Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2487 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-06-20
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Formats: Box set, Black & White, PAL, Special Edition
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 107 minutes

Synopsis
THE PHILADELPHIA STORY boasts an incredible cast, but it's Katharine Hepburn's picture in more ways than one. It's 1860, and Tracy Lord (Hepburn), a Philadelphia heiress, is about to marry coal-company executive George Kittridge (John Howard). The wedding, promising to be the season's premier event, attracts the attention of magazine publisher Sidney Kidd (Henry Daniell), who sees it as an opportunity to break a story. Spy magazine's Dexter Haven (Cary Grant), Lord's ex-husband, is enlisted to gain access to the party, along with top scandal writer Macauley Connor (James Stewart, in an Oscar-winning role). However, the reporter is quickly smitten by the bride's charms--and he's not the only one. The film, based on the play by Phillip Barry, was first a Broadway sensation starring Hepburn, who acquired the screen rights, claimed the starring role, and chose the director, screenwriter, and lead cast. In addition to fine work by Grant and Stewart, notable supporting performances are delivered by Ruth Hussey and Virginia Weidler. One of nine films Hepburn made with director George Cukor, it remains one of the classics of their collaboration and of American cinema.

Customer Reviews

Good screen adaptation of the play
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
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.

The Tiffany or Packard V12 Roadster of Hollywood Comedies
THE PLOT:
Heiress Tracy Lord sets exacting high standards for herself and others - especially her father and ex-husband. About to marry a stuffy but worthy self-made businessman, she fascinates a poet and radical journalist from a scandal magazine and learns a thing or two about herself. The wedding goes ahead as planned but she remarries her ex-husband instead of fiance.

COMMENT: This is a favourite civilised high comedy of mine. Set among the the New England rich but free of snobbery it is filled with clever characters and amusing asides. Sharp, intelligent and telling with 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.

DVD:
The picture and sound are good. Extras include an amusing Robert Benchley short film and an informative critical commentary.