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1940
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THE
PHILADELPHIA STORY
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STARRING:CARY
GRANT,KATHARINE HEPBURN,JAMES STEWART,JOHN HALLIDAY,JOHN HOWARD,RUTH
HUSSEY,MARY NASH,VIRGINIA WEIDLER, ROLAND YOUNG
BASED
ON THE PLAY BY PHILIP BARRY
SCREENPLAY
BY WALDO SALT & DONALD OGDEN STEWART
PRODUCED
BY JOSEPH L. MANKIEWICZ
DIRECTED
BY GEORGE CUKOR
GENRE:COMEDY/DRAMA/ROMANCE
RATED:AUSTRALIA:PG/UK:UK:U/USA:APPROVED
RUNNING
TIME:112 MIN
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The
Philadelphia Story should be seen alone for the legendary trio
of actors which headline the film: Cary Grant. Katherine Hepburn.
James Stewart. Even if the film stunk - which it doesn't - simply
watching them together on screen is worth the price of admission (or
DVD purchase in this case). However, fortunately for us, the films
immense acting talent is backed by an excellent screenplay by Waldo
Salt and Donald Ogden Stewart (based on Philip Barry's play) and skilful
direction from George Cukor.
The plot is as follows: high maintenance idealist and socialite Tracy
Lord (Katharine Hepburn) is set to marry husband number two George
Kittredge (John Howard) in what has been dubbed as the social event
of the year. Unknown to her, ex-husband C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant)
- in what is believed to be an act of vengeance - has helped struggling
writer turned trash journalist Macaulay Connor (James Stewart) infiltrate
the highly private ceremony in order to cover the wedding for a gossip
magazine. Wise to their act, Lord decides to have some fun with the
unsuspecting Connor and Haven, yet inadvertently falls in love with
both men in the process.
In turn the film becomes a part romantic comedy, part satire on the
relationship between celebrities and the media, part light drama,
and all around timeless classic which features several memorable scenes
staged superbly by Cukor, and engrossingly funny and touching dialogue
delivered with the upmost naturality by its actors.
Katharine Hepburn delivers a truly magnificent and amusing performance
as a described goddess who surprises those who around her by revealing
a fun and sensitive side to her personality not seen before. This
is also true in the case of Hepburn herself, whose natural snobbery
worked well for her character (which was based upon her persona) while
her comedic talents won over a new slew of fans and the trust of studio
executives who branded her "box office poison" due to her
unlikeable public persona.
James Stewart is equally brilliant as the novelist who despises his
job and the rich with equal measure. His lanky goofiness works a treat,
especially in a scene where a drunken Stewart almost makes an unsuspecting
Grant laugh himself silly with his improvised touches.
The chemistry between Hepburn and Stewart is off the charts, and is
enhanced further when Grant joins them to make a formidable trio,
with Grant effectively playing the straight man to Hepburn's and Stewart's
flashier roles.
Supporting character are cast and performed admirably, especially
by Ruth Hussey who plays Stewarts want to be lover, and the young
Virginia Weilder who is show stopping fun as Hepburn's younger, mischievous
sister.
Fun. That would be the operative word to describe The Philadelphia
Story. Also add ageless, quintessential, and entertaining to the
mix. |
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