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| director = [[George Cukor]]
| director = [[George Cukor]]
| producer = [[Joseph L. Mankiewicz]]
| producer = [[Joseph L. Mankiewicz]]
| based_on = {{Based on|''[[The Philadelphia Story (play)|The Philadelphia Story]]''<br/>1939 play|[[Philip Barry]]}}
| based_on = {{Based on|''[[The Philadelphia Story (play)|The Philadelphia Story]]''|[[Philip Barry]]}}
| screenplay = [[Donald Ogden Stewart]]
| screenplay = [[Donald Ogden Stewart]]
| starring = [[Cary Grant]]<br />[[Katharine Hepburn]]<br />[[James Stewart]]<br />[[Ruth Hussey]]
| starring = [[Cary Grant]]<br />[[Katharine Hepburn]]<br />[[James Stewart]]<br />[[Ruth Hussey]]
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| country = United States
| country = United States
| language = English
| language = English
| budget = $914,000 <ref name="Mannix">{{Citation |title=The Eddie Mannix Ledger |place=Los Angeles |publisher=Margaret Herrick Library, Center for Motion Picture Study |mode=cs1}}</ref>
| budget = $914,000<ref name="Mannix">{{Cite journal |last=Glancy |first=H. M. |year=1992 |title=MGM film grosses, 1924–1948: The Eddie Mannix Ledger |journal=Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television |volume=12 |number=2 |pages=127–144 |doi=10.1080/01439689200260081|url= https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/01439689200260081 |access-date=2024-09-03}}</ref>
| gross = $3.3&nbsp;million<ref name="Mannix" />
| gross = $3.3&nbsp;million<ref name="Mannix" />
}}
}}


'''''The Philadelphia Story''''' is a 1940 American [[romantic comedy]] film<ref>''[[Variety Film Reviews|Variety]]'' film review; November 27, 1940, page 16.</ref><ref>''[[Harrison's Reports and Film Reviews|Harrison's Reports]]'' film review; December 7, 1940.</ref> directed by [[George Cukor]], starring [[Cary Grant]], [[Katharine Hepburn]], [[James Stewart]], and [[Ruth Hussey]]. Based on the 1939 [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] [[The Philadelphia Story (play)|play of the same name]] by [[Philip Barry]],<ref name="ibdb">{{cite web |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-philadelphia-story-12441 |title=''The Philadelphia Story'' (1939 play) |website=IBDB.com |publisher=[[Internet Broadway Database]] }}</ref> the film is about a [[socialite]] whose wedding plans are complicated by the simultaneous arrival of her ex-husband and a tabloid magazine journalist. The socialite character of the play—performed by Hepburn in the film—was inspired by [[Helen Hope Montgomery Scott]] (1904–1995), a Philadelphia socialite known for her hijinks, who married a friend of playwright Barry.<ref>Irvine, Ian [http://www.reelclassics.com/Movies/Philstory/tracylord-article.htm "The Real Philadelphia Story"] at [http://www.reelclassics.com ReelClassics.com]</ref>
'''''The Philadelphia Story''''' is a 1940 American [[romantic comedy]] film<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 26, 1940 |title=The Philadelphia Story |url=https://variety.com/1940/film/reviews/the-philadelphia-story-1200413300/ |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |pages=16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=December 7, 1940 |title=The Philadelphia Story |work=[[Harrison's Reports]]}}</ref> starring [[Cary Grant]], [[Katharine Hepburn]], [[James Stewart]] and [[Ruth Hussey]]. Directed by [[George Cukor]], the film is based on the 1939 [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] [[The Philadelphia Story (play)|play of the same name]] by [[Philip Barry]]<ref name="ibdb">{{cite web |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-philadelphia-story-12441 |title=''The Philadelphia Story'' (1939 play) |website=IBDB.com |publisher=[[Internet Broadway Database]] }}</ref> about a [[socialite]] whose wedding plans are complicated by the simultaneous arrival of her ex-husband and a tabloid magazine journalist. The socialite, played by Hepburn in both productions, was inspired by [[Helen Hope Montgomery Scott]] (1904–1995), a [[Philadelphia]] heiress who had married Barry's friend.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Irvine |first=Ian |date=April 16, 1995 |title=The Philadelphia Story (1940) |url=http://www.reelclassics.com/Movies/Philstory/tracylord-article.htm |website=Sunday Telegraph |via=ReelClassics.com}}</ref>


Written for the screen by [[Donald Ogden Stewart]] and an uncredited [[Waldo Salt]], it is considered one of the best examples of a [[comedy of remarriage]], a genre popular in the 1930s and 1940s in which a couple divorce, flirt with outsiders, and then remarry—a useful story-telling device at a time when divorce was scandalous and the depiction of extramarital affairs was blocked by the [[Motion Picture Production Code|Production Code]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Waldo Salt |url=http://prod-www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/168919%7C152945/Waldo-Salt |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=prod-www.tcm.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
Written for the screen by [[Donald Ogden Stewart]] and an uncredited [[Waldo Salt]], it is considered among the best examples of a [[comedy of remarriage]], in which a couple divorce, flirt with outsiders and then remarry. The genre was popular in the 1930s and 1940s at a time when divorce was considered scandalous and the depiction of extramarital affairs was blocked by the [[Motion Picture Production Code|Production Code]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Waldo Salt |url=http://prod-www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/168919%7C152945/Waldo-Salt |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=TCM.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Bradshaw |first=Peter |date=February 12, 2015 |title=The Philadelphia Story review – fun and wit rise like champagne bubbles |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/12/the-philadelphia-story-review-rerelease |work=The Guardian}}</ref>


The film was Hepburn's first big hit following several flops, which had placed her on a 1938 list of actors considered to be "box office poison" compiled by Manhattan movie theater owner Harry Brandt.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=January 20, 1941 |title=The New Pictures |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,772652,00.html |url-status=dead |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091223105921/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,772652,00.html |archive-date=December 23, 2009 |access-date=December 18, 2011}}</ref> Hepburn acquired the film rights to the play, which she had also starred in, with the help of [[Howard Hughes]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hyde |first=Douglas |date=February 23, 2005 |title=The Hughes-Hepburn affair; Hepburn biographer describes 'tender' relationship |work=CNN.com |url=http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Movies/02/23/hughes.hepburn/}}</ref> in order to control it as a vehicle for her screen comeback.<ref name=tcmnotes /> According to a Turner Broadcasting documentary ''MGM: When the Lion Roars'', after [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] purchased the film rights, they were skeptical about Hepburn's box office appeal, so MGM studio head [[Louis B. Mayer]] took an unusual precaution by engaging two A-list male stars (Grant and Stewart) to support Hepburn.
The film was Hepburn's first hit following several flops that caused her placement on a 1938 list of actors considered to be "box office poison" compiled by theater owner Harry Brandt.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=January 20, 1941 |title=The New Pictures |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,772652,00.html |url-status=dead |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091223105921/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,772652,00.html |archive-date=December 23, 2009 |access-date=December 18, 2011}}</ref> Hepburn starred in the play and acquired the film rights, with the help of [[Howard Hughes]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hyde |first=Douglas |date=February 23, 2005 |title=The Hughes-Hepburn affair; Hepburn biographer describes 'tender' relationship |work=CNN.com |url=http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Movies/02/23/hughes.hepburn/}}</ref> to control it as a vehicle for her screen comeback.<ref name="tcmnotes">{{Cite web |title=The Philadelphia Story — Notes |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/12778/the-philadelphia-story#notes |website=[[TCM.com]]}}</ref>


