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Recreating the role she originated in Philip Barry's wickedly witty Broadway play, Katharine Hepburn stars as the spoiled and snobby socialite Tracy Lord in this sparkling 1940 screen adaptation of The Philadelphia Story, one of the great romantic comedies from the golden age of MGM studios. Applying her impossibly high ideals to everyone but herself, Tracy is about to marry a stuffy executive when her congenial ex-husband (Cary Grant), arrives to protect his former father-in-law from a potentially scandalous tabloid exposé. In an Oscar-winning role, James Stewart is the scandal reporter who falls for Tracy as her wedding day arrives, throwing her into a dizzying state of premarital jitters. Who will join Tracy at the altar? Snappy dialogue flows like sparkling wine under the sophisticated direction of George Cukor in this film that turned the tide of Hepburn's career from "box-office poison" to glamorous Hollywood star. --Jeff Shannon
Product Description
Socialite Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn) is set to marry politician George Kittredge. When her irresponsible ex-husband C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant) arrives with 'Spy' magazine reporter Macauley Connor (an Oscar winning James Stewart) and photographer Liz Imbrie (Ruth Hussey) in tow, she decides to give them a story they will remember. Remade as the musical 'High Society' in 1956 starring Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
32 of 34 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:VHS Tape
I first saw this movie one Christmas, by chance, at two a.m. after coming in late from work - and even though I was REALLY tired I stayed till the end. Hepburn, Grant and Stewart are all in great form - the humour is fast, in the best of the "forties" style. Much of the "action" is verbal with the plot driven via the dilemma facing Tracy on the eve of her wedding - should she or shouldn't she? - the humour is in WHY!. The story ultimately conveys how Tracy Lord falls foul of her own snobbery and finally grows out of it.
The musical just does not compare - even though I like Frank in High Society - Grace Kelly could not spout enough of that slightly vinigared vim that KH does so well and Bing Crosby could not hope to replace Cary Grant's suave aire and understated humour. Much of the wit hinges upon this contrast and whether there will be a resolution!
- I could go on, but I would not like to spoil the movie for those who have not yet had the pleasure. If you like sophisticated, subtle humour - (at times quite gentle, but with an underlying theme that amplifies each quip), an outstanding script and skillful comic acting from all concerned, this is one for you.
Ella H.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Mervyn Dacre
Format:DVD
I can't believe this stylish film gets fewer stars than High Society, its later musical reworking. Although Philadelphia Story is at certain points a little sentimental and dated, it is by far the superior picture visually, verbally and dramatically. The three leads are tremendously engaging and the gags terrific. It has remained one of my favourite films for many years and continues to reward repeated viewing: absolutely definitely one for your collection if you are a Katharine Hepburn fan!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By stripeyunited
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD
They don't make films like this these days, more's the pity. OK, it helps when you have lead actors of the calibre of Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant and James Stewart, and they're not exactly a dime a dozen.
Maybe studios fear a modern audience wouldn't appreciate the witty dialogue which all the actors get a piece of instead of lots of action and explosions?
Hepburn plays spoiled rich girl Tracey Lord, about to embark on another marriage. Cary Grant is her ex-husband, and James Stewart the cynical journalist assigned to cover the wedding as an undercover expose. Hepburn's actual fiance barely makes an appearance, as the sparks fly between the soon-to-be-married Tracey and both men.
See this for some of the best work from the three stars, and for the sparkling dialogue; and a sophisticated comedy which, whilst a period piece, still comes alive with great freshness on the screen.
Maybe studios fear a modern audience wouldn't appreciate the witty dialogue which all the actors get a piece of instead of lots of action and explosions?
Hepburn plays spoiled rich girl Tracey Lord, about to embark on another marriage. Cary Grant is her ex-husband, and James Stewart the cynical journalist assigned to cover the wedding as an undercover expose. Hepburn's actual fiance barely makes an appearance, as the sparks fly between the soon-to-be-married Tracey and both men.
See this for some of the best work from the three stars, and for the sparkling dialogue; and a sophisticated comedy which, whilst a period piece, still comes alive with great freshness on the screen.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By K. E. Jones
Format:DVD
Other reviews will mention that this is a glorious movie. Fabulous plotting, dialogue (screenplay), directing, cinematography and performances. We know this. I just want to recommend watching it while listening to the commentary by Jeannine Basinger, available on disc one of this DVD package. She covers the actors and their acting, offers fascinating detail (like that Cary Grant demanded an extortionate fee to appear, and insisted it be donated to Britain's war effort!) and erudite description of the technical aspects of the making of the movie. Her commentary is deep and informative, full of historical detail and sensitive criticism. You won't hear the film while listening to her (maybe use subtitles simultaneously if you want to get that, if you can), but you will get a substantial, wide-ranging and fascinating lecture delivered in a melodious voice. Marvellous.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By C. Garner
Format:DVD
I won't bother to review the film as others on this page have already done so, other than to say it has a stellar cast all at their sparkling best and directed by the brilliant George Cukor. What I would like to draw your attention to, in this two disc set, is the fantastic special features disc. This features TWO documentaries, TWO radio productions of the script from the forties featuring the same stella cast and a couple of amusing oddities. The documentary on Katherine Hepburn BY Katherine Hepburn is worth the admission price alone. She reflects back on her life and career with a warmth and candour and, of particular interest to me, her relationship with the late, great Spencer Tracy. The other documentary is an edition of 'The men who made the movies' which gives an interesting insight into the career of George Cukor. I would suggest that anyone who has an interest in movies should have this film as part of their collection but in particular please buy this two disc edition.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By GlynLuke
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:DVD
Tracy has a drink! So what? Well, a lot hangs on Tracy Lord (no, not Spencer Tracy, funnily enough) taking a glass or several of champagne. It loosens her up, as well as giving her a touch of morning-after amnesia.
