Review of The Philadelphia Story (1940) by Byron B — 07 Aug 2013

Based on the stage play written for Katharine Hepburn. An abundance of funny lines and situations. Tracy Lord is a perfect role for New Englander Hepburn. Tracy is planning to marry stiff George Kittredge (Howard).

Cary Grant plays Tracy's ex, a man with the looney name C.K. Dexter Haven. They bicker like they are still married and share insults as if something is not resolved between them. C.K. has been assigned to get the scoop on this new marriage for a gossip rag.

Liz Imbrie (Hussey) and Mike Connor (Stewart) also work for the magazine. She's a photographer and he's a writer. They get assistance from C.K with a cover story about knowing Tracy's brother, who never appears.

They arrive as reluctant guests for the celebration, and feel uncomfortable in the rich surroundings. Soon Jimmy Stewart's Mike begins to make a connection with Kate Hepburn's Tracy. While intoxicated they do and say things they may regret in the morning, but really it is fairly innocent.

Can the upper-crust protect their reputation? Which of the three men will Tracy choose in the end? One of George Cukor's many wonderful collaborations with Hepburn.