Nominated for six [[Academy Awards]], the film won two: [[James Stewart]] for [[Academy Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]], and [[Donald Ogden Stewart]] for [[Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay|Best Adapted Screenplay]]. MGM [[remake|remade]] the film in 1956 as a [[musical film|musical]], retitled ''[[High Society (1956 film)|High Society]]'', starring [[Bing Crosby]], [[Grace Kelly]], and [[Frank Sinatra]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Hay |first=Peter |title=MGM: When the Lion Roars |publisher=Turner Publishing |year=1991 |isbn=978-1878685049 |pages=206–207, 310 |language=en}}</ref>
Nominated for six [[Academy Awards]], including [[Academy Award for Best Picture|Outstanding Production]] (Best Picture), the film won two: [[Academy Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] (Stewart) and [[Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay|Best Adapted Screenplay]]. MGM [[remake|remade]] the film in 1956 as a [[musical film|musical]] retitled ''[[High Society (1956 film)|High Society]]'', starring [[Bing Crosby]], [[Grace Kelly]] and [[Frank Sinatra]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Hay |first=Peter |title=MGM: When the Lion Roars |publisher=Turner Publishing |year=1991 |isbn=978-1878685049 |pages=206–207, 310 |language=en}}</ref>


''The Philadelphia Story'' was produced by [[Joseph L. Mankiewicz]], and was selected for preservation in the United States [[National Film Registry]] in 1995.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Complete National Film Registry Listing {{!}} Film Registry {{!}} National Film Preservation Board {{!}} Programs {{!}} Library of Congress |url=https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/ |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA}}</ref>
''The Philadelphia Story'' was produced by [[Joseph L. Mankiewicz]] and was selected for preservation in the United States [[National Film Registry]] in 1995.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Complete National Film Registry Listing |url=https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/ |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA}}</ref>


==Plot==
==Plot==
[[File:Philadelphia Story 9.jpg|thumb|left|Mike carries Tracy into the house from a midnight dip.]]
[[File:Philadelphia Story 9.jpg|thumb|Mike carries Tracy into the house after a midnight dip.]]


Tracy Lord is the elder daughter of a wealthy [[Philadelphia Main Line]] socialite family. She was married to C.K. Dexter Haven, a yacht designer and member of her social set, but divorced him two years prior, because, according to her father, he does not measure up to the standards she sets for all her friends and family: He drank too much for her taste, and, according to him, as she became critical of him, he drank more. Their only interaction while married, the film's opening scene, is her breaking one of his golf clubs and him pushing her to the ground. Now, she is about to marry ''[[nouveau riche]]'' "man of the people" George Kittredge.
Tracy Lord is the elder daughter of a wealthy [[Philadelphia Main Line]] socialite family. She was married to C.K. Dexter Haven, a yacht designer and member of her social set, but divorced him two years prior because, according to her father, he does not meet the standards that she sets for all her friends and family. She is soon to marry the wealthy George Kittredge.


⚫
In New York, ''Spy'' magazine publisher Sidney Kidd is eager to cover the wedding and assigns reporter Mike Connor and photographer Liz Imbrie. Kidd intends to use the assistance of Dexter, who has been working for ''Spy'' in South America. Dexter tells Kidd that he will introduce them as friends of Tracy's brother Junius, a diplomat in [[Argentina]]. Tracy is not fooled, but Dexter tells her that Kidd has threatened her family's reputation with an innuendo-laden article about her father's affair with a dancer. Tracy deeply resents her father's infidelity, which has prompted her parents to live separately. Nonetheless, to protect her family's reputation, she agrees to let Mike and Liz stay and cover her wedding.
[[File:PhiladelphiaStory trailer.png|right|thumb|Tracy is short a groom, with a roomful of wedding guests waiting.]]


⚫
Dexter is welcomed by Tracy's mother Margaret and teenage sister Dinah, much to Tracy's frustration. She soon discovers that Mike has admirable qualities and finds his book of short stories in the library. As the wedding nears, she finds herself torn among George, Dexter, and Mike.
⚫
In New York, ''Spy'' magazine publisher Sidney Kidd is eager to cover the wedding, and assigns reporter Macaulay "Mike" Connor and photographer Liz Imbrie. Kidd intends to use the assistance of Dexter, who has been working for ''Spy'' in South America. Dexter tells Kidd that he will introduce them as friends of Tracy's brother Junius (a U.S. diplomat in Argentina). Tracy is not fooled, but Dexter tells her that Kidd has threatened the reputation of her family with an innuendo-laden article about her father's affair with a dancer. Tracy deeply resents her father's infidelity, which has prompted her parents to live separately. Nonetheless, to protect her family's reputation, she agrees to let Mike and Liz stay and cover her wedding.


The night before the wedding, Tracy becomes drunk, kisses Mike and takes an innocent midnight swim with him. When George observes Mike carrying Tracy into the house afterward, he assumes the worst. The next day, George tells her that he was shocked and feels entitled to an explanation before proceeding with the wedding. She admits to having no excuse and realizes that he does not really know her and has loved her as an idealized, perfect angel, so she cancels the engagement.
⚫
Dexter is welcomed back with open arms by Tracy's mother Margaret and teenage sister Dinah, much to Tracy's frustration. She soon discovers that Mike has admirable qualities, and even seeks out his book of short stories in the public library. As the wedding nears, she finds herself torn between her fiancé George, Dexter, and Mike.


The night before the wedding, Tracy gets drunk for only the second time in her life, kisses Mike, and ultimately takes an innocent midnight swim with him. When George observes Mike carrying an intoxicated Tracy into the house afterward, he assumes the worst. The next day, he tells her that he was shocked and feels entitled to an explanation before going ahead with the wedding. Yet, she admits she really has none, and realizes that he does not really know her at all. He has loved her as a perfect, ideal angel, an embodiment of goodness—a virginal statue—and not as a person, so she breaks off the engagement. By now she better understands her own imperfections and her criticism of others. Tracy realizes that all the guests have arrived and are waiting for the ceremony to begin. Mike quickly volunteers to marry her, but she graciously declines because she perceives that Liz is in love with him. Then, Dexter, who clearly planned to win her back all along, offers to remarry her, and she gladly accepts.
Tracy realizes that the guests have arrived and are waiting for the wedding ceremony to begin. Mike quickly volunteers to marry her, but she graciously declines because she perceives that Liz is in love with him. Dexter then offers to remarry her, and she gladly accepts.


==Cast==
==Cast==
{{castlist|
{{castlist|
⚫
* [[James Stewart]] as Macaulay "Mike" Connor
* [[Cary Grant]] as C.K. Dexter Haven
* [[Cary Grant]] as C.K. Dexter Haven
* [[Katharine Hepburn]] as Tracy Samantha Lord
* [[Katharine Hepburn]] as Tracy Samantha Lord
⚫
* [[James Stewart]] as Macaulay "Mike" Connor
* [[Ruth Hussey]] as Elizabeth "Liz" Imbrie
* [[Ruth Hussey]] as Elizabeth "Liz" Imbrie
* [[John Howard (American actor)|John Howard]] as George Kittredge
* [[John Howard (American actor)|John Howard]] as George Kittredge
Line 66: Line 66:
==Production==
==Production==
{{quote box|width=30em|bgcolor=#c6dbf7|align=right|quote="Everyone had enormous fun on the movie. The days and nights were sweltering that summer of 1940, but nobody cared. Cary got along very well with Kate Hepburn. She enjoyed him pushing her through a doorway in one scene (so she fell over backward) so much that she had him do it to her over and over again. There was a scene in which she had to throw Cary out the door of a house, bag and baggage, and she did it so vigorously he fell over and was bruised. As he stood up, looking rueful, Kate said, "That'll serve you right, Cary, for trying to be your own stuntman."|source=—Cameraman [[Joseph Ruttenberg]], recalling ''The Philadelphia Story'' (1940).{{Sfn|Higham|Moseley|1990|p=129}}}}
{{quote box|width=30em|bgcolor=#c6dbf7|align=right|quote="Everyone had enormous fun on the movie. The days and nights were sweltering that summer of 1940, but nobody cared. Cary got along very well with Kate Hepburn. She enjoyed him pushing her through a doorway in one scene (so she fell over backward) so much that she had him do it to her over and over again. There was a scene in which she had to throw Cary out the door of a house, bag and baggage, and she did it so vigorously he fell over and was bruised. As he stood up, looking rueful, Kate said, "That'll serve you right, Cary, for trying to be your own stuntman."|source=—Cameraman [[Joseph Ruttenberg]], recalling ''The Philadelphia Story'' (1940).{{Sfn|Higham|Moseley|1990|p=129}}}}
Broadway playwright Barry<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/philip-barry-7990 |title=Philip Barry |website=IBDB.com |publisher=[[Internet Broadway Database]] }}</ref> wrote the play specifically for Hepburn, who ended up backing the play, and forgoing a salary in return for a percentage of its profits.<ref name=tcmarticle /> Her co-stars were [[Joseph Cotten]] as Dexter Haven, [[Van Heflin]] as Mike Connor, and [[Shirley Booth]] as Liz Imbrie.<ref name=ibdb />
Broadway playwright [[Philip Barry]] wrote the play specifically for Hepburn, who financially supported the play and declined a salary in return for a percentage of the profits.<ref name=tcmarticle /> Her costars were [[Joseph Cotten]] as Dexter Haven, [[Van Heflin]] as Mike Connor and [[Shirley Booth]] as Liz Imbrie.<ref name=ibdb />


The original play, starring Hepburn, ran for 417 performances.<ref name=ibdb />
The original play, starring Hepburn, ran for 417 performances.<ref name=ibdb /> It made over $1&nbsp;million in box office sales and later went on to tour, performing another 250 times and making over $750,000 in sales.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} The play also originally featured another character named Sandy. However that role was eliminated for the movie to make more room for the character development of Mike.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}


At this time, Hepburn hoped to create a film vehicle for herself which would erase the label of "box office poison" that she had acquired after a number of commercial failures (including the classic ''[[Bringing Up Baby]]''). So, she happily accepted the film rights to the play from [[Howard Hughes]], who had bought them for her. She then convinced MGM's Mayer to buy them from her for only $250,000, in return for Hepburn having veto over producer, director, screenwriter, and cast.<ref name=tcmnotes /><ref name=tcmarticle />
Hepburn had hoped to create a film vehicle for herself that would erase the label of "box office poison" that she had acquired after a number of commercial failures (such as ''[[Bringing Up Baby]]''). [[Howard Hughes]] purchased the film rights for the play and gave them to her. Hepburn then sold the rights to MGM's [[Louis B. Mayer]] for $250,000 and the power of final approval of the film's producer, director, screenwriter and cast.<ref name=tcmnotes /><ref name=tcmarticle />


[[File:Philadelphia Story 13.jpg|left|thumb|275px|Hepburn as Tracy Lord and Stewart as Mike Connor]]
[[File:Philadelphia Story 13.jpg|thumb|275px|Hepburn as Tracy Lord and Stewart as Mike Connor]]


Hepburn selected director [[George Cukor]], in whose films ''[[A Bill of Divorcement (1932 film)|A Bill of Divorcement]]'' (1932) and ''[[Little Women (1933 film)|Little Women]]'' (1933) she had acted, and [[Donald Ogden Stewart]], a friend of Barry's and a specialist at adapting plays to the big screen, as writer.<ref name="tcmarticle">{{Cite web |last=Melear |first=Mary Anne |title=The Philadelphia Story |url= https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/12778/the-philadelphia-story#articles-reviews|access-date=January 10, 2024 |website=Turner Classic Movies}}</ref>
Hepburn selected director [[George Cukor]], with whom she had worked for ''[[A Bill of Divorcement (1932 film)|A Bill of Divorcement]]'' (1932) and ''[[Little Women (1933 film)|Little Women]]'' (1933), and Barry's friend [[Donald Ogden Stewart]], a writer experienced with adapting plays to the screen.<ref name="tcmarticle">{{Cite web |last=Melear |first=Mary Anne |date=February 27, 2023 |title=The Philadelphia Story |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/12778/the-philadelphia-story#articles-reviews |access-date=January 10, 2024 |website=Turner Classic Movies}}</ref> Stewart, who won an Oscar for the script, said that "getting an Oscar for ''The Philadelphia Story'' was the easiest Oscar you could imagine. All you had to do was get out of the way." He wrote the script while listening to a tape recording of a live performance of the play to ensure that he preserved the lines that received the most laughter.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Eyles |first1=Allen |title=Backstory: Interviews with Screenwriters of Hollywood's Golden Age |last2=Gillet |first2=John |publisher=University of California Press |year=1986 |isbn=978-0520056893 |editor-last=McGilligan |editor-first=Patrick |pages=344–345 |chapter=David Ogden Stewart: Politically Conscious}}</ref>


Hepburn wanted [[Clark Gable]] to play Dexter Haven and [[Spencer Tracy]] to play Mike Connor, but both had other commitments.<ref name=":1" /> Grant agreed to play the part on condition that he be given top billing, and that his salary would be $137,000, which he donated to the [[British War Relief Society]].<ref>Eric Page, [https://www.nytimes.com/1986/12/01/obituaries/cary-grant-movies-epitome-of-elegance-dies-of-a-stroke.html ‘Cary Grant, Movies’ Epitome of Elegance, Dies of A Stroke’] The New York Times, December 1, 1986. Retrieved August 4, 2019.</ref> The pairing of Cukor and Gable would have been problematic in any case, as they had not gotten along on the recent ''[[Gone with the Wind (film)|Gone with the Wind]]'', and Cukor had been replaced with [[Victor Fleming]], who was a friend of Gable's.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Dinitia |date=2005-03-22 |title=The Antic Birth Pangs of 'Gone With the Wind' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/22/theater/newsandfeatures/the-antic-birth-pangs-of-gone-with-the-wind.html |access-date=2023-04-26 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230426174315/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/22/theater/newsandfeatures/the-antic-birth-pangs-of-gone-with-the-wind.html |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
Hepburn wanted [[Clark Gable]] to play Dexter Haven and [[Spencer Tracy]] to play Mike Connor, but both had other commitments.<ref name=":1" /> The pairing of Cukor and Gable might have been problematic in any case, as they had clashed during the filming of the recent ''[[Gone with the Wind (film)|Gone with the Wind]]'', with Cukor replaced by Gable's friend [[Victor Fleming]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Dinitia |date=2005-03-22 |title=The Antic Birth Pangs of 'Gone With the Wind' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/22/theater/newsandfeatures/the-antic-birth-pangs-of-gone-with-the-wind.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230426174315/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/22/theater/newsandfeatures/the-antic-birth-pangs-of-gone-with-the-wind.html |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |access-date=2023-04-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Grant agreed to play the part only if he were afforded top billing and that his salary would be $137,000, which he donated to the [[British War Relief Society]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Page |first=Eric |date=December 1, 1986 |title=Cary Grant, Movies' Epitome of Elegance, Dies of A Stroke |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/12/01/obituaries/cary-grant-movies-epitome-of-elegance-dies-of-a-stroke.html |access-date=August 4, 2019 |work=The New York Times}}</ref>


According to the documentary ''MGM: When the Lion Roars'', after Mayer purchased the film rights, he was skeptical about Hepburn's box-office appeal and took the unusual precaution of engaging two top male stars (Grant and Stewart) to support Hepburn.
The film was in production from July 5 to August 14, 1940<ref>IMDB [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032904/business Business data]</ref> at MGM's studios in [[Culver City, California|Culver City]].<ref>IMDB [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032904/locations Filming locations]</ref> It was shot in six weeks and came in five days under schedule.<ref name="tcmnotes">TCM [https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/12778/the-philadelphia-story#notes Notes]</ref> At one point, Stewart slipped in his hiccupping during the drunk scene. Grant turned to him, surprised, and said, "Excuse me", then appears to have stifled a laugh. The scene was kept, and was not reshot.<ref>[[Robert Osborne|Osborne, Robert]], [[Turner Classic Movies]] broadcast</ref>


