Everyone is quick to pair Katherine Hepburn with Spencer Tracy, however... there was once upon a time the magnificent teaming of Hepburn and Cary Grant. THE PHILADELPHIA STORY is one of their greatest accomplishments. More over, this slick comedy of errors, over the years, has probably gotten the most screenings of 'em all.
It's a prime example of the perfect storm; comedy and timing at its best. The story of a high society wedding, with all the elaborate do's and don'ts is fun enough, but also watching an outstanding cast and what they accomplish with this material. Case in point concerns director George Cukor's decision to film the script with few out-takes. Just let the cameras roll, and its Grant who has the most fun, without a doubt, a master of the double-take and an improv genius at heart.
The opening scene with the golf clubs is now legend, followed by about a dozen more. The supporting cast is very cleverly put to good use, if not the finest scene stealers in the biz. A film that's definitely habit forming.
Movie legend dictates that Hepburn, declared a "non bankable" actress at the time, rejected for the lead in GONE WITH THE WIND, became a star all over again in the Broadway production, gained control of the film rights, brought it to Hollywood and made a fortune. How's that for inspiration? Not to forget an Oscar nomination to throw in the faces of all the studio bosses! Grant was nominated for Best Actor.
Likewise, George Cukor, having been "fired" from GONE WITH THE WIND, sprang back in high fashion with this iconic film. What a good luck charm.
Forever on dvd and re-mastered blu ray.
It's a prime example of the perfect storm; comedy and timing at its best. The story of a high society wedding, with all the elaborate do's and don'ts is fun enough, but also watching an outstanding cast and what they accomplish with this material. Case in point concerns director George Cukor's decision to film the script with few out-takes. Just let the cameras roll, and its Grant who has the most fun, without a doubt, a master of the double-take and an improv genius at heart.
The opening scene with the golf clubs is now legend, followed by about a dozen more. The supporting cast is very cleverly put to good use, if not the finest scene stealers in the biz. A film that's definitely habit forming.
Movie legend dictates that Hepburn, declared a "non bankable" actress at the time, rejected for the lead in GONE WITH THE WIND, became a star all over again in the Broadway production, gained control of the film rights, brought it to Hollywood and made a fortune. How's that for inspiration? Not to forget an Oscar nomination to throw in the faces of all the studio bosses! Grant was nominated for Best Actor.
Likewise, George Cukor, having been "fired" from GONE WITH THE WIND, sprang back in high fashion with this iconic film. What a good luck charm.
Forever on dvd and re-mastered blu ray.