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Movies / Upcoming / The Philadelphia Story
The Philadelphia Story

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The Philadelphia Story (1940)

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Reviews Counted:45

Fresh:45

Rotten:0

Average Rating:8.5/10

Consensus: Offering a wonderfully witty script, spotless direction from George Cukor, and typically excellent lead performances, The Philadelphia Story is an unqualified classic.

Runtime: 2 hrs 56 mins

Genre: Comedies

US Box Office: $0

Synopsis: THE PHILADELPHIA STORY boasts an incredible cast, but it's Katharine Hepburn's picture in more ways than one. Tracy Lord (Hepburn), a Philadelphia heiress, is about to marry coal-company executive... THE PHILADELPHIA STORY boasts an incredible cast, but it's Katharine Hepburn's picture in more ways than one. Tracy Lord (Hepburn), a Philadelphia heiress, is about to marry coal-company executive George Kittridge (John Howard). The wedding, promising to be the season's premier event, attracts the attention of magazine publisher Sidney Kidd (Henry Daniell), who sees it as an opportunity to break a story. Spy magazine's Dexter Haven (Cary Grant), Lord's ex-husband, is enlisted to "gain access" to the party, along with top scandal writer Macauley Connor (James Stewart, in an Oscar-winning role). However, the reporter is quickly smitten by the bride's charms--and he's not the only one. The film, based on the play by Phillip Barry, was first a Broadway sensation starring Hepburn, who acquired the screen rights, claimed the starring role, and chose the director, screenwriter, and lead cast. In addition to fine work by Grant and Stewart, notable supporting performances are delivered by Ruth Hussey and Virginia Weidler. One of nine films Hepburn made with director George Cukor, it remains one of the classics of their collaboration and of American cinema. [More]

Starring: Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, Ruth Hussey

Starring: Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, Ruth Hussey, John Howard, Roland Young, John Halliday, Virginia Weidler, Henry Daniell, Lionel Pape, Rex Evans

Director: George Cukor

Director: George Cukor
Screenwriter: Donald Ogden Stewart
Composer: Franz Waxman
Producer: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Story: Philip Barry

[See More Credits]

Reviews for The Philadelphia Story

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1 - 20 (sorted by comments; Australian critics are listed first)
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If ever a production was endowed with an over-abundance of what normally represents the epitome in entertainment it is The Philadelphia Story.

Full Review Source: Boxoffice Magazine | comment Comment
06/05/02
Boxoffice Magazine

With such a stellar cast, a fine director working in the type of picture he did best, and some genuinely witty dialogue, this film has all the ingredients for a great comedy.

Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide | comment Comment
07/02/07
TV Guide's Movie Guide

In short, The Philadelphia Story lifts the daily drudge into a charming never-never land, with complete footnotes excusing its existence. And besides, it's a good, entertaining show.

Full Review Source: TIME Magazine | comment Comment
04/23/09
TIME Magazine

Hepburn, Grant and Stewart star in one of the best romantic comedies ever made!

comment Comment
12/16/03
Alex Sandell
Alex Sandell
Juicy Cerebellum

No review available.

comment Comment
06/19/04
Andy Klein
Andy Klein
Los Angeles CityBeat

A sparkling comedy of manners.

Full Review Source: culturevulture.net | comment Comment
11/19/01
Ben Stephens
Ben Stephens
culturevulture.net

Hepburn at her pinnacle; Grant and Stewart at their most charming; witty, warm and wonderful. A timeless work.

comment Comment
08/22/02
Bob Bloom
Bob Bloom
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)

Everyone is at the top of his game in this sparkling satire.

comment Comment
03/01/03
Boo Allen
Boo Allen
Denton Record Chronicle (TX)

It has been a long time since Hollywood has spent itself so extravagantly, and to such entertaining effect, upon a straight upper-crust fable, an unblushing apologia for plutocracy.

Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
05/20/03
Bosley Crowther
Bosley Crowther
New York Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Today I don't think anyone really cares about the fact that this was intended to be a cunning class satire with a capital C, but it's got big stars, they say cool things, they look good, it's funny, and the right guy gets the right girl in amusing fashion

Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
12/08/02
Brad Laidman
Brad Laidman
Film Threat

I don't think anyone really cares about the fact that this was intended to be a cunning class satire with a capital C, but it's got big stars, they say cool things, they look good, it's funny, and the right guy gets the right girl in amusing fashion.

Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
12/06/05
Brad Laidman
Brad Laidman
Film Threat

No review available.

comment Comment
10/04/02
Brian J. Arthurs
Brian J. Arthurs
Beach Reporter (Southern California)

No review available.

comment Comment
10/17/03
Carol Cling
Carol Cling
Las Vegas Review-Journal

Everyone and everything about the film is mostly perfect, and what the movie ultimately says about the nature of love is still prescient.

Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com | comment Comment
03/06/05
Christopher Null
Christopher Null
Filmcritic.com

No review available.

comment Comment
10/11/02
Christopher Smith
Christopher Smith
Bangor Daily News (Maine)

A parlor drama with witty, Oscar Wilde-like banter and glib repartee

Full Review Source: All Movie Guide | comment Comment
06/27/02
Dan Jardine
Dan Jardine
All Movie Guide

George Cukor gives it the royal treatment with a splendid supporting cast...

Full Review Source: Chicago Reader | comment Comment
07/02/07
Dave Kehr
Dave Kehr
Chicago Reader

Grant, Stewart, and Hepburn deliver impeccable performances.

Full Review Source: BBC | comment Comment
04/17/01
David Wood
David Wood
BBC

A very funny film.

Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews | comment Comment
09/28/03
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz
Ozus' World Movie Reviews

No review available.

comment Comment
10/13/02
Elias Savada
Elias Savada
Nitrate Online
 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by comments; Australian critics are listed first)
Text View | 1 2 3 >> >|
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June 22, 2007: AFI Announces Top 100 Movies of All Time ... Again
Ten years ago the AFI gave us a list of the Top 100 American Films Ever Made -- and when that was done they churned out 15 other lists every few years. And then last night they... More...

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