The Philadelphia Story (1940)

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The Philadelphia Story (1940) – G. Cukor

Not quite as screwball as I remembered (or would have hoped) but it is endlessly fascinating to watch the very different comedic work by Cary Grant (droll) and Jimmy Stewart (more exaggerated). Of course, this was the film that Katherine Hepburn used to overcome the label of “box office poison” that she had earned from earlier efforts – she plays an independent high society woman on the rebound from her divorce from socialite Cary Grant and about to marry a self-made businessman (John Howard).  However, Jimmy Stewart’s writer (slumming for a celebrity magazine) falls head over heels for her (despite his photographer girlfriend Ruth Hussey also being there) and she finds herself swooning.  A few suggestions from the menfolk in her life that she doesn’t have enough empathy for them helps to soften her attitude, particularly toward Grant. (This might not actually be politically acceptable these days, although Grant’s only sin was drinking, not cheating).  George Cukor directed and the final 10-15 minutes (and the last shot) bring all the emotions home.  Stewart won the Oscar as did screenwriter Donald Ogden Stewart.  Perhaps all of the stars did their best work elsewhere but this still has star power to spare.