Review of The Philadelphia Story (1940) by Uditha D — 10 Dec 2011

Even at first viewing, even an amateur can't deny that The Philadelphia Story is a classic. I certainly can't. It is one of the classiest and wittiest comedies I've ever encountered, owing perhaps to a clever mix of James Stewart and Cary Grant woven in-between the wonderfully charming Katherine Hepburn.

This was the film that "saved" her career from being one long series of "box-office poisons", and I can see why. The opening itself - a silent film-like prologue where Grant's C.

K. Dexter Haven leaves his former wife, the proud and relentless Tracy Lord (aptly named, and played by Hepburn) - is indicative of its catchy and spirited atmosphere. As for the rest, some of the funniest scenes ever, including, of course, that hilarious scene where Stewart's Macaulay Connor emerges (with Tracy in her arms) drunkenly singing "Over the Rainbow", left me with aching sides.

Overall, as a romantic comedy, or just a comedy, The Philadelphia Story deserves a well privileged 5 out of 5 stars. In addition, I don't think it's just a comedy - to be more precise, it's a sharp comedy of manners, almost like a modern day Austenian work.