My favourite of the classic romantic comedies, and another of those films I can watch repeatedly without ever tiring. The characters are all most intriguing, and there is an air of sweetness in the atmosphere. I think one of my favourite aspects of the film is watching three of Hollywood's greatest screen legends work their magic. Led by Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn and James Stewart, and featuring an outstanding supporting performance by child actress Virginia Weidler, The Philadelphia Story hooks you through it's wonderfully portrayed characters.
Cary Grant is C.K. Dexter Haven, the divorced husband of Philadelphia socialite Tracy Lord (Hepburn). When he learns that she is about to be remarried to George Kittredge, a man with suspectably ulterior motives, he arrives unexpectedly at her home, accompanied by reporters Macaulay Connor (Stewart) and Elizabeth Imbrie (Ruth Hussey), determined to stir up trouble.
The standout performance is delivered by Stewart as tabloid writer Macaulay Connor. And even though the Academy is given flack for awarding him the Best Actor Oscar over Henry Fonda in The Grapes of Wrath, it isn't too far a stretch to say that he deserved it. Stewart embodies charm and an indifferent attitude that radiates through his character. Katharine Hepburn as Tracy Lord is equally as radiating, and provides an equal force for both Stewart and Grant to play off. Cary Grant is the weakest of the three, but is by no means dull. He plays the cool and not-so-coy instigator quite effectively. Virginia Weidler as Hepburn's kid sister Dinah, gives one of my favourite performances by a child actor ever. She steals scenes from some of Hollywood's best like no other actor her age could, and her rendition of "Lydia the Tattooed Lady" at the piano is as memorable as any scene in the movie.
The fleeting spark between Stewart and Hepburn is so electric, that the scenes featuring the two of them are the best in the movie. Their famous nighttime poolside encounter is easily one of my favourite movie scenes of all-time.
This film is hilarious, satirical and charming. And the story is only made even moreso delectable by the calibre of the performances. Nearly every character in the film is brought to life by it's actor, and much credit must be given to the casting director. This interpretation of a Philip Barry play is perfect, and The Philadelphia Story is one that is most intriguing.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
Cary Grant is C.K. Dexter Haven, the divorced husband of Philadelphia socialite Tracy Lord (Hepburn). When he learns that she is about to be remarried to George Kittredge, a man with suspectably ulterior motives, he arrives unexpectedly at her home, accompanied by reporters Macaulay Connor (Stewart) and Elizabeth Imbrie (Ruth Hussey), determined to stir up trouble.
The standout performance is delivered by Stewart as tabloid writer Macaulay Connor. And even though the Academy is given flack for awarding him the Best Actor Oscar over Henry Fonda in The Grapes of Wrath, it isn't too far a stretch to say that he deserved it. Stewart embodies charm and an indifferent attitude that radiates through his character. Katharine Hepburn as Tracy Lord is equally as radiating, and provides an equal force for both Stewart and Grant to play off. Cary Grant is the weakest of the three, but is by no means dull. He plays the cool and not-so-coy instigator quite effectively. Virginia Weidler as Hepburn's kid sister Dinah, gives one of my favourite performances by a child actor ever. She steals scenes from some of Hollywood's best like no other actor her age could, and her rendition of "Lydia the Tattooed Lady" at the piano is as memorable as any scene in the movie.
The fleeting spark between Stewart and Hepburn is so electric, that the scenes featuring the two of them are the best in the movie. Their famous nighttime poolside encounter is easily one of my favourite movie scenes of all-time.
This film is hilarious, satirical and charming. And the story is only made even moreso delectable by the calibre of the performances. Nearly every character in the film is brought to life by it's actor, and much credit must be given to the casting director. This interpretation of a Philip Barry play is perfect, and The Philadelphia Story is one that is most intriguing.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
Isn't it absolutely wonderful? It's one of my favorite romantic comedies ever, and definitely my favorite film of 1940 - and yes, my favorite in it is Stewart as well, even if I don't give him the win that year.
ReplyDeleteFantastic review, hun ;)