The Philadelphia Story

Plot synopsis:
Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn) is the elder daughter of a wealthy Philadelphia Main Line socialite family. She was married to C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant), a yacht designer and member of her social set, but divorced him two years ago, because he did not measure up to the exacting standards she sets for all her friends and family: he drank too much for her taste, and as she became critical of him, he drank more. Now she is about to marry nouveau riche "man of the people" George Kittredge (John Howard).
Spy magazine publisher Sidney Kidd (Henry Daniell) is eager to cover the wedding, and assigns reporter Macaulay "Mike" Connor (James Stewart) and photographer Liz Imbrie (Ruth Hussey). He can get them into the affair with the assistance of Dexter Haven, who has been working for Spy in South America. Dexter will introduce them as friends of Tracy's brother Junius (a U.S. diplomat in Argentina). Tracy is not fooled, but Dexter threatens her with an innuendo-laden article about her father Seth's (John Halliday) affair with a dancer. Tracy deeply resents her father's infidelity, which has caused her parents to live separately. To protect her family's reputation, she agrees to let Mike and Liz stay.
Dexter is welcomed back with open arms by Tracy's mother Margaret (Mary Nash) and teenage sister Dinah (Virginia Weidler), much to her annoyance. In addition, she gradually discovers that Mike has admirable qualities, and she even takes the trouble to find his book of short stories in the public library. As the wedding nears, she finds herself torn between George, Dexter, and Mike.
The night before the wedding, Tracy gets drunk for only the second time in her life and takes an innocent midnight swim with Mike. When George sees Mike carrying an intoxicated Tracy into the house afterward, he thinks the worst. The next day, he tells her that he was shocked and feels entitled to an explanation before going ahead with the wedding. She takes exception to his lack of faith in her and breaks off the engagement. Then she realizes that all the guests have arrived and are waiting for the ceremony to begin. Mike volunteers to marry her (much to Liz's distress), but she graciously declines. She also realizes, for the first time, that she isn't perfect and shouldn't constantly condemn others for their weaknesses. At this point, Dexter offers to marry her again, and she accepts.

Tags: romantic, comedy

Review:
Through a little judicious blackmail they're invited to this premier society wedding, but both feel out of place and used.After The Philadelphia Story, Katharine Hepburn was a movie name the rest of her long life.
The wedding is supposed to be a private affair, but Tracy's ex-husband C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant) blackmails her into letting two reporters, Macaulay Conner and Elizabeth Imbrie (James Stewart and Ruth Hussey) cover the event.
With tensions high between Dexter and Tracy, everyone playing games and relationships equally confused and confusing anything could happen and surprises are in store.Shot in about 8 weeks with a low number of takes and some impressive adlibbed and one-shot scenes this is a movie worth seeing even before you look at the cast list and the professional reviews.
The movie is a triple treat, with my other two most favourite actors, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart, in the other lead roles, Cary as Tracy's former husband C.K Dexter Haven, and Jimmy as the peeved reporter who Kate falls in love with.
And so it is fortunate for all of us that the screen adaptations of each of these classic Broadway plays are classics in their own right.Katharine Hepburn, who starred with Cary Grant in all three of the aforementioned films, plays society prig Tracy Lord, a spoiled, temperamental rich girl who owns a will of iron and a heart to match.
Also hovering around the Lord estate is tabloid reporter Liz Imbrie and her photographer Mike Connor, assigned to cover the impending nuptials and, of course, scout out any juicy gossip.With a deft ensemble and crisp, intuitive direction (George Cukor), the dialogue blisters with furious fun (courtesy of Oscar-winning scripter Donald Ogden Stewart), with every character having his or her chance to bask in the limelight.
Hepburn, who was considered "box-office poison" at the time, revitalized her Hollywood career with "The Philadelphia Story," smartly buying the film rights to ensure her starring role.
Hussey takes the ball and runs with it, giving the ripest performance of the bunch.Additional praise must be given to Mary Nash, as Tracy's flowery, meticulous mother; young tomboy Virginia Weidler, an adroit little scenestealer, for keeping up with the big folks and offering a wickedly smart-assed rendition of "Lydia, the Tattooed Lady"; John Howard for his dour, stuffy groom-to-be and good sportsmanship as the butt of many a joke; John Halliday, who manages a couple of razor-sharp scenes as Hepburn's reproaching father, and Roland Young, who played Cosmo Topper in the delightful "Topper" film series, for adding his typical brand of bemused merriment as lecherous Uncle Willy.
She's absolutely hilarious as Tracy Lord, bringing perfection to the role she created on the stage a year before the film, mocking, insulting and making fun out of Jimmy Stewart and Cary Grant.Her drunken scene with Stewart is pure magic and her mockery of him ('dear professor') is wonderful.Grant and Stewart are fabulous, Stewart as the rough and tumble reporter infatuated with Tracy and Grant as the neglected ex- husband.Ruth Hussey and Virginia Weidler are fantastic in supporting roles, and really add to the hilarity of the whole picture.A funny, bouyant ride through the 1940's- I completely recommend it!.
George Cukor's contribution, as well of the magnificent screenplay, by Donald Ogden Stewart, make this a timeless comedy that looks as fresh today as when it was originally released.It helps tremendously that Katherine Hepburn had played Tracy Lord on the stage and knew what made her tick.
As Dexler, the man who broke Tracy's heart, he returns just before the wedding, perhaps to remind her he's still loves her and can't get her out of his mind.James Stewart was the other happy casting of "The Philadelphia Story".
I really wasn't so much wowed by The Philadelphia Story's "story",as it were,as I was mesmerized by three of the big screen's strongest ever screen presences' interaction with one another.Katherine Hepburn,Cary Grant,and James Stewart were great (if that is even a strong enough word) individually,but together here in this film,they were absolutely out of this world.The story,quite frankly,gave me a headache overall,but I did find the ever famous "hiccup" improvisation between Stewart and Grant hysterical as it was obvious both men could barely compose themselves,but being the professionals that they were,they got it together and moved on,and that's what made the scene so entertaining.I had a great time watching..
The story is a creative twist on classic tropes (for example, rather than a love triangle it has an odd love polygon, featuring three potential suitors competing for Katharine Hepburn's Tracy Lord and a sub-triangle surrounding James Stewart's Macaulay Connors), the dialogue is clever and witty, and the humor works extremely well.
The proceedings begin in a reasonably lively fashion, but it's not long before the forced mechanics of Philip Barry's conception begin audibly creaking, by which point the high-toned literary bon mots begin to land with little thuds; the ghastly speechifying, the would-be ironic wisdom and poetic drunk-scenes begin to take over the movie and THE PHILADELPHIA STORY becomes an endurance test for anyone who has ever truly enjoyed watching Hepburn, Grant, Stewart et al in anything worthy of their talents.
Grant does what he can with his role, which mostly calls for worldly-wise detached bemusement, but Jimmy Stewart is trapped with scenes and dialogue that seem like a deliberate attempt to sabotage his naturalism and tremendous rapport with movie audiences.
On the nuptial eve, Dexter arrives at the Lord's mansion with the tabloid reporter and writer Macauley 'Mike' Connor (James Stewart) and the photographer and painter Elizabeth 'Liz' Imbrie (Ruth Hussey), pretending they were friends of Tracy's brother.
Just the sight of these great actors on screen at the same time is something else.Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn and Jimmy Stewart each give grand performances to this film (Stewart won for Best Supporting Actor) each showcasing their talent.
Grant as the rich, charming bachelor trying to get his ex-wife back, Hepburn as the upper-class debutant who plays all of the men in her life as if she has no soul and Stewart as the everyman who holds everyone together while having a few interesting adventures of his own.Not only is this a very funny film, it has an interesting story line and even a few minor plot twists during the end.
Hussey and Stewart are equally great in their roles as the "every day man and woman" who have somehow managed to work their way to center stage to the social event of the year.Through it all, you will laugh at this delightful mix of people and recognize yourself in a little of each one of them.
James Stewart winning the Best Actor Oscar for this film and Cary Grant not being nominated at all is very questionable.Rating: 7/10.
The film is set in "high society" at the home of the aptly named Lords.Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant and James Stewart are all excellent in the lead roles.
That way Hepburn gets to play opposite two male stars to bolster box-office biz--and here she gets CARY GRANT and JAMES STEWART.
Even the great CARY GRANT had much better material to work with in his other comedy romances.All of the other "rich" characters are purely stereotypes--everyone, from VIRGINIA WEIDLER playing a bratty kid sister, ROLAND YOUNG, JOHN HOWARD and MARY NASH--they're all cardboard cutouts.
Also in the cast is that little moppet Virginia Weidler, who slightly predated Margaret O'Brien as a little sister and wasn't quite so goody-goody.A lot of the best bits in 'The Philadelphia Story' were later reused in the musical remake 'High Society'(with Crosby, Sinatra, and Grace Kelly) but there are some really classic scenes here.
I especially like the scene where Hepburn and Stewart get tipsy and he goes really overboard in his appreciation of her; there's also an amusing scene between Grant and Stewart involving more consumption of alcohol.Highly recommended for the discerning cinema comedy fan, 'The Philadelphia Story' lives up to all your expectations..
Absolutely brilliant romantic comedy starring three of the best classic movie actors--Hepburn, Grant and Stewart.
Still, in giving Tracy Lord life, Tracy Lord not only gave Hepburn back her career, but also allowed movie audiences for generations to come to enjoy the undeniable magic and charisma of Katharine Hepburn.While this film is undeniably Hepburn's, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart also turn in brilliant performances.
I was expecting a good movie with Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant andKatherine Hepburn as part of the cast, but I was amazed andsurprised by The Philadelphia Story.The Philadelphia Story is quite simply an ingenious comedy aswell as a delightfully engaging drama.
This is a witty and hilarious comedy, starring Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and James Stewart.
In one of the best character roles Katharine Hepburn shines in The Philadelphia Story, a nice blend of comedy and drama with  most interesting character studies to boot.
Certainly the plot, subplots and dialogue come across that way.Even though great actors like Kathryn Hepburn and Jimmy Stewart are at their best it is Virginia Weidler that I find the most fun to watch.
The performances are, without any doubt, what holds the whole film together, Katherine Hepburn shines as the leading lady and her on screen chemistry with Hollywood legends Cary Grant and James Stewart is outstanding.
The acting is superb too, Katherine Hepburn is deliciously shrewd, Cary Grant is charming and urbane and James Stewart while cynical is the epitome of the Mr Nice Guy persona we have come to know and love him by.
The film has everything going for it: Katharine Hepburn as a snappish socialite, James Stewart as a quick-witted reporter and Cary Grant's roguish boyish charm.
Each of the memorable performances are spot-on, and the screenplay is very sharp, but it's not a film I can see myself watching again in the near future; or, if I did, it would only be because I love Jimmy Stewart so much.'The Philadelphia Story' was directed by George Cukor, and adapted by Donald Ogden Stewart and Waldo Salt from Philip Barry's Broadway play of the same name.
Aside from the three main stars, other performers of note include John Howard as Tracy's undeserving husband-to-be, Ruth Hussey as Stewart's tabloid photographer, and the delightful Virginia Weidler as Tracy's nosy younger sister.The film is often described as a "comedy of remarriage," a sub-genre of American comedy which was most popular during the 1930s and 1940s.
Cary Grant was seemingly an expert in such situations, and other notable examples of this phenomenon can be found in 'The Awful Truth (1937)' and 'His Girl Friday (1940).' Another notable characteristic of 'The Philadelphia Story' is that, unlike every other screwball comedy I've seen, the conclusion was not completely predictable; I actually had no idea who was going to end up with Tracy.
THE PHILADELPHIA STORY is a glittering 1940 comedy, based on a play by Phillip Barry that starred the legendary Katharine Hepburn on Broadway and re-established a career that was floundering at the time.
Hepburn gives, arguably, the greatest performance of her career, as Tracy Lord, a spoiled, self-absorbed heiress and grande dame of Philadelphia society who is busy planning her upcoming marriage to a stuffed shirt named George Kittredge when her ex-husband, C.K, Dexter Haven (Cary Grant) re-enters her life.
The Philadelphia Story has so much going for it--Hepburn, Grant, Stewart--but the actor that makes the picture really work is Virginia Weidler, who plays Tracy's young sister Dinah.
James Stewart (Mike) and Cary Grant (Dexter) play opposite Hepburn.
I'd like to add my praise to the long list.I am not anywhere near the generation of people who would have originally seen this movie or been Katherine Hepburn/Cary Grant/Jimmy Stewart fans.
The wealthy Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn) is getting married to a man named George Kittredge (John Howard).Suddenly her ex-husband C.K.Dexter Haven (Cary Grant) shows up with two reporters of the "Spy" magazine.These people are Macaulay Connor (James Stewart) and Elizabeth Imbrie (Ruth Vassey).These three are there to make a real mess.George Cukor's The Philadelphia Story (1940) is a fantastic comedy.Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and James Stewart is a trio to remember.Roland Young gives a fine performance as Uncle Willie.Virginia Weidler is marvelous as Dinah Lord.When she sings Lydia The Tattooed Lady...Enchanting!
Maybe it's because the talent, class and grace of the great Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Jimmie Stewart don't exist anymore in the film industry.
Anyway, the acting was superb with Jimmie Stewart who got his only Oscar for playing the reporter who is smitten with Tracy but his real love is his work and his partner LIz played by the wonderful Ruth HUssey.
