|
| . |
|
The Philadelphia Story 1941 |
Review by Jonathan Cornwell |
Directed by George Cukor
NR, 112 min. |
 |
Starring: Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, James Stewart, Ruth Hussey, John Howard, Roland Young, John Halliday, Mary Nash, Virginia Weidler, Henry Daniell, Lionel Pape, Rex Evans
Producer: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Screenplay: Philip Barry, Donald Ogden Stewart
Distributor: MGM
Released: 1941 |
Rating:
 (out of ) |
The depths to which someone will go to avoid knowing the truth about themselves is something that many
of us can relate to. And this is exactly what confronts Tracy Lord (Katherine Hepburn) as she prepares
to be married to George Kittredge (John Howard), a man that has earned his wealth and thinks he knows her.
When a former husband, Dexter Haven (Cary Grant), and two magazine reporters, Mike Connor (James Stewart) and
Liz Imbrie (Ruth Hussey), show up two days before the wedding, Tracy is forced to realize who she is and
what she really wants in her life. The Philadelphia Story may show this dilemna better than any other
movie ever made, and that's why it's a favorite picture for many movie enthusiasts.
Tracy Lord is played by Katherine Hepburn, who deserved Best Actress for her performance (Ginger Rogers
won it for Kitty Rogers in 1940) - she delivers one of the best performances I have ever seen in
screen history. To play a part like this, an actor has to have complete control over not just emotions,
but knowing when and how to show them at crucial times in the story. Hepburn seems to do this effortlessly,
proving that she is one of the best actresses of the 20th century. Hepburn actually shows us a transformation
from one character to another almost seamlessly. The only other performance I can compare it to is Viven
Leigh's masterful portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind.
This is also one of the few times in movie history that we are presented with three of the best actors
of all time on the screen together. James Stewart, who won Best Actor for his performance, is a brash
writer who has been reduced to magazine writing with his photographer Liz. Ruth is in love with Mike, but
Mike doesn't know it yet. As Tracy begins to realize that Kittredge might not be the right man for her,
Mike begins to fall for Tracy. He shows Tracy that she is not just a "cold-hearted goddess" as Dexter has
told her, but instead has an "inner fire and is just flesh and blood" like everyone else. Of course, Tracy
can't resist Mike's charm and begins to fall for him. In the meantime, Dexter tries to avoid his own still-stirring
feelings for Tracy by chastising and teasing her every chance he gets. We now have a love quadangle that
would make even Freud blush.
Cary Grant looks very comfortable as Dexter, and he plays the role to near perfection. He manipulates
the characters around him to make Tracy realize that she also still has feelings for him. And of course,
poor Kittredge is left confused and vulnerable by the events taking place around him. This is not a normal
role for Grant, who is used to playing the lead role in most of his other films. But he does it very well, giving his
character a much more commanding presence than if it had been played by a lesser actor. In the end, he
does succeed in stealing Tracy's heart back again.
What makes movies such as this one really stand out is the supporting cast that is brilliantly selected to
make the movie even more convincing. Tracy's younger sister, parents, and servants all play important roles
in weaving the story together.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention one scene that is one of the best acted scenes I have ever
witnessed on the screen. After a wedding party on the eve of her wedding, Tracy and Mike show their
feelings for each other (even if they are drunk) in a passionate and "just this night" type of way. The
dialogue that ensues between them is humorous, yet brilliant at the same time. Only two great actors
such as these two could pull off this scene so convincingly. The range of depth in both characters comes into full view
here and Katherine Hepburn is truly stunning is this five minute exchange. Also, I have rarely seen James
Stewart better than this.
The conclusion of the film is about as good as it gets for movies, with everyone realizing who they truly
love, all wrapped around a marriage ceremony. I can only think of a few movies that I have truly enjoyed
more than this film, and it is without question one of the best romantic comedies ever committed to the
screen. Filmmaking doesn't get much better than this.
© 2001 Jonathan Cornwell
|
|
| Masterpiece - Classic; Movie perfection |
 | Excellent - A Must See; One of the year's best films |
| Good - Highly Recommended |
| Fair - Worth seeing |
| Average - Viewable, but not recommended |
| Below average - View at own risk |
| Poor - Avoid at all costs |
| Very poor - An embarassment to the film industry |
| Zero | Awful - One of the worst films ever made |
© 2000 - present ReelCriticReviews
All movie pictures are registered trademarks and/or copyrights of their respective holders
Their use on this site is for informational purposes only and does not imply ownership
|
