexter-Haven (Bing Crosby) and Tracy Samantha Lord (Grace Kelly) are divorced. Tracy is getting married again. The clan is gathering. We watch as they go through the motions and emotions of courting and reevaluating their lives.
In case you are new to the story, basically C.K. Dexter-Haven (Bing Crosby) and Tracy Samantha Lord (Grace Kelly) are divorced. Tracy is getting married again. The clan is gathering. We watch as they go through the motions and emotions of courting and reevaluating their lives.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
a bit of nostalgia
The seller got this DVD to me the next day from ordering it so I was able to have a chilled singalong Friday night, scary how I knew all the songs! Read more
Published 15 days ago by Pippi
5.0 out of 5 stars
Super escapism
They don't make them like they used to. Very good film worth every penny. A must for all musical lovers. What a cast!
Published 16 days ago by peter
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good addition to our DVD collection
Haven't had chance to see it yet but looking forward to when my husband and I will see it. Soon I reckon
Published 17 days ago by A. Stevens
5.0 out of 5 stars
Memories
This is a present for my mother in law . I just had to watch it before we rapped it up.
Published 1 month ago by Alan Bottomley
4.0 out of 5 stars
gift to myself
This is a favourite film of mine and I only had a VHS copy. This dvd is good quality - not excellent - but certainly fit for my purpose. I would recommend the seller
Published 1 month ago by D. M. Brennan
3.0 out of 5 stars
Great film, voices and mouths don't match!
Great film, but the voices and mouths don't match up so quite annoying. Shame as it's such a great movie.
Published 1 month ago by Louisa Jackley
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not a patch on the original
People rate this movie above the original "The Philadelphia Story" but it ain't a patch on it. Katharine Hepburn is much better as Tracy Lord than Grace Kelly. Read more
Published 1 month ago by PIPPA
5.0 out of 5 stars
Happy Days!
Bought for present for a relative who is very keen on musicals (and loves to sing along!) Exactly as he remembered and has great songs to sing along to.
Published 1 month ago by Jayne Coltrane
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great film
Love this film and now I can watch it as often as I like. Louis Armstrong is just great. As for Grace Kelly?? WOW!!!
Published 2 months ago by BB
5.0 out of 5 stars
dvd
even though this dvd took a good few weeks to arrive it was well wrapped when it arrived, and at a good price too
Published 2 months ago by Jo
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