The film was in production from July 5 to August 14, 1940,<ref>IMDB [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032904/business Business data]{{unreliable source?|date=September 2024}}</ref> five days under schedule,<ref name="tcmnotes" /> at MGM's studios in [[Culver City, California|Culver City]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garbarino |first=Steve |date=May 25, 2024 |title=The Estate That Inspired "The Philadelphia Story" Hits the Market |url=https://airmail.news/issues/2024-5-25/red-white-and-blueblooded |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=[[Air Mail (magazine)|Air Mail]] |language=en}}</ref>
Stewart had been extremely nervous about the scene in which Connor recites poetry to Tracy, and believed that he would perform badly. [[Noël Coward]] was visiting the set that day, and was asked by Cukor to say something to encourage him. Stewart was also quite uncomfortable with some of the dialogue, especially in the swimming pool scene.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}}


⚫
==Reception==
Hepburn performed the dive into the swimming pool by herself, without the help of doubles.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}}


⚫
===Release===
⚫
The film premiered in New York City on December 26, 1940, and it was shown in select theaters in December, but MGM had agreed to hold its general release until January 1941 in order to not compete with the stage play,<ref name=tcmnotes /> which was no longer playing on Broadway, but was touring the country.<ref name=ibdb /> It went into general American release on January 17, 1941.<ref>TCM [https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/12778/the-philadelphia-story#overview Overview]</ref> It broke a box office record at [[Radio City Music Hall]] by taking in $600,000 in just six weeks.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}}
⚫
[[File:Philadelphia Story, The - (Trailer).ogv|thumb|Theatrical trailer]]
⚫
The film premiered in New York City on December 26, 1940 and was shown in select theaters in December, but MGM had agreed to hold its general release until January 1941 to avoid competition with the stage play<ref name="tcmnotes" /> that was touring the country.<ref name="ibdb" /> It entered general American release on January 17, 1941.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Philadelphia Story — Overview |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/12778/the-philadelphia-story#overview |website=TCM.com}}</ref> It broke a box-office record at [[Radio City Music Hall]] by earning $600,000 in just six weeks.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}}


⚫
According to MGM records, the film earned $2,374,000 in the U.S. and Canada, and $885,000 elsewhere, resulting in a profit of $1,272,000.<ref name="Mannix" />
The model sailboat that Grant gives Hepburn is based on an actual boat, the ''True Love'' (originally the ''Venona II'', based on the Malabar design by [[John Alden (naval architect)|John Alden]] built for racing), which, as of 2021, sails on [[Seneca Lake (New York)|Seneca Lake]] out of [[Watkins Glen, New York]], as an excursion boat for Schooner Excursions, Inc.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sailing Charters in the Finger Lakes |url=https://sailtruelove.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426175445/https://sailtruelove.com/ |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=Sail True Love |language=en-US}}</ref>


===Critical reception===
⚫
==Reception==
⚫
[[File:Philadelphia Story 12.jpg|thumb|Grant as C.K. Dexter Haven, and John Howard as George Kittredge]]Writing for ''The New York Times'' in 1940, [[Bosley Crowther]] wrote that the film "has just about everything that a blue-chip comedy should have—a witty, romantic script derived by Donald Ogden Stewart out of Philip Barry's successful play; the flavor of high-society elegance, in which the patrons invariably luxuriate; and a splendid cast of performers headed by Hepburn, Stewart, and Grant. If it doesn't play out this year and well along into next, they should turn the [[Radio City Music Hall|Music Hall]] into a shooting gallery ... Metro and Director George Cukor have graciously made it apparent, in the words of a character, that one of 'the prettiest sights in this pretty world is the privileged classes enjoying their privileges'. And so, in this instance, will you, too."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crowther |first=Bosley |author-link=Bosley Crowther |date=December 27, 1940 |title=A Splendid Cast Adorns the Screen Version of 'The Philadelphia Story' at the Music Hall |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9F04E0D71F3CE73ABC4F51DFB467838B659EDE |access-date=December 18, 2011 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>


[[Life (magazine)|''Life'']] named ''The Philadelphia Story'' its film of the week in January 1941, describing it as "among the best funny pictures" of the year.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=Jan 6, 1941 |title=Movie of the week: The Philadelphia Story |pages=31 |magazine=LIFE |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M0oEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA31 |access-date=April 26, 2023}}</ref>
===Box office===
⚫
[[File:Philadelphia Story, The - (Trailer).ogv|thumb|Trailer (public domain)]]
⚫
According to MGM records, the film earned $2,374,000 in the US and Canada, and $885,000 elsewhere, resulting in a profit of $1,272,000.<ref name="Mannix" />


⚫
The film has a [[List of films with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes|100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes]] based on 101 reviews, with an average rating of 9/10. The consensus reads: "Offering a wonderfully witty script, spotless direction from George Cukor, and typically excellent lead performances, ''The Philadelphia Story'' is an unqualified classic."<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 1, 1940 |title=The Philadelphia Story |url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/philadelphia_story/ |access-date=June 10, 2021 |website=Rotten Tomatoes}}</ref> Rotten Tomatoes has also ranked it as the best [[romantic comedy]] of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Best Romantic Comedies |url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/guides/best_romantic_comedies/# |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211145650/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/guides/best_romantic_comedies/ |archive-date=February 11, 2009 |website=Rotten Tomatoes}}</ref> The film holds a 96 rating on [[Metacritic]].
⚫
===Critical===
⚫
Writing for ''The New York Times'' in 1940, [[Bosley Crowther]] wrote that the film "has just about everything that a blue-chip comedy should have—a witty, romantic script derived by Donald Ogden Stewart out of Philip Barry's successful play; the flavor of high-society elegance, in which the patrons invariably luxuriate; and a splendid cast of performers headed by Hepburn, Stewart, and Grant. If it doesn't play out this year and well along into next, they should turn the [[Radio City Music Hall|Music Hall]] into a shooting gallery ... Metro and Director George Cukor have graciously made it apparent, in the words of a character, that one of 'the prettiest sights in this pretty world is the privileged classes enjoying their privileges'. And so, in this instance, will you, too."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crowther |first=Bosley |author-link=Bosley Crowther |date=December 27, 1940 |title=A Splendid Cast Adorns the Screen Version of 'The Philadelphia Story' at the Music Hall |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9F04E0D71F3CE73ABC4F51DFB467838B659EDE |access-date=December 18, 2011 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Seventy-five years later, [[Peter Bradshaw]] wrote "However stagily preposterous, George Cukor's 1940 movie ''The Philadelphia Story'', now rereleased, is also utterly beguiling, funny and romantic. ... The fun and wit rise like champagne bubbles, but there is a deceptive strength in the writing and performances." Bradshaw also notes that the film is the "most famous example of the intriguing and now defunct prewar genre of '[[comedy of remarriage]]{{'"}}.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Bradshaw |first=Peter |date=February 12, 2015 |title=The Philadelphia Story review – fun and wit rise like champagne bubbles |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/12/the-philadelphia-story-review-rerelease}}</ref> [[Life (magazine)|Life Magazine]] deemed it their film of the week in January, 1941, describing it as "among the best funny pictures" of the year.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=Jan 6, 1941 |title=Movie of the week: The Philadelphia Story |pages=31 |magazine=LIFE |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M0oEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA31 |access-date=April 26, 2023}}</ref>


⚫
The film was the last of four starring Grant and Hepburn following ''[[Sylvia Scarlett]]'' (1935), ''[[Bringing Up Baby]]'' (1938), and ''[[Holiday (1938 film)|Holiday]]'' (1938).
⚫
The film has a [[List of films with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes|100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes]] based on 101 reviews, with an average rating of 9/10. The consensus reads: "Offering a wonderfully witty script, spotless direction from George Cukor, and typically excellent lead performances, ''The Philadelphia Story'' is an unqualified classic."<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 1, 1940 |title=The Philadelphia Story |url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/philadelphia_story/ |access-date=June 10, 2021 |website=rottentomatoes.com}}</ref> The site also ranked it as the Best Romantic Comedy of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Best Romantic Comedies |url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/guides/best_romantic_comedies/# |website=Rotten Tomatoes}}</ref>


⚫
===Awards and nominations===
⚫
The film was the last of four starring Grant and Hepburn, following ''[[Sylvia Scarlett]]'' (1935), ''[[Bringing Up Baby]]'' (1938), and ''[[Holiday (1938 film)|Holiday]]'' (1938).
⚫
The film was nominated for six [[Academy Award]]s, winning two ([[Academy Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] and [[Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay|Best Screenplay]]). [[James Stewart]] did not expect to win and felt that the award was given to him as compensation for his role in ''[[Mr. Smith Goes to Washington]]'' the previous year.<ref name=tcmarticle />

⚫
==Awards and honors==
[[File:Philadelphia Story 19.jpg|thumb|Hussey as Liz Imbrie]]
[[File:Philadelphia Story 12.jpg|thumb|Grant as C.K. Dexter Haven, and John Howard as George Kittredge]]

⚫
The film was nominated for six [[Academy Award]]s, winning two ([[Academy Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] and [[Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay|Best Screenplay]]). At the [[13th Academy Awards|1940 ceremony]], [[James Stewart]] did not expect to win and was not planning to attend the ceremony, but he was called and "advised" to show up in a dinner jacket. He said he had voted for [[Henry Fonda]] for his performance in ''[[The Grapes of Wrath (film)|The Grapes of Wrath]]'', and always felt the award had been given to him as compensation for not winning for his portrayal of Jefferson Smith in ''[[Mr. Smith Goes to Washington]]'' the previous year. [[Donald Ogden Stewart]], on the other hand, declared upon winning ''his'' Oscar: "I have no one to thank but myself!"<ref name=tcmarticle />


{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|-
|-
! Award
! Award
! Category
! scope="col" style="width:30%;"| Category
! Nominee(s)
! Nominee(s)
! Result
! Result
! Ref.
|-
|-
| rowspan="6"| [[13th Academy Awards|Academy Awards]]
⚫
| rowspan="6"| [[13th Academy Awards|Academy Awards]]<ref name="Oscars1941">{{Cite web |title=The 13th Academy Awards (1941) Nominees and Winners |url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1941 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706093728/http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/legacy/ceremony/13th-winners.html |archive-date=July 6, 2011 |access-date=August 12, 2011 |publisher=Oscars.org ([[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]])}}</ref>
| [[Academy Award for Best Picture|Best Picture]]
| [[Academy Award for Best Picture|Outstanding Production]]
| [[Joseph L. Mankiewicz]] (for [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]])
| [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]]
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
⚫
| align="center" rowspan="6"| <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1941 |title=The 13th Academy Awards (1941) Nominees and Winners |publisher=[[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] |access-date=August 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706093728/http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/legacy/ceremony/13th-winners.html |archive-date=July 6, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[Academy Award for Best Director|Best Director]]
| [[Academy Award for Best Director|Best Director]]
Line 142: Line 139:
| colspan="2"| [[National Film Registry]]
| colspan="2"| [[National Film Registry]]
| {{won|Inducted}}
| {{won|Inducted}}
| align="center"| <ref name=":2" />
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[1940 New York Film Critics Circle Awards|New York Film Critics Circle Awards]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=New York Film Critics Circle Awards: 1940 Awards |url=http://www.nyfcc.com/awards/?awardyear=1940 |publisher=New York Film Critics Circle}}</ref>
| rowspan="2"| [[1940 New York Film Critics Circle Awards|New York Film Critics Circle Awards]]
| colspan="2"| [[New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Film|Best Film]]
| colspan="2"| [[New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Film|Best Film]]
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
| align="center" rowspan="2"| <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nyfcc.com/awards/?awardyear=1940 |title=New York Film Critics Circle Awards: 1940 Awards |publisher=[[New York Film Critics Circle]] |access-date=August 15, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]]
| [[New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]]
Line 151: Line 150:
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
|-
|-
| Online Film & Television Association Awards
⚫
| Online Film & Television Association Awards<ref>{{Cite web |title=Film Hall of Fame Inductees: Productions |url=http://www.oftaawards.com/film-hall-of-fame/film-hall-of-fame-productions/ |access-date=August 15, 2021 |website=Online Film & Television Association}}</ref>
| colspan="2"| Hall of Fame – Motion Picture
| colspan="2"| Film Hall of Fame: Productions
| {{won}}
| {{won|Inducted}}
⚫
| align="center"| <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.oftaawards.com/film-hall-of-fame/film-hall-of-fame-productions/ |title=Film Hall of Fame: Productions |publisher=Online Film & Television Association |access-date=August 15, 2021}}</ref>
|}
|}


The film was named the third best of the year by ''Film Daily''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Aitchison |first=Marion |date=January 14, 1942 |title=Time Reviewers Again Pick Eight Out of Ten Winners |work=[[Tampa Bay Times|St. Petersburg Times]] |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=888&dat=19420114&id=fDVPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ZU0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=7475,2925517&hl=en}}</ref>
The film was named the third-best of the year by ''[[The Film Daily]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Aitchison |first=Marion |date=January 14, 1942 |title=Time Reviewers Again Pick Eight Out of Ten Winners |work=[[Tampa Bay Times|St. Petersburg Times]] |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=888&dat=19420114&id=fDVPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ZU0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=7475,2925517&hl=en}}</ref>


In 1995, the film was deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the [[Library of Congress]], and was selected for preservation in the United States [[National Film Registry]].<ref name=":2" />
In 1995, the film was deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the [[Library of Congress]] and was selected for preservation in the United States [[National Film Registry]].<ref name=":2" />


The film was included in various [[American Film Institute]] lists:
The film was included in various [[American Film Institute]] lists:
* 1998: [[AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies]] – #51<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies |url=http://www.afi.com/Docs/100Years/movies100.pdf |access-date=July 17, 2016 |publisher=[[American Film Institute]]}}</ref>
* 1998: [[AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies]] – #51<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI's 100 Years…100 Movies |url=https://www.afi.com/afis-100-years-100-movies/ |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=[[American Film Institute]] |language=en}}</ref>
* 2000: [[AFI's 100 Years...100 Laughs]] – #15<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI's 100 Years...100 Laughs |url=http://www.afi.com/Docs/100Years/laughs100.pdf |access-date=July 17, 2016 |publisher=[[American Film Institute]]}}</ref>
* 2000: [[AFI's 100 Years...100 Laughs]] – #15<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI's 100 Years...100 Laughs |url=https://www.afi.com/afis-100-years-100-laughs/ |access-date=September 9, 2024 |website=American Film Institute}}</ref>
* 2002: [[AFI's 100 Years...100 Passions]] – #44<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI's 100 Years...100 Passions |url=http://www.afi.com/Docs/100Years/passions100.pdf |access-date=July 17, 2016 |publisher=[[American Film Institute]]}}</ref>
* 2002: [[AFI's 100 Years...100 Passions]] – #44<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI's 100 Years...100 Passions |url=https://www.afi.com/afis-100-years-100-passions/ |access-date=September 9, 2024 |website=[[American Film Institute]]}}</ref>
* 2007: [[AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition)]] – #44<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition) |url=http://www.afi.com/Docs/100Years/100Movies.pdf |access-date=July 17, 2016 |publisher=[[American Film Institute]]}}</ref>
* 2007: [[AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition)]] – #44<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition) |url=https://www.afi.com/afis-100-years-100-movies-10th-anniversary-edition/ |access-date=September 9, 2024 |website=[[American Film Institute]]}}</ref>
* 2008: [[AFI's 10 Top 10]] – #5 Romantic Comedy Film<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI's 10 Top 10: Top 10 Romantic Comedy |url=http://www.afi.com/10top10/category.aspx?cat=2 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |publisher=[[American Film Institute]]}}</ref>
* 2008: [[AFI's 10 Top 10]] – #5 Romantic Comedy Film<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI's 10 Top 10: Top 10 Romantic Comedy |url=http://www.afi.com/10top10/category.aspx?cat=2 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |website=[[American Film Institute]]}}</ref>