Classic comedy play with great production and cast.The film is more a showcase for Hepburn who truly delivers here and takes her career to the next level (Crawford,Bergman,Bette Davis level).Grant does his usual CONSISTENT quality performance but Stewart here also delivered a performance that almost stole the film from Hepburn.This led to his recieving the Oscar.He may not have deserved to recieve the Oscar that year though but still,the performance he gave here was strong enough for the award.If one is sophisticated,mature minded and loves romance comedy films,this one will truly deliver.If it had quality color cinematography,it would be a masterpiece.But that's just nitpicking though.One of the top 100 best films of all time......
The wedding hour approaches - who will Tracy marry, and is she really such a cold hearted queen after all?Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and James Stewart are a charming and witty menage a trois giving first class performances.
Love triangle starring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and James Stewart.
Two Philadelphia socialites, Dexter (Cary Grant) and Tracy (Katherine Hepburn) were lifelong acquaintances who ended up marrying each other.
In "The Philadelphia Story," much of the humor comes from Tracy and Macaulay "Mike" Connor, played by James Stewart, when they are in their cups.
Not terrible, but not the stand-out great movie it was in the first half.This second half also makes the movie feel a bit dated, due to the social stuffiness and play-like dialogue.Three of the great performers of the 40s are on show - Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart.
Socialite Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn) has her upcoming wedding disrupted by the arrival of her ex-husband Dexter (Cary Grant) and two reporters (James Stewart, Ruth Hussey).
It involves wealthy socialite Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn)who is soon to be married for the second time; C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant), her first husband; and Mac Connor (James Stewart), the down-to-earth reporter who becomes smitten with Tracy....Tracy, C.K. and Mac all face a dilemma.
Arguably one of the greatest comedies in film, assembling a fine comic cast and the perfect director for the project, The Phildelphia Story is a bona fide side-splitter.With of several screwball comedies under her belt - and the early success of Oscar - Hepburn asserts her star-power from the MGM execs to request both James Stewart and Cart Grant in a dream slapstick comedy.She reprises her stage role as Tracy Lord in this translation of the wacky musical by John Barry.
Listed as a comedy and a romance by IMDb, it certainly is that, but the film does contain dialogue that is biting, somber and outright mean.The cast is stellar and it is difficult to imagine how any film starring Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart, and Cary Grant could not be worth watching.
George Cukor directed this high society comedy that stars Katharine Hepburn as rich socialite Tracy Lord, who is about to marry businessman George Kittredge, though her ex-husband C.K. Dexter Haven(played by Cary Grant) has other ideas.
For example, there is an early scene where James Stewart and Ruth Hussey are in a sitting room, and are visited in turn by Cary Grant, Virginia Weidler, Hepburn and Mary Nash.
Although it would be unfair to say that the talent makes this film, Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn and James Stewart are far and away its best feature."Philadelphia Story"" was adapted from the stage production of the same name by Philip Barry.
We obsess over class, something that couldn't have been more true during the depression, and it's a theme all the more impressive considering the film's popularity and story of celebrity gossip and intrigue.Hepburn stars as rich socialite Tracy Lord, who is about to marry working-class hero George Kittredge (John Howard), only her wealthy ex-husband, the wealthy and fantastically-named C.K. Dexter Haven (Grant) plans on spoiling the big day by sneaking in a tabloid writer (Stewart) and photographer (Ruth Hussey).
And this film has both, in spades (and was awarded the Oscar for Best Screenplay).Add to that the very capable and radiant Katherine Hepburn  one of Hollywood's true greats  Cary Grant, James Stewart and Ruth Hussy, you can then be assured of a slick production, fine acting (Jimmy Stewart got Best Actor Award) and a very pleasurable 112 minutes.
On her wedding day, she's furious that her ex-husband, Dexter Haven (Cary Grant) has turned up, with a couple of (maybe) low-life reporters from Spy magazine, to spoil her marriage to her very safe, very dull and very dreary new husband-to-be, George Kittredge (John Howard).How that plays out, and how Tracey find herself and true love by the end of the movie, is a sheer delight: the dialog is fast, witty, loud and complex  so you have to listen carefully all the time.
Cary Grant and James Stewart are both damn sexy in this movie and I so get Kate Hepburn's Tracy Lord.
The trio of Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn and James Stewart carry this romantic comedy.
The Philadelphia Story revived Katharine Hepburn's career..Hepburn had performed the play on Broadway for over a year and bought the film rights with the help of her ex boyfriend, Howard Hughes and enlisted her favorite director, George Cukor and her favorite co-star Cary Grant to work on the film with her.
George Cukor's "The Philadelphia Story" was released in 1940 and starred the ultimate Hollywood trinity: Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart and Cary Grant.