Watch The Philadelphia Story

The Philadelphia Story is a 1940 romantic-comedy film directed by George Cukor and starring Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and James Stewart. The film was adapted from a 1939 play of the same name by Philip Barry. The movie was a critical and commercial success, earning six Academy Award nominations and winning two, including Best Actor for James Stewart.

The film follows the story of Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn), a wealthy socialite who is about to marry her fiancé George Kittredge (John Howard). However, her ex-husband C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant) is still in love with her and tries to win her back. Meanwhile, a reporter named Macaulay Connor (James Stewart) and photographer Liz Imbrie (Ruth Hussey) are assigned to cover the wedding for a tabloid magazine. As they spend more time with Tracy and her family, they begin to uncover secrets and scandals that threaten her upcoming marriage.

The film's plot is a classic romantic comedy, complete with witty banter, mistaken identities, and a love triangle. Tracy is torn between her desire for stability with George and her feelings for Dexter, who represents a more exciting and unpredictable life. The presence of Mac and Liz adds an element of chaos to the proceedings, as they poke and prod the upper-class society and uncover their flaws and hypocrisies.

One of the film's standout features is its stellar cast. Hepburn, Grant, and Stewart all deliver memorable performances, showcasing their talent for comedy and drama. Hepburn is particularly strong as Tracy, bringing both vulnerability and strength to the character. Grant is charming as ever as Dexter, while Stewart uses his trademark stutter to great effect as the earnest and lovestruck Mac.

The film's visual style is also worth noting. Cukor's direction is elegant and sophisticated, capturing the opulence of the upper-class society in which the story is set. The costumes and set design are stunning, adding to the film's overall sense of glamour and refinement.

Despite its age, The Philadelphia Story remains a timeless classic. Its themes of love, loyalty, and the struggle between convention and freedom still resonate today, and its humor and charm are as fresh as ever. The film has been remade and adapted numerous times over the years, but the original remains a high watermark in the romantic comedy genre.

In conclusion, The Philadelphia Story is a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood cinema. Its witty script, talented cast, and stylish direction make it a true gem of the era. Whether you're a fan of romantic comedies or just appreciate great storytelling, this film is sure to charm and entertain you.

The Philadelphia Story is a 1940 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 96.