==Adaptations==
==Adaptations==
[[File:Hepburn Grant Stewart Radio Publicity Photo.jpg|thumb|upright|Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and James Stewart perform "The Philadelphia Story" for the ''Victory Theater'' radio program in 1942]]
[[File:Hepburn Grant Stewart Radio Publicity Photo.jpg|thumb|upright|Hepburn, Grant and Stewart perform ''The Philadelphia Story'' for the ''Victory Theater'' radio program in 1942]]
The stars of the film appeared in a one-hour radio adaptation on the premiere episode of the War Office's special ''Victory Theater'' summer series,<ref name="ndsu17">{{Cite journal |date=Summer 2017 |title=Those Were the Days |journal=Nostalgia Digest |volume=43 |issue=3 |page=34}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Definitive Victory Theater Radio Article and Log with The Office of War Information |url=http://www.digitaldeliftp.com/DigitalDeliToo/dd2jb-Victory-Theater.html |access-date=December 31, 2017 |publisher=The Digital Deli Too}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reinhart |first=Charles F. |date=July 20, 2016 |title=Victory Theatre – The Philadelphia Story |url=http://www.jimmystewartontheair.com/victory-theater-the-philadelphia-story/ |access-date=December 31, 2017 |publisher=Jimmy Stewart on the Air}}</ref> airing July 20, 1942.<ref name="Pittsburgh Post-Gazette1">{{Cite news |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=July 20, 1942 |title=Victory Theater Premiere Stars Hepburn, Stewart, Grant Tonight |page=4 (Daily Magazine) |work=The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5cNRAAAAIBAJ&pg=2187%2C1167842 |access-date=July 18, 2021}}</ref> This episode was specially produced by ''[[Lux Radio Theatre]]'' volunteer personnel as their donation to the ''Victory Theater'' series, and it aired under government, not Lux, sponsorship. ''Lux Radio Theatre'' produced a second adaptation for its own use on June 14, 1943, with [[Robert Taylor (American actor)|Robert Taylor]], [[Loretta Young]], and [[Robert Young (actor)|Robert Young]].<ref name=tcmnotes /><ref name="Toledo1">{{Cite news |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=June 14, 1943 |title=Monday Selections |page=4 (Peach Section) |work=Toledo Blade (Ohio) |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zPgjAAAAIBAJ&pg=2893%2C2096871&q=Theater+Robert+Taylor+Young+Philadelphia |access-date=July 18, 2021}}</ref> The film was also adapted for two half-hour episodes of ''[[The Screen Guild Theater]]'', first with [[Greer Garson]], [[Henry Fonda]], and [[Fred MacMurray]] (April 5, 1942),<ref name="Pittsburgh Post-Gazette2">{{Cite news |last=Vincent Johnson |date=April 4, 1942 |title=Radio Marks First Observance of Easter with America at War |page=4 (Daily Magazine) |work=The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bLxRAAAAIBAJ&pg=2419%2C1739423&q=Greer+Garson+MacMurray+Screen+Guild+Philadelphia+Story |access-date=July 18, 2021}}</ref> then with Hepburn, Grant, and Stewart reprising their film roles (March 17, 1947).<ref name="Toledo2">{{Cite news |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=March 17, 1947 |title=Monday Selections |page=4 (Peach Section) |work=Toledo Blade (Ohio) |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=199OAAAAIBAJ&pg=3580%2C2947615&q=Screen+Guild+Katherine+Hepburn+Cary+Grant+James+Stewart+Story |access-date=July 18, 2021}}</ref>
The stars of ''The Philadelphia Story'' appeared in a one-hour radio adaptation on the premiere episode of the [[United States Department of War|Department of War]]'s special ''Victory Theater'' summer series,<ref name="ndsu17">{{Cite journal |date=Summer 2017 |title=Those Were the Days |journal=Nostalgia Digest |volume=43 |issue=3 |page=34}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Definitive Victory Theater Radio Article and Log with The Office of War Information |url=http://www.digitaldeliftp.com/DigitalDeliToo/dd2jb-Victory-Theater.html |access-date=December 31, 2017 |website=The Digital Deli Too}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reinhart |first=Charles F. |date=July 20, 2016 |title=Victory Theatre – The Philadelphia Story |url=http://www.jimmystewartontheair.com/victory-theater-the-philadelphia-story/ |access-date=December 31, 2017 |publisher=Jimmy Stewart on the Air}}</ref> airing on July 20, 1942.<ref name="Pittsburgh Post-Gazette1">{{Cite news |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=July 20, 1942 |title=Victory Theater Premiere Stars Hepburn, Stewart, Grant Tonight |page=4 (Daily Magazine) |work=The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5cNRAAAAIBAJ&pg=2187%2C1167842 |access-date=July 18, 2021}}</ref> ''[[Lux Radio Theatre]]'' produced a second adaptation for its own use on June 14, 1943, starring [[Robert Taylor (American actor)|Robert Taylor]], [[Loretta Young]] and [[Robert Young (actor)|Robert Young]].<ref name=tcmnotes /><ref name="Toledo1">{{Cite news |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=June 14, 1943 |title=Monday Selections |page=4 (Peach Section) |work=Toledo Blade (Ohio) |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zPgjAAAAIBAJ&pg=2893%2C2096871&q=Theater+Robert+Taylor+Young+Philadelphia |access-date=July 18, 2021}}</ref> The film was also adapted for two half-hour episodes of ''[[The Screen Guild Theater]]'', first with [[Greer Garson]], [[Henry Fonda]] and [[Fred MacMurray]] (April 5, 1942),<ref name="Pittsburgh Post-Gazette2">{{Cite news |last=Vincent Johnson |date=April 4, 1942 |title=Radio Marks First Observance of Easter with America at War |page=4 (Daily Magazine) |work=The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bLxRAAAAIBAJ&pg=2419%2C1739423&q=Greer+Garson+MacMurray+Screen+Guild+Philadelphia+Story |access-date=July 18, 2021}}</ref> and then with Hepburn, Grant and Stewart reprising their film roles (March 17, 1947).<ref name="Toledo2">{{Cite news |last=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=March 17, 1947 |title=Monday Selections |page=4 (Peach Section) |work=Toledo Blade (Ohio) |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=199OAAAAIBAJ&pg=3580%2C2947615&q=Screen+Guild+Katherine+Hepburn+Cary+Grant+James+Stewart+Story |access-date=July 18, 2021}}</ref>


The film was adapted in 1956 as the MGM [[musical film|musical]] ''[[High Society (1956 film)|High Society]]'', starring [[Bing Crosby]], [[Grace Kelly]], [[Frank Sinatra]], [[Celeste Holm]], and [[Louis Armstrong]], directed by [[Charles Walters]].<ref name=":1" />
The film was adapted in 1956 as the MGM [[musical film|musical]] ''[[High Society (1956 film)|High Society]]'', directed by [[Charles Walters]] and starring [[Bing Crosby]], [[Grace Kelly]], [[Frank Sinatra]], [[Celeste Holm]] and [[Louis Armstrong]].<ref name=":1" />


==See also==
==See also==
* [[List of films with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes]], a film review aggregator website
* [[List of films with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes]], a film-review aggregator website


==References==
==References==
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{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Philadelphia Story, The (film)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Philadelphia Story (film), The}}
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[[Category:1940 films]]
[[Category:1940s English-language films]]
[[Category:1940s English-language films]]
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[[Category:Films about socialites]]
[[Category:Films about socialites]]
[[Category:Films about tabloid journalism]]
[[Category:Films about tabloid journalism]]
[[Category:Films about weddings]]
[[Category:Films about weddings in the United States]]
[[Category:American films based on plays]]
[[Category:American films based on plays]]
[[Category:Films directed by George Cukor]]
[[Category:Films directed by George Cukor]]
[[Category:Films featuring a Best Actor Academy Award-winning performance]] <!-- James Stewart -->
[[Category:Films featuring a Best Actor Academy Award–winning performance]] <!-- James Stewart -->
[[Category:Films set in Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Films set in Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Films whose writer won the Best Adapted Screenplay Academy Award]]
[[Category:Films whose writer won the Best Adapted Screenplay Academy Award]]
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[[Category:Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films]]
[[Category:Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films]]
[[Category:1940s American films]]
[[Category:1940s American films]]
[[Category:English-language romantic comedy films]]

Latest revision as of 15:29, 10 December 2024

For the TV adaptation by Fielder Cook, see The Philadelphia Story (1959 film).

