The Philadelphia Story Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A rich lady can’t decide which dude to marry, so she gets drunk and everyone yells at each other until she picks the ‘right’ one.

🍿 The Philadelphia Story: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Rocky Start

Tracy Lord, a wealthy Philadelphia socialite, is preparing for her wedding to George Kittredge. However, her ex-husband, C.K. Dexter Haven, arrives unexpectedly, bringing with him a reporter, Macaulay Connor (Mike), and a photographer, Liz Imbrie, from Spy magazine. Dexter’s real motive is to cover the wedding for the tabloid, but it quickly becomes apparent that his lingering feelings for Tracy add another layer of complexity.

Intrigue and Blackmail

Dexter’s deal with Spy magazine involves preventing a scandalous story about Tracy’s father from being published. This forces Tracy to reluctantly accept Mike and Liz into her home, leading to a series of humorous and tense interactions. As the wedding day approaches, Tracy finds herself drawn to Mike’s genuine nature and artistic sensibilities, creating a love triangle that challenges her preconceived notions about life and love.

Self-Discovery

The night before the wedding, Tracy and Mike share an evening that leads to a significant moment of self-reflection for Tracy. Their drunken antics and honest conversations reveal Tracy’s vulnerabilities and insecurities. This self-discovery is expedited by Tracy’s father’s arrival, leading to an impactful speech that addresses Tracy’s cold nature. It sets the stage for the dramatic events of the wedding day, where Tracy must confront her true feelings and decide her future.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn): A wealthy and strong-willed socialite about to remarry, who learns to see her own flaws.
• C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant): Tracy’s charming ex-husband who returns to disrupt her wedding and win her back.
• Macaulay Connor (James Stewart): A tabloid reporter who finds himself falling for Tracy while covering her wedding.
• George Kittredge (John Howard): Tracy’s fiancé, a self-made man who idealizes her but ultimately lacks understanding.
• Elizabeth Imbrie (Ruth Hussey): A photographer and colleague of Mike’s, who provides a witty and grounded perspective on the unfolding events.
• Dinