The Philadelphia Story (1940)

My, it's yar.

The high-society goings-on of socialite Tracy Lord, who's about to remarry, and her ex-husband, C.K. Dexter Haven. All this could make a good news story, if the paper sends in the right man. Enter Macaulay Connor, an unassuming reporter who deals with more than his share of the crazy antics, and nearly gets married, before the film's end. This is an excellent, funny, and wholly diverting romantic comedy from that grand old director, George Cukor (one of my favorites). With three very talented, knockout stars, the film sure couldn't go wrong, and of course James Stewart snagged his Best Actor Oscar for it. And there's Cary Grant, spouting delightful nonsense all over the place, such is this memorable little one-liner: "No mean Machiavelli is smiling, cynical Sidney Kid...

**A film that has qualities, but that has also been overvalued over the decades.**

This was certainly one of the most interesting films of 1940, a time when the world was more attentive to the development of the war in Europe than to what was done by the actors. Based on a play that had great success on Broadway, George Cukor offers us an elegant and practical film, with material that allows the actors to show some talent, but which is still too theatrical at several moments, like a recorded play.

Despite being considered a classic at times, I think it is a minor work for everyone: Cukor will always be best remembered for “My Fair Lady”; Cary Grant shined much brighter in “North By Northwest” and “Charade”; Hepburn will always be remembered for “Lion in Winter” and St...

Katharine Hepburn is on splendid form in this story of a wealthy spoilt brat, who is about to embark on her nuptials - second time around. This time, it's the rather fastidious "Kittredge" (John Howard) she has selected. This man is a far cry from her previous husband "Dexter-Haven" (Cary Grant), but he's what her family think is a safe pair of hands after her last knee-jerk marriage ended in failure. As the big day approaches, a glossy magazine sends reporter "Lis" (Ruth Hussey) and photographer "Mike" (James Stewart) to cover the happy event. It all might have gone to plan but for the arrival at his home next door of the aforementioned ex, who whilst going through the congratulatory motions with "Tracy", is clearly up for some mischief. What chance she will walk up the aisle now? The fou...