The Philadelphia Story
Theatrical poster
Directed byGeorge Cukor
Screenplay byDonald Ogden Stewart
Based onThe Philadelphia Story
by Philip Barry
Produced byJoseph L. Mankiewicz
StarringCary Grant
Katharine Hepburn
James Stewart
Ruth Hussey
CinematographyJoseph Ruttenberg
Edited byFrank Sullivan
Music byFranz Waxman
Production
company
Distributed byLoew's, Inc.
Release dates
  • December 26, 1940 (1940-12-26) (New York City)
  • January 17, 1941 (1941-01-17) (US)
Running time
112 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$914,000[1]
Box office$3.3 million[1]

The Philadelphia Story is a 1940 American romantic comedy film[2][3] starring Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart and Ruth Hussey. Directed by George Cukor, the film is based on the 1939 Broadway play of the same name by Philip Barry[4] about a socialite whose wedding plans are complicated by the simultaneous arrival of her ex-husband and a tabloid magazine journalist. The socialite, played by Hepburn in both productions, was inspired by Helen Hope Montgomery Scott (1904–1995), a Philadelphia heiress who had married Barry's friend.[5]

Written for the screen by Donald Ogden Stewart and an uncredited Waldo Salt, it is considered among the best examples of a comedy of remarriage, in which a couple divorce, flirt with outsiders and then remarry. The genre was popular in the 1930s and 1940s at a time when divorce was considered scandalous and the depiction of extramarital affairs was blocked by the Production Code.[6][7]

The film was Hepburn's first hit following several flops that caused her placement on a 1938 list of actors considered to be "box office poison" compiled by theater owner Harry Brandt.[8] Hepburn starred in the play and acquired the film rights, with the help of Howard Hughes,[9] to control it as a vehicle for her screen comeback.[10]

Nominated for six Academy Awards, including Outstanding Production (Best Picture), the film won two: Best Actor (Stewart) and Best Adapted Screenplay. MGM remade the film in 1956 as a musical retitled High Society, starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra.[11]

The Philadelphia Story was produced by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 1995.[12]

Plot

[edit]
Mike carries Tracy into the house after a midnight dip.

Tracy Lord is the elder daughter of a wealthy Philadelphia Main Line socialite family. She was married to C.K. Dexter Haven, a yacht designer and member of her social set, but divorced him two years prior because, according to her father, he does not meet the standards that she sets for all her friends and family. She is soon to marry the wealthy George Kittredge.

In New York, Spy magazine publisher Sidney Kidd is eager to cover the wedding and assigns reporter Mike Connor and photographer Liz Imbrie. Kidd intends to use the assistance of Dexter, who has been working for Spy in South America. Dexter tells Kidd that he will introduce them as friends of Tracy's brother Junius, a diplomat in Argentina. Tracy is not fooled, but Dexter tells her that Kidd has threatened her family's reputation with an innuendo-laden article about her father's affair with a dancer. Tracy deeply resents her father's infidelity, which has prompted her parents to live separately. Nonetheless, to protect her family's reputation, she agrees to let Mike and Liz stay and cover her wedding.

Dexter is welcomed by Tracy's mother Margaret and teenage sister Dinah, much to Tracy's frustration. She soon discovers that Mike has admirable qualities and finds his book of short stories in the library. As the wedding nears, she finds herself torn among George, Dexter, and Mike.

The night before the wedding, Tracy becomes drunk, kisses Mike and takes an innocent midnight swim with him. When George observes Mike carrying Tracy into the house afterward, he assumes the worst. The next day, George tells her that he was shocked and feels entitled to an explanation before proceeding with the wedding. She admits to having no excuse and realizes that he does not really know her and has loved her as an idealized, perfect angel, so she cancels the engagement.

Tracy realizes that the guests have arrived and are waiting for the wedding ceremony to begin. Mike quickly volunteers to marry her, but she graciously declines because she perceives that Liz is in love with him. Dexter then offers to remarry her, and she gladly accepts.

Cast

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Production

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"Everyone had enormous fun on the movie. The days and nights were sweltering that summer of 1940, but nobody cared. Cary got along very well with Kate Hepburn. She enjoyed him pushing her through a doorway in one scene (so she fell over backward) so much that she had him do it to her over and over again. There was a scene in which she had to throw Cary out the door of a house, bag and baggage, and she did it so vigorously he fell over and was bruised. As he stood up, looking rueful, Kate said, "That'll serve you right, Cary, for trying to be your own stuntman."

—Cameraman Joseph Ruttenberg, recalling The Philadelphia Story (1940).[13]

Broadway playwright Philip Barry wrote the play specifically for Hepburn, who financially supported the play and declined a salary in return for a percentage of the profits.[14] Her costars were Joseph Cotten as Dexter Haven, Van Heflin as Mike Connor and Shirley Booth as Liz Imbrie.[4]

The original play, starring Hepburn, ran for 417 performances.[4]

Hepburn had hoped to create a film vehicle for herself that would erase the label of "box office poison" that she had acquired after a number of commercial failures (such as Bringing Up Baby). Howard Hughes purchased the film rights for the play and gave them to her. Hepburn then sold the rights to MGM's Louis B. Mayer for $250,000 and the power of final approval of the film's producer, director, screenwriter and cast.[10][14]

Hepburn as Tracy Lord and Stewart as Mike Connor

Hepburn selected director George Cukor, with whom she had worked for A Bill of Divorcement (1932) and Little Women (1933), and Barry's friend Donald Ogden Stewart, a writer experienced with adapting plays to the screen.[14] Stewart, who won an Oscar for the script, said that "getting an Oscar for The Philadelphia Story was the easiest Oscar you could imagine. All you had to do was get out of the way." He wrote the script while listening to a tape recording of a live performance of the play to ensure that he preserved the lines that received the most laughter.[15]

Hepburn wanted Clark Gable to play Dexter Haven and Spencer Tracy to play Mike Connor, but both had other commitments.[11] The pairing of Cukor and Gable might have been problematic in any case, as they had clashed during the filming of the recent Gone with the Wind, with Cukor replaced by Gable's friend Victor Fleming.[16] Grant agreed to play the part only if he were afforded top billing and that his salary would be $137,000, which he donated to the British War Relief Society.[17]

According to the documentary MGM: When the Lion Roars, after Mayer purchased the film rights, he was skeptical about Hepburn's box-office appeal and took the unusual precaution of engaging two top male stars (Grant and Stewart) to support Hepburn.

The film was in production from July 5 to August 14, 1940,[18] five days under schedule,[10] at MGM's studios in Culver City.[19]

Reception

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Release

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Theatrical trailer

The film premiered in New York City on December 26, 1940 and was shown in select theaters in December, but MGM had agreed to hold its general release until January 1941 to avoid competition with the stage play[10] that was touring the country.[4] It entered general American release on January 17, 1941.[20] It broke a box-office record at Radio City Music Hall by earning $600,000 in just six weeks.[citation needed]

According to MGM records, the film earned $2,374,000 in the U.S. and Canada, and $885,000 elsewhere, resulting in a profit of $1,272,000.[1]

Critical reception

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Grant as C.K. Dexter Haven, and John Howard as George Kittredge

Writing for The New York Times in 1940, Bosley Crowther wrote that the film "has just about everything that a blue-chip comedy should have—a witty, romantic script derived by Donald Ogden Stewart out of Philip Barry's successful play; the flavor of high-society elegance, in which the patrons invariably luxuriate; and a splendid cast of performers headed by Hepburn, Stewart, and Grant. If it doesn't play out this year and well along into next, they should turn the Music Hall into a shooting gallery ... Metro and Director George Cukor have graciously made it apparent, in the words of a character, that one of 'the prettiest sights in this pretty world is the privileged classes enjoying their privileges'. And so, in this instance, will you, too."[21]

Life named The Philadelphia Story its film of the week in January 1941, describing it as "among the best funny pictures" of the year.[22]

The film has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 101 reviews, with an average rating of 9/10. The consensus reads: "Offering a wonderfully witty script, spotless direction from George Cukor, and typically excellent lead performances, The Philadelphia Story is an unqualified classic."[23] Rotten Tomatoes has also ranked it as the best romantic comedy of all time.[24] The film holds a 96 rating on Metacritic.

The film was the last of four starring Grant and Hepburn following Sylvia Scarlett (1935), Bringing Up Baby (1938), and Holiday (1938).

Awards and nominations

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The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning two (Best Actor and Best Screenplay). James Stewart did not expect to win and felt that the award was given to him as compensation for his role in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington the previous year.[14]

Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
Academy Awards Outstanding Production Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Nominated [25]
Best Director George Cukor Nominated
Best Actor James Stewart Won
Best Actress Katharine Hepburn Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Ruth Hussey Nominated
Best Screenplay Donald Ogden Stewart Won
National Film Preservation Board National Film Registry Inducted [12]
New York Film Critics Circle Awards Best Film Nominated [26]
Best Actress Katharine Hepburn Won
Online Film & Television Association Awards Film Hall of Fame: Productions Inducted [27]

The film was named the third-best of the year by The Film Daily.[28]

In 1995, the film was deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the Library of Congress and was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.[12]

The film was included in various American Film Institute lists:

Adaptations

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Hepburn, Grant and Stewart perform The Philadelphia Story for the Victory Theater radio program in 1942

The stars of The Philadelphia Story appeared in a one-hour radio adaptation on the premiere episode of the Department of War's special Victory Theater summer series,[34][35][36] airing on July 20, 1942.[37] Lux Radio Theatre produced a second adaptation for its own use on June 14, 1943, starring Robert Taylor, Loretta Young and Robert Young.[10][38] The film was also adapted for two half-hour episodes of The Screen Guild Theater, first with Greer Garson, Henry Fonda and Fred MacMurray (April 5, 1942),[39] and then with Hepburn, Grant and Stewart reprising their film roles (March 17, 1947).[40]

The film was adapted in 1956 as the MGM musical High Society, directed by Charles Walters and starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Celeste Holm and Louis Armstrong.[11]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Glancy, H. M. (1992). "MGM film grosses, 1924–1948: The Eddie Mannix Ledger". Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television. 12 (2): 127–144. doi:10.1080/01439689200260081. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  2. ^ "The Philadelphia Story". Variety. November 26, 1940. p. 16. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  3. ^ "The Philadelphia Story". Harrison's Reports. December 7, 1940.
  4. ^ a b c d "The Philadelphia Story (1939 play)". IBDB.com. Internet Broadway Database.
  5. ^ Irvine, Ian (April 16, 1995). "The Philadelphia Story (1940)". Sunday Telegraph – via ReelClassics.com.
  6. ^ "Waldo Salt". TCM.com. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  7. ^ Bradshaw, Peter (February 12, 2015). "The Philadelphia Story review – fun and wit rise like champagne bubbles". The Guardian.
  8. ^ "The New Pictures". Time. January 20, 1941. Archived from the original on December 23, 2009. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
  9. ^ Hyde, Douglas (February 23, 2005). "The Hughes-Hepburn affair; Hepburn biographer describes 'tender' relationship". CNN.com.
  10. ^ a b c d e "The Philadelphia Story — Notes". TCM.com.
  11. ^ a b c Hay, Peter (1991). MGM: When the Lion Roars. Turner Publishing. pp. 206–207, 310. ISBN 978-1878685049.
  12. ^ a b c "Complete National Film Registry Listing". Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  13. ^ Higham & Moseley 1990, p. 129.
  14. ^ a b c d Melear, Mary Anne (February 27, 2023). "The Philadelphia Story". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  15. ^ Eyles, Allen; Gillet, John (1986). "David Ogden Stewart: Politically Conscious". In McGilligan, Patrick (ed.). Backstory: Interviews with Screenwriters of Hollywood's Golden Age. University of California Press. pp. 344–345. ISBN 978-0520056893.
  16. ^ Smith, Dinitia (March 22, 2005). "The Antic Birth Pangs of 'Gone With the Wind'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on April 26, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  17. ^ Page, Eric (December 1, 1986). "Cary Grant, Movies' Epitome of Elegance, Dies of A Stroke". The New York Times. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  18. ^ IMDB Business data[unreliable source?]
  19. ^ Garbarino, Steve (May 25, 2024). "The Estate That Inspired "The Philadelphia Story" Hits the Market". Air Mail. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  20. ^ "The Philadelphia Story — Overview". TCM.com.
  21. ^ Crowther, Bosley (December 27, 1940). "A Splendid Cast Adorns the Screen Version of 'The Philadelphia Story' at the Music Hall". The New York Times. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
  22. ^ "Movie of the week: The Philadelphia Story". LIFE. January 6, 1941. p. 31. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  23. ^ "The Philadelphia Story". Rotten Tomatoes. December 1, 1940. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  24. ^ "Best Romantic Comedies". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on February 11, 2009.
  25. ^ "The 13th Academy Awards (1941) Nominees and Winners". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Archived from the original on July 6, 2011. Retrieved August 12, 2011.
  26. ^ "New York Film Critics Circle Awards: 1940 Awards". New York Film Critics Circle. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
  27. ^ "Film Hall of Fame: Productions". Online Film & Television Association. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
  28. ^ Aitchison, Marion (January 14, 1942). "Time Reviewers Again Pick Eight Out of Ten Winners". St. Petersburg Times.
  29. ^ "AFI's 100 Years…100 Movies". American Film Institute. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  30. ^ "AFI's 100 Years...100 Laughs". American Film Institute. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  31. ^ "AFI's 100 Years...100 Passions". American Film Institute. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  32. ^ "AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition)". American Film Institute. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  33. ^ "AFI's 10 Top 10: Top 10 Romantic Comedy". American Film Institute. Retrieved July 17, 2016.
  34. ^ "Those Were the Days". Nostalgia Digest. 43 (3): 34. Summer 2017.
  35. ^ "The Definitive Victory Theater Radio Article and Log with The Office of War Information". The Digital Deli Too. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
  36. ^ Reinhart, Charles F. (July 20, 2016). "Victory Theatre – The Philadelphia Story". Jimmy Stewart on the Air. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
  37. ^ "Victory Theater Premiere Stars Hepburn, Stewart, Grant Tonight". The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. July 20, 1942. p. 4 (Daily Magazine). Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  38. ^ "Monday Selections". Toledo Blade (Ohio). June 14, 1943. p. 4 (Peach Section). Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  39. ^ Vincent Johnson (April 4, 1942). "Radio Marks First Observance of Easter with America at War". The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. 4 (Daily Magazine). Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  40. ^ "Monday Selections". Toledo Blade (Ohio). March 17, 1947. p. 4 (Peach Section). Retrieved July 18, 2021.

Sources

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to The Philadelphia Story.
Wikiquote has quotations related to The Philadelphia Story.

Streaming audio

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