The Philadelphia Story

Anyone who’s ever seen Bringing Up Baby knows that Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn can carry a movie by themselves —- and then some. Alone, the two could have made The Philadelphia Story a madcap romantic comedy, but it’s the addition of Jimmy Stewart that makes a good movie into a classic.

Grant is his usual, impeccable self, and the role of the regal Tracy Samantha Lord Haven was actually written for Hepburn, but in large part this is Stewart’s film. His character has a bit of an edge that serves the film well, and among such strong colleagues, he turns in a classic, Oscar-winning performance.

The Plot

In the first scene we see the messy end of the marriage between Tracy and C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant), who is driven to a rather ungentlemanly gesture. In the blink of an eye she’s ready to marry again, this time to the up-by-the-bootstraps man of the people, aspiring pol George Kittredge (John Howard). The wedding is set to be an exclusive, private affair, but it isn’t long before complications arise. Dexter shows up to disturb the proceedings, bringing along Spy magazine reporter Macaulay "Mike" Connor (Stewart) and his photographer companion Liz Imbrie (Ruth Hussey). Tasked by their boss to cover the wedding, they reluctantly pose as long lost friends -— a cover that gets blown almost immediately.

A few cases of champagne and a dip in the pool later, the whole event is turned on its head. Turns out Dexter may still love his ex, the reporter has fallen for her as well, and the majestic Tracy is torn as three very different men vie for her affections.

'The Philadelphia Story' - the Background

By 1938, Hepburn had developed a reputation as “box office poison,” and The Philadelphia Story is largely the product of Hepburn’s willful quest to regain control of her career. The film is based on a play by the same name, written specifically for Hepburn by playwright Philip Barry.

After receiving rave reviews on Broadway, Hepburn acquired the film rights for the movie from her former lover Howard Hughes, who purchased them on her behalf. She, in turn, sold them for a song to MGM in exchange for veto power over the producer, director, screenwriter, and cast.

Hepburn initially envisioned Clark Gable for the role of Dexter Haven and Spencer Tracy as Macauley Connor, but neither was available. Once Stewart and Grant were on board, the entire film was shot in just eight weeks without a single retake.

What To Watch For

Between the star power of Grant and Hepburn and the tour de force performance by Stewart, it would be easy to ignore Ruth Hussey. Don’t. Her clear-sighted Liz Imbrie provides an indispensable, melancholy moral center for the film.

If you liked 'The Philadelphia Story...'

To see more of Grant and Hepburn together, rent Bringing Up Baby or Holiday. For even more society huijinks and the sheer volume of alcohol consumed, don’t miss William Powell and Myrna Loy in The Thin Man and its many sequels.

Just the Facts:

Year: 1940, Black and White
Director: George Cukor
Running Time: 112 minutes
Studio: MGM