AFI Top 100: #44
First off, I'd like to thank George Cukor for giving us incredibly drunk Jimmy Stewart carrying Katharine Hepburn and belting "Over the Rainbow" because that is not only what defines my aesthetic but what honestly makes this entire film worth a watch. The Philadelphia Story is an exceptional romantic-comedy that defined how to make a story like this back in the 1940s. I really enjoyed this movie for everything that it was and there is frankly not much that I would do to change it. Although it might come off as generic in terms of the plot and its predictability, Cukor's film is an excellent examination of the hilarity that can ensue from not a love triangle, but rather a love square. Accompanied by some fantastic performances from its entire cast, musical cues, and editing that really enhance the experience, it is not difficult to fall desperately in love with this story.
When rich socialite Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn) is set to be married to George Kittredge (John Howard), her ex-fiancée C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant) is hired by his publisher to cover the wedding. Tagging along with him is writer Macaulay Connor (Jimmy Stewart) and photographer Elizabeth Imbrie (Ruth Hussey), who all end up entangled in a mess of an upcoming marriage. The script from Donald Ogden Stewart, based on the play of the same name by Philip Barry, is brilliant, and especially in the dialogue between the characters, so much chemistry is shown. What really carries this film is the relationships and dynamics between the characters and they were all nothing short of charming. I adored the romantic vibes that radiated from this film and this is honestly one of the more funnier ones of this era that I have seen. The Philadelphia Story does an incredible job of executing its premise of a four-way love conflict and the interactions between them all were not only believable but also hilarious. I absolutely adored all of the humor in this movie and it is used in just the right times to make its characters that much more exciting. This all would not have been possible, however, if not for the performances from the entire cast. Hepburn, Grant, Hussey, and Howard made for the perfect little group of elites, and the way that this film simultaneously mocks them and makes you feel for them is embodied perfectly by the cast. They are all phenomenal together but Stewart is honestly who steals the show for me (surprise, surprise) and even though he is a supporting character, he embodies the lovestruck best friend character better than I could have imagined. As strange as it sounds, this film is the perfect vehicle for Stewart to not be in the spotlight because I believe that not as much pressure was put on him to be a leading man. This gave way for one of the funniest performances of his that I can remember and it also further deepens my love for his genre-crossing talents.
This film might not contain the most original plot or premise ever written, but I will always be a sap for a good ending and Cukor absolutely nails this. Every emotional beat that should be felt during a romantic-comedy such as this one is prevalent and Cukor proves that he knows how to get emotion out of his audience. From the genuinely funny one-liners to the longing that I felt during so many of this film's romantic scenes, they are all balanced together well and Cukor deserves nothing but praise for his simply excellent story. His direction is also great because he is able to handle every character with ease and gave them all plenty of time to develop on their own. He also did this without ever making the film feel dull and I really appreciate how he paces the entire movie. Tracy could have ended up with either of the three men and I honestly would have been happy because more than anything, this film is about her as a character. It takes until the end of the film to realize but Hepburn is the emotional center of this story and the final scene cements just that. It's also surprising that The Philadelphia Story also only takes place in one house and in a few select locations because I am typically not that entertained by films that limit themselves such as this. Especially in this genre, I am usually expecting something wild to happen to the characters or for them to travel to a strange location but this film did just fine with itself by staying within certain boundaries. That goes for the plot as well: no unnecessary risks were taken with who the audience thought Tracy might end up with but it was compelling all the same. Neither the cinematography nor editing were anything spectacular (partly due to the fact that the same location was used) but they all worked together to tell a decently exciting visual story.
The Philadelphia Story is not at all what I was expecting but I am more than glad that it surpassed said expectations. Based on the poster, one might think that this film was much more of a noir or family drama but the smack in the face that was the romantic tone from scene one was a welcome addition into what I thought would be a much duller experience. As I have mentioned countless times before, Jimmy Stewart will always make a film better and while the entire cast was exceptional, his charm will always elevate a film into legendary, entertaining status.
My Rating: ★★★★½
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