Customer Reviews:
Good screen adaptation of the play.......2006-09-10
Tracy Lords is getting married again. This time to a man who worked his way to the top instead of starting there. Dexter her first husband invites himself to the wedding and the wedding preparations. Also inviting their selves with a little blackmail to the wedding is a writer, and photographer, from a magazine of dubious reputation. Throw in a philandering father and a friendly uncle. We watch as they go through the motions and emotions of courting and re-evaluating their lives.
This is basically a comedy and yes it has all the actors and writers to make this a piece of cinematic art. However you will find it is just fun to watch.
A great film despite its (minor) flaws.......2006-06-21
The Philadelphia Story is one of my favourite films of all time due to the sheer quality of writing and the superb performances from pretty much everyone on screen. Katharine Hepburn gives one of her finest performances but it is James Stewart who undoubtedly steals the show, deservedly winning his Oscar (despite what some reviewers might think). Cary Grant also puts in an understated performance, a welcome break from some of his early hectic, screwball roles. The writing is intelligent and witty but, for me, the directing is unobtrusive and not especially distinctive.
Whilst the film does discuss class it does not pander to the rich and privileged. Instead, both the lowly writer (Stewart) and the pampered rich girl (Hepburn) approach the other with prejudiced and stereotyped views. The only character to come off badly through their attitude to class is Hepburn's fiance who, upon working his way up the social ladder and becoming a 'self-made man', disregards his past and becomes a pompous snob. The point which the film attempts to make is that social attitudes are created through personal choice although the film is not completely successful in this, mainly because it is a romantic comedy first and foremost. The issue of social distinction is more or less forgotten towards the end when the film simply ties up all its loose ends. Any interesting point that could have been made about the issue of the class system is sidestepped in favour of a pleasing, if inevitable, ending.
A very funny film that is of its time and not exactly radical in its views but which is always a delight to watch.
Pure Gold and Better than High Society.......2006-04-23
Most of the other reviews don't do this classic justice. OK its elitest (but not snobbish). Its from another age but its sharp, intelligent and still tells some timeless truths about human behaviour. The dialogue is pointed, witty and economical and Cukor's direction is perfectly judged. Katherine Hepburn and James Stewart have the best roles but Cary Grant's selfless playing and Ruth Hussey's wry performance are superb. All the other players don't contribute a false note. High Society has superb musical numbers, pleasant stars and colour but its slow and static in comparison. Rent if you don't buy and judge for yourself.
"I'm testing the air. I like it but it doesn't like me.".......2005-11-07
George Cukor's "The Philadelphia Story" features a cast that is a filmlover's dream. One can only gape in awe at seeing Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart all together in the same production.
Reporters Mike Connor (Stewart) and Liz Imbrie (Ruth Hussey) infiltrate Philadelphia high society so that they can get the scoop on the high profile wedding of Tracy Lord (Hepburn). Into the mix is thrown Tracy's former husband, C. K. Dexter Haven (Grant) who starts to hang around his ex-wife in an attempt to win her back. As Tracy comes closer to her wedding day, she starts to doubt whether a conventional marriage is the right choice for her after all.
"The Philadelphia Story" is another of those well-done energetic comedies that were so common in the Thirties and Forties. While less chaotic than many of its screwball comedy contemporaries due to its stage play origins, this film is still a breezy and delightful treat. Hepburn is her usual wonderful self and Stewart and Grant are hilarious are the two men stalking her every move in the moments leading up to her wedding. Also of note is the performance turned in by Ruth Hussey. She more than manages to keep pace with the three screen giants and has her own fair share of memorable scenes. All in all, "The Philadelphia Story" is an entertaining cinematic work that boasts a degree of star power that is nothing short of amazing.
Excellent.......2005-07-22
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!
DVD:
- The Quiet Man (John Wayne) [1952]
- The Seventh Seal [1957]
- The Song Of Bernadette [1943]
- The Ten Commandments [1956]
- The Third Man [1949]
- The Wizard Of Oz [1939]
- To Sir With Love [1967]
- Twelve Angry Men [1957]
- Vertigo [1958]
- West Side Story [1961]
DVD List
DVD
![The Philadelphia Story [1940]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/316H5Z3BK6L.jpg)
All Classics
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Classics
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Video
Bringing Up Baby
![His Girl Friday [1940]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000071WJ3.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
His Girl Friday [1940]
![Adam's Rib [1949]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B00008N710.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
Adam's Rib [1949]
![Arsenic And Old Lace [1944]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000056BB9.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
Arsenic And Old Lace [1944]
![Holiday [1938]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000EBOZWE.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
Holiday [1938]
![The Philadelphia Story [1940]](http://www.bill88.com/buy.gif)
![The Philadelphia Story [1940] (REGION 1) (NTSC)](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31JCJJD3JVL.jpg)
![Philadelphia Story [1940] (REGION 1) (NTSC)](http://www.germanelectronics88.com/noimage.gif)