230. Philadelphia Story

The Philadelphia Story (1940)

Director: George Cukor

Starring: Katherine Hepburn

Cary Grant

James Stewart

IMDb Rating: 7.9

My Rating: 8

"I thought all writers drank to excess and beat their wives. You know, at one time I think I secretly wanted to be a writer."

Tracy Lord (Katherine Hepburn) is a Philadelphia socialite, who is about to marry her second husband. Lord had sent her first husband C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant) packing two years earlier, when he didn't quite live up to her high standards. The editor of Spy Magazine is very interested in covering Lord's upcoming wedding. So he sends Haven, along with reporter Macaulay Collins (James Stewart) to cover the wedding. Haven arrives and tells Lord that Spy Magazine will run an article about her father's supposed affair if she does not do the story. Lord has no choice, but to agree.

Along the way, Macaulay becomes quite enthralled with Tracy. The night before the wedding, there is a large party. At the end of the night, Tracy and Macaulay end up running off into the night. It is also blatantly obvious that Haven is still harboring feelings for his former wife, as he just so happens to show up around every corner. Soon Tracy finds herself having to choose between a past love, a present love, and a possible future love.

The Philadelphia Story is seen as the pinnacle of romantic comedies. It's haywire story and fast talking dialogue make the film a laugh from start to finish. The one-liners come so fast and constant that I had to rewind to catch all that was said. The screenplay was adapted from the play of the same name, and loses absolutely nothing in it's transition to the screen. You could even say that the film works better without the limits of a single stage. The film's story and script are just a couple of the things that makes it such a classic Hollywood tale.

What is most amazing about this film is the ensemble of talent. Katherine Hepburn's performance is something to marvel. She captures your attention every time she steps on screen. James Stewart won the Academy Award for his role in the film. It is a different type of role for Stewart. He is much more jaded and cocky than he is normally. It goes without question the level of talent of Cary Grant. His performance is my favorite piece of this film. Arguably the three greatest actors in film history in Grant, Hepburn, and Stewart are on display in this talent driven film.

The Philadelphia Story will always be at the top of many people's "favorite movie" lists. It's very rare that three talents such as Grant, Hepburn, and Stewart are assembled for one film. Especially in a genre that has today been reserved mainly for comedians, and not great actors. This was the first film on the list that I actually watched with someone else in the room. It's safe to say that she enjoyed it just as much as I did. With Valentine's Day just a week away, this movie would be perfect for any fun romantic evening.