You know those polls film magazines carry out every few years, to find the Top 10 or Top 100 films ever made? Odd how so few of the `30s or `40s comedies make it into the lists. Yet some of the most adroit, witty, enjoyable and often brilliant films were comedies, screwball or otherwise, from that era, whether by Sturges, Hawks, Lubitsch, Capra or Cukor. This endlessly watchable marvel is courtesy of Cukor, who directed women so well, and was no slouch with men either.
The more I watch this film - and I`ve seen it at least a dozen times - the more I want to see it, and the more subtleties I notice, in nuances of script, acting and
much else.
The sheer variety of vocal inflection Hepburn (who looks utterly gorgeous) gives to her lines, the restraint and pitch perfect timing of Grant, the gloriously funny, and so aptly named, Uncle Willy of Roland Young (who`d been the most clammily odious Uriah Heep for the same director), the great and superbly witty performance by stage actress Mary Nash as Tracey`s good-hearted mother, modestly sexy Ruth Hussey wonderful as camera-happy Liz Imbrie - "I just photograph well" - and James Stewart almost over-playing his hand (was the role a slight stretch?) as Mike, her fallible boyfriend. (And he picked up the only acting Oscar, which just shows there ain`t no justice, folks.)
That`s not to mention astute, punchy performances by the rest of a perfect cast, including child actress Virginia Weidler as Tracy`s precocious sister, and Henry Daniell suitably wily as an unscrupulous newspaper boss.... Read more ›
You know those polls film magazines carry out every few years, to find the Top 10 or Top 100 films ever made? Odd how so few of the `30s or `40s comedies make it into the lists. Yet some of the most adroit, witty, enjoyable and often brilliant films were comedies, screwball or otherwise, from that era, whether by Sturges, Hawks, Lubitsch, Capra or Cukor. This endlessly watchable marvel is courtesy of Cukor, who directed women so well, and was no slouch with men either.
The more I watch this film - and I`ve seen it at least a dozen times - the more I want to see it, and the more subtleties I notice, in nuances of script, acting and
much else.
The sheer variety of vocal inflection Hepburn (who looks utterly gorgeous) gives to her lines, the restraint and pitch perfect timing of Grant, the gloriously funny, and so aptly named, Uncle Willy of Roland Young (who`d been the most clammily odious Uriah Heep for the same director), the great and superbly witty performance by stage actress Mary Nash as Tracey`s good-hearted mother, modestly sexy Ruth Hussey wonderful as camera-happy Liz Imbrie - "I just photograph well" - and James Stewart almost over-playing his hand (was the role a slight stretch?) as Mike, her fallible boyfriend. (And he picked up the only acting Oscar, which just shows there ain`t no justice, folks.)
That`s not to mention astute, punchy performances by the rest of a perfect cast, including child actress Virginia Weidler as Tracy`s precocious sister, and Henry Daniell suitably wily as an unscrupulous newspaper boss.... Read more ›
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4.7 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
was ok
after first 5 min I realised it was the earlier edition of--High Society which I prefer more excitement and better cast
Published 25 days ago by F. A. Coppen
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very entertaining film
I really enjoyed this film. I purchased it after seeing the live show in the West End of London.Excellent and fun to watch.
Published 2 months ago by Jane.E.Stuart
5.0 out of 5 stars
Philadelphia story a screwball romantic comedy reccomended a watch
Philadelphia story is a 1930 ish 1940 screwball romantic comedy.it is simerler to high society with simerler filming building and has some same story lines and same character names... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Miss Fry
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stars shine out - they don't make em like this anymore....
An all time great film, superb performances from beginning to end. Great well proved storyline all with superb acting. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Gerald Goulding
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sublime, Golden age Cinema
Firstly, I watched this as a Korean import DVD, which is quite a bit cheaper but possibly, of inferior quality. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Tim Kidner
5.0 out of 5 stars
Movie heaven for boxing day
I bought my daughter a bundle of favourite old movies for christmas. We watched this on boxing day - having watched High Society the night before (which is another version of same... Read more
Published on 2 Jan 2011 by Rachel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant film that never ages
Excellent film, brilliant comic timing, completely different to the Frank Sinatra/Grace Kelly remake. Read more
Published on 28 Aug 2010 by Magenta
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Philadelphia Story
This is one of my all time favourite films. Witty, classy, funny, sharp. I would think you'd have to be a bit of a "romantic" to enjoy it as I do. Read more
Published on 16 Jan 2010 by Ms. V. E. Vincent-fernie
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