She Was Yar

“The Philadelphia Story”  (1940) – movie review
Today’s review is for the sophisticated romantic comedy “The Philadelphia Story” (1940), directed by George Cukor and starring Katharine Hepburn as Tracy Lord (a wealthy Philadelphia socialite whose upcoming wedding is complicated by the return of her ex-husband), Cary Grant as C.K. Dexter Haven (the charming ex determined to win her back), James Stewart as Macaulay “Mike” Connor (a cynical reporter who unexpectedly falls for Tracy), and Ruth Hussey as Elizabeth Imbrie (Connor’s sharp and loyal photographer colleague).  Supporting roles include John Howard as Tracy’s fiancé George Kittredge and Roland Young as Uncle Willie.
Background:  Hepburn is one of my all-time favorite actors.  Stewart and Grant are both waaayyy up there, too.  LoL.  So, this was an easy choice to make for viewing a rom-com.  Based on Philip Barry’s 1939 Broadway play, written specifically for Hepburn, the film was produced by MGM and released in late 1940.  Hepburn had been labeled “box office poison” after several commercial failures.  This role revitalized her career.  The film was both a critical and commercial success, earning over $3 million at the box office against a modest budget.  It won two Academy Awards:  Best Actor (James Stewart) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Donald Ogden Stewart), and was nominated for Best Picture.  Today, it is considered a landmark in the romantic comedy genre and preserved in the U.S. National Film Registry for its cultural significance.
Plot:  Set among Philadelphia’s upper class, the story follows Tracy Lord on the eve of her second marriage.  Her ex-husband Dexter Haven arrives with a tabloid reporter and photographer, ostensibly to cover the society wedding but secretly to prevent scandal.  As the weekend unfolds, Tracy confronts her own perfectionism, her strained family relationships, and her conflicting feelings for Dexter and Mike.  The film builds toward a wedding day full of revelations, where Tracy must choose not only between men but between ideals of love, humility, and authenticity.
So, is this movie any good?  How’s the acting?  The filming / FX?  Any problems?  And, did I enjoy the film?  Short answers:  Yes;  superb;  elegant and restrained;  minor pacing issues;  absolutely.
Any Good?  Yes.  “The Philadelphia Story” is a witty, layered comedy of manners that balances screwball humor with genuine introspection.  It asks what marriage is for—status, perfection, or companionship—and whether love can survive pride.  The screenplay sparkles with repartee, while the thematic undercurrent explores class, vulnerability, and second chances.
Acting:  Katharine Hepburn delivers one of her defining performances, portraying Tracy as both imperious and fragile.  Cary Grant’s Dexter is suave yet wounded, a perfect foil.  James Stewart, in an Oscar-winning turn, brings warmth and humor to Mike, especially in his drunken late-night scene with Hepburn.  Ruth Hussey adds intelligence and subtlety as Liz, grounding the ensemble.  The chemistry among the leads is electric, and the ensemble elevates the film’s emotional stakes.
Filming / FX:  Joseph Ruttenberg’s cinematography frames Philadelphia’s elite world with elegance — manicured estates, polished interiors, and carefully staged gatherings.  George Cukor’s direction emphasizes dialogue and character interplay over spectacle, allowing the performances to breathe.  Franz Waxman’s score underscores the film’s shifts between comedy and romance.  There are no flashy effects, but the restraint is deliberate, highlighting wit and character rather than visual excess.
Problems:  Minor.  The pacing in the early acts can feel slow, as exposition builds toward the central conflicts.  Some supporting characters, particularly George Kittredge, are included for show not substance.  The film’s class critique is gentle, never fully interrogating privilege.  Yet these are quibbles in a film that prioritizes character and dialogue.
Did I Enjoy the Film?  Yes.  “The Philadelphia Story” is a reminder of how comedy can illuminate human flaws with affection rather than cruelty.  Watching Tracy’s transformation — from goddess-like perfection to a woman who admits her humanity — is both moving and entertaining.  The interplay of Hepburn, Grant, and Stewart is timeless, and the film’s final reconciliation feels earned.
Final Recommendation:  Very highly recommended.  “The Philadelphia Story” is a classic romantic comedy that revitalized Hepburn’s career, showcased Stewart’s versatility, and cemented Cukor’s reputation for ensemble direction.  It won two Academy Awards, remains preserved in the National Film Registry, and continues to resonate for its wit, performances, and thematic depth.  Rated “Approved” under the Production Code, it is suitable for all audiences.  Watch it for the laughs, and for the reminder that love requires humility — and that second chances can be sweeter than first ones.
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Click here (20 December) to see the posts of prior years.  I started this blog in late 2009.  Daily posting began in late January 2011.  Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.

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