Customer Reviews

The Philadelphia Story [DVD]

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.
There are so many cherishable moments in this most timeless of films that I find myself rewinding often, to catch a word, line, or merely a gesture, again. So much so that the running time is always more than it ought to be each time I watch it!
Films these days are rarely so well written, or so wittily acted. But scripts of such inventive shrewdness and sparkle were not infrequent back then, and they had actors who were used to speaking such lines - particularly Hepburn and Grant, who were always so good together they appear to finish each other`s thoughts.
Yes, of course it shows its origins as a stage play, but Cukor knew just how much to `open it out` to make it cinematic, while retaining its original swift repartee and freshness.
It`s not quite a screwball comedy, either. It has a little more of a serious bent than that. A lot is at stake here, including the happiness of the main characters, as well as Tracey`s ability to live with herself. The `journey` Tracy/Hepburn goes on in the course of the story is a fascinating one, backed up by every line of dialogue, played by the actress with all the truthfulness she could muster. There were limits to Hepburn`s great talent, but nobody in Hollywood could have played this part so impeccably or so touchingly.
I love The Philadelphia Story, and would unhesitatingly place it on any list of my favourite films.
Essential.

Lots of people think this film is too long winded and at some times taking itself too seriously, but with a cast like Cary Grant, James Stewart, Katherin Hepburn and Ruth Hussey where can you go wrong? It's hilarious and the interaction of the characters is great. Personally I am undecided if I prefer this or High Society!

This is a classic comedy of the 1940's. Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn are very well matched and the dialogue between them crackles with energy and wit. The story is a little dated now, but you have to enjoy it for what it is - a great comedy of its era and an example of Grant and Hepburn at their fast talking best.

Unless you hate old films - this is from 1940 - then you can't fail to love this. It's fast, funny, sophisticated and sexy, with a fascinating menage a trois between spoiled society brat Katherine Hepburn, cynical ex-husband Cary Grant and inverted snob reporter Jimmy Stewart.

Each of the three protagonists is a strong and attractive character but the film never takes sides and we're left guessing until the last frames.

Not to be missed!

Not sure what the other top comedies should be, though.

after first 5 min I realised it was the earlier edition of--High Society which I prefer more excitement and better cast