The excellent play by Phillip Barry, is the basis for the delightful transfer to the screen. The choice of George Cukor as its director seems to have been made in heaven. Indeed, Mr. Cukor clearly understood what was needed to make this film the classic it became. George Cukor's contribution, as well of the magnificent screenplay, by Donald Ogden Stewart, make this a timeless comedy that looks as fresh today as when it was originally released.

It helps tremendously that Katherine Hepburn had played Tracy Lord on the stage and knew what made her tick. Ms. Hepburn, an actress of enormous talent, is the embodiment of this society woman. Katherine Hepburn clearly understood her character. Having come herself from a privileged family, she was able to get deep inside her character. Tracy Lord is going to be married to George Kitteredge, a man from her own social circle. Deep down inside, Tracy can't get her mind from the man she really loves, the rascal Dexler.

The casting of Cary Grant as C.K. Dexler was a touch of genius. Mr. Grant had played opposite Ms. Hepburn before. He was an actor that always delivered and was always a welcome addition to any of the movies of the period. Mr. Grant, with his good looks, makes the perfect man to play the part. As Dexler, the man who broke Tracy's heart, he returns just before the wedding, perhaps to remind her he's still loves her and can't get her out of his mind.

James Stewart was the other happy casting of "The Philadelphia Story". He was relatively unknown to the movie going public, but he left his mark all over the picture. As McCauley (Mike) Conner, this actor was perfect. As the tabloid reporter infiltrating the society wedding he proved his impeccable sense of timing.

Ruth Hussey, contributes to the film in unexpected ways. Virginia Weidler, as Dinah, is irresistible. The rest of the ensemble cast is a director's dream. Mary Nash, John Howard, Roland Young, John Halliday, Henry Daniel and the rest, are perfect.

"The Philadelphia Story" will keep delighting audiences for many years to come.

The studio pulled out the stops for this film, casting Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grand AND Jimmy Stewart in the leading roles. While Hepburn's star had tarnished a bit in recent years, Stewart just came off his classic performance in MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (for which some were disappointed that he didn't get the Oscar) and Grant had just come off a long string of successes. In addition, the MGM production just looked beautiful--with grand sets and excellent work all around. As a result, it's not very surprising that's it's a very entertaining film, though for me, I never LOVED this film as many have. Plus, I always felt bad for gold old Cary Grant. As usual, he didn't win an Oscar for his performance (he never won a regular Oscar--just an honorary one years later despite MANY great performances--particularly in light comedies) BUT, oddly, Stewart did get the Oscar for Best Actor--even though his role was clearly a supporting one! I guess they were trying to make up for his loss the year before, though this is NOT one of Stewart's best performances. Still, the movie is fun and light and enjoyable--thanks mostly, in my opinion, to Grant--with help from Hepburn and Stewart!

What a treat! There are inevitable comparisons to the all-dancing, all-singing musical remake High Society. I enjoyed both, but I think this classic is the superior of the two. The only problem I have with The Philadelphia Story was the rather phony ending. However, with the high quality of everything else, I almost find it easy to ignore that. The production values are top-class, and Franz Waxman's score is wonderfully complimentary. The writing is deliciously witty and acerbic, and George Cukor's direction is nigh-on perfect. The film bounces along at a cracking pace, and the more romantic parts are enough to warm the heart. The acting is superb too, Katherine Hepburn is deliciously shrewd, Cary Grant is charming and urbane and James Stewart while cynical is the epitome of the Mr Nice Guy persona we have come to know and love him by. Overall, a real treat, if the ending wasn't as tacky we would have had perfection of a romantic comedy. 9/10 Bethany Cox