The Philadelphia Story
The Philadelphia Story

The Philadelphia Story

1940Movie113 minEnglish

When a rich woman's ex-husband and a tabloid-type reporter turn up just before her planned remarriage, she begins to learn the truth about herself.

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Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Google Users93%
Director: George CukorGenres: Romantic Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A wealthy socialite's wedding plans are thrown into charming chaos with the arrival of her ex-husband and a persistent tabloid reporter. As she navigates the reappearance of her former flame and the intrusion of the press, she finds herself increasingly confused about her true desires and feelings. The film masterfully blends witty dialogue with evolving romantic entanglements, leading to an unexpected resolution.

Critical Reception

The Philadelphia Story was a critical and commercial success upon its release, widely praised for its sophisticated script, witty dialogue, and stellar performances, particularly from Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart. It remains a beloved classic of Hollywood's Golden Age and is frequently cited as one of the greatest romantic comedies ever made.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sharp, sophisticated dialogue and screwball comedy elements.
  • Acclaimed for the sparkling chemistry and performances of its lead actors.
  • Celebrated as a timeless romantic comedy with enduring charm.

Google audience: Audiences love the witty banter, the engaging love triangle, and the satisfying romantic resolution, frequently calling it a delightful and sophisticated comedy that holds up remarkably well over time.

Awards & Accolades

James Stewart won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role. Katharine Hepburn was nominated for Best Actress. The film received nominations for Best Director and Best Picture.

Fun Fact

Katharine Hepburn's career was considered to be in a slump before 'The Philadelphia Story,' and the film's success was instrumental in revitalizing it. She personally championed the project and secured the rights to Philip Barry's play.

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TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Katharine Hepburn is on splendid form in this story of a wealthy spoilt brat, who is about to embark on her nuptials - second time around. This time, it's the rather fastidious "Kittredge" (John Howard) she has selected. This man is a far c...
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**A film that has qualities, but that has also been overvalued over the decades.** This was certainly one of the most interesting films of 1940, a time when the world was more attentive to the development of the war in Europe than to wha...
barrymost

barrymost

My, it's yar. The high-society goings-on of socialite Tracy Lord, who's about to remarry, and her ex-husband, C.K. Dexter Haven. All this could make a good news story, if the paper sends in the right man. Enter Macaulay Connor, an unas...