"Shall we toss a coin?"
Wealthy socialite Tracy Lord (Hepburn) is preparing for her second wedding. Everything is perfect: her new beau, George Kittredge (Howard) is a handsome "man of the people" who worked his way to the top. They are planning a lavish ceremony at the Lord estate, and nothing could ruin the day... except for the arrival of her ex-husband, C.K. Dexter Haven (Grant), and two reporters, Mike "Macaulay" Connor (Stewart) and Liz Imbrie (Hussey), from Spy magazine.
The editor of Spy magazine, Sidney Kidd (Henry Daniell), plans to publish an article about Tracy's father, Seth Lord (John Halliday), and the affair he is having with a ballet dancer. To prevent the publication of the article, the women of the Lord family decide to give the reporters a show... which includes switching the identities of Mr. Lord and Uncle Willie (Roland Young). Meanwhile, Dexter tries to prove he is the right man for Tracy... while she seeks the affections of Mike. Who will win Tracy's heart?
A quintessential screwball comedy with big stars and big laughs. The combination of Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart makes this a must-see film and the perfect example of a great screwball comedy. This film was adapted from the Broadway play, starring Hepburn (who owned the rights to the film). The play was written for Hepburn by a friend, to serve as her comeback to Broadway... and the film was to serve as her big comeback. Hepburn had the ability to select director, the writer, and the cast... she had to settle for her male co-stars.
They might not be her first choice, but I can't imagine anyone else appearing in the film. Grant is charming and has great chemistry with Hepburn (they appeared together in several films prior to this one). When they fight or are getting along, you can't help but hope they get back together. Stewart steals the show as the bitter writer, who has strong opinions about the idle rich. He has sizzling chemistry with Hepburn, especially after the party. Stewart owns the second half of the film, especially the party scene. This role won him an Oscar.
The film wouldn't work without help from the support cast. Ruth Hussey nails the part of Liz, with the fast dialogue and a little look here or there. She isn't the main focus of the film, but she delivers a stellar performance that helps the rest of the cast shine.
If you're a Grant, Stewart, or Hepburn fan, OR you love screwball comedies, OR you just love a good film, check it out!
The Philadelphia Story (1940) 112 minutes
Director: George Cukor
Starring: Cary Grant as C.K. Dexter Haven
Katharine Hepburn as Tracy Lord
James Stewart as Macaulay Connor
Ruth Hussey as Elizabeth Imbrie
John Howard as George Kittredge
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