Discuss The Philadelphia Story
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One of Cary Grant's (and everyone else's) best
posted by barrymostSTAFFMOD on February 9, 2020 at 1:47 PM
Just gave this a rewatch last week. I saw it for the first time almost two years ago, and was pleasantly surprised at how much great stuff I had forgotten about it. Cary Grant is at his best here, not too crazy, but oh-so sophisticated and witty. Of course, all the other players do a terrific job, under the direction of the fabulous George Cukor, one of my favorite directors. Virginia Weidler was hilarious, and absolutely spot-on as Dinah, Katherine Hepburn's little sister. And James Stewart, doing his usual trademark stuttering, and slight bumbling throughout, and doing it well, as always. This film could not have been better casted.
Reply by bratface
on February 10, 2020 at 1:07 AM
One of my favorites. I gave it a 9/10.
Reply by genplant29
on February 10, 2020 at 9:20 AM
The entire cast, including the portrayers of the parents and uncle, are wonderful and perfect.
I agree with brat's 9/10 rating; that's what also I gave this film.
Reply by catmydogs
on February 10, 2020 at 10:09 AM
Grant and Hepburn did a similar film earlier called Holiday, which I feel is even better than Philadelphia Story.
Reply by barrymost
on February 10, 2020 at 5:10 PM
9/10 seems to be the consensus; that's what I gave it too.
I've heard of Holiday, and furthermore, have it on my watchlist. It's one I'm very eager to see.
Reply by bratface
on February 10, 2020 at 6:13 PM
I do like Holiday but not as much as TPS. Something about it bothered me, I can't really describe it. I think it's too frenetic with a touch of maybe trying too hard?
Reply by genplant29
on February 10, 2020 at 6:57 PM
I agree with you, brat. While I love the actor (Edward Everett Horton) and actress (Jean Dixon) who play Cary's pals in Holiday, I thought things, primarily involving scenes featuring one or both of them, seemed OTT to an extent that in my opinion threw things off some. I like Holiday, but as probably a 7.5/10.
Reply by bratface
on February 10, 2020 at 10:16 PM
You know it's funny, but it was Hepburn & Grant for me.
Reply by catmydogs
on February 11, 2020 at 8:36 AM
I like the idea of an innocence lost in Holiday. Plus, Hepburn has never been prettier than in Holiday. One of my favorite screwball comedies. But nothing tops His Girl Friday, the best screwball ever!
Reply by barrymost
on February 11, 2020 at 10:24 AM
Ooh, His Girl Friday: another one I really want to see!
Reply by genplant29
on February 11, 2020 at 3:27 PM
I think my all-time fave Hepburn film is Summertime. Hepburn is beautiful and heartbreaking in that, and gives a lovely unaffected - while rich in inner emotion - performance. Such a good movie.
Reply by SueDNim
on March 17, 2020 at 3:39 PM
I'm a little late to the discussion. I hope you've watched Holiday by now. That almost-kiss at the end is, for my money, right up there with the famous kiss in Rear Window. It'll stick with you. A total delight, that movie. Hepburn and Lew Ayres both break my heart, but in the most wonderful way.
Reply by SueDNim
on March 17, 2020 at 3:40 PM
That's another entry on my embarrassingly long list of movies that make me cry EVERY BLOODY TIME ... and I love them for it.
Reply by SueDNim
on March 17, 2020 at 3:45 PM
I think I know what you mean, and that's why TPS remains my favorite Hepburn/Grant pairing. However, I do love the movie for its strengths and its messages, however forced. Besides, I could happily watch those two play off each other for the rest of my life!