A true classic, The Philadelphia Story (1940) was named one of the Top 100 American Films by the American Film Institute - a well-deserved accolade. James Stewart received  the Best Actor  Academy Award  and the Best Screenplay  Academy Award  went to writer Donald Ogden Stewart. Katharine Hepburn, Ruth Hussey, and director George Cukor also received nominations. Cary Grant, who always plays suave with such panache, makes achieving that debonairness seem so easy that he was overlooked for an award nod, but his performance was, as usual, flawless.

Cary Grant &  

Katharine Hepburn

Beautiful, wealthy Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn) has an inflated view of herself, and expects everyone around her to live by her high standards. Her father accuses her of lacking "an understanding heart." This holier-than-thou attitude contributed to the breakup of her first marriage to C. K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant). Two years later, she's about to be married to the "perfect" man, George Kittredge (John Howard).

The editor of "Spy" magazine sends reporter Macaulay (Mike) Connor (James Stewart) and photographer Liz Imbrie (Ruth Hussey) to cover the nuptials. They are introduced to the family by ex-husband Dexter and masquerade as friends of the bride's older brother. Although their cover is quickly blown, Mike and Liz are allowed to remain in the mansion by the residents who befriend them.

Jimmy Stewart &

Katharine Hepburn

Mike becomes smitten by the bride-to-be, and they are discovered in a compromising situation which leads to misunderstandings which lead to . . . well, you get the picture, but don't you want to be surprised by the amusing way the predictable ending is handled?

The dialog is clever and snappy, giving the film the feeling of a play, which it was. Before recreating the role of Tracy for the film, Hepburn starred in The Philadelphia Story on Broadway.

In keeping with Hollywood's image of the socialite set, nobody dresses casually. Tracy's costumes are lovely, but the women's hats are "over-the-top." One of Tracy's mother's hats makes her look like a leprechaun.

As with most of the classic films, everyone smokes. Still, The Philadelphia Story is a great  film, although the level of sophistication is too high for younger children.

Director: George Cukor

Writer: Screenplay - Donald Ogden Stewart, play - Philip Barry

Cast: Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, Ruth Hussey

Rating: Not Rated, suitable for older children (There's drinking, mild profanity and some sexual innuendo.)

Classic Movie Guide Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

DVD Release Date:   3/01/05

Run Time: 112 minutes

Studio: Warner Bros. Home Video

Format: Black & White, Standard Version

Special Features

€˘ Documentary: Katharine Hepburn: All About Me - A Self-Portrait. The star narrates her biography which includes home movies and photos of her early life, and clips from her films. She talks about her life and loves, including her marriage.

€˘ Documentary: The Men Who Made the Movies: George Cukor. The award-winning director discusses directing and actors.

€˘ Robert Benchley Short: That Inferior Feeling. The humorist enacts situations where men feel inferior.

€˘ Cartoon: The Homeless Flea

€˘ Audio: 1942 Victory Theater broadcast of The Philadelphia Story featuring many of the film's stars with an introduction by Cecil B. DeMille.

€˘ Audio: 1947 broadcast from Lady Esther Screen Guild Playhouse of The Philadelphia Story featuring many of the film's stars.

Photo credits: Warner Bros. Home Video