The Philadelphia Story 1940 #44 on the AFI 100 Films List--10th Anniversary List
As we are working our way through the top 100 movies of all time, we have been choosing films rather randomly to watch...depending on what mood or frame of mind we are in at that point in time.
This weekend, we have been watching our way through the Oscar nominated films for 2013, and after seeing two with serious subject matter, "Silver Linings Playbook" (which I highly recommend) and "The Beasts of the Southern Wild," I decided we needed a nice romantic comedy. And, as we've watched many on the list already, we were down to "The Philadelphia Story."
As far as being one of the best of all time, it was unclear to me at first just how this ended up on the list. From reading a bit of what others have said on the internet, it was a remarkable film for its time because it dealt with divorce and re-marriage during a time when there were tight regulations about what could and should be shown on the silver screen.
As the film unfolds, it shows itself to be an intellectually funny film with loads of witty dialogue and a few tight situations that make for smart comedy. I'm always a fan of Jimmy Stewart, who won an Oscar for his performance, and Cary Grant. And, I think that Katharine Hepburn carries her roles well.
I have to admit, this would not likely have been a movie that we would have chosen without some encouragement...so, I'm glad it's on the list. There is a scene in the beginning where Cary Grant shoves Katharine Hepburn down by the face (I know it sounds awful...but it is in a humorous context) that is a classic scene.
My biggest critism is the title. Nearly the entire film is shot in one location, and other than the fact that the writers want you to know that Katharine Hepburn's character is playing a socialite from Philadelphia, I'm not sure the title suites the movie. It seems too big...too boring...too serious. I think I'd go with something that says it is classy, yet funny. Maybe that's why they renamed the later version from 1956 "High Society." I agree...it is a much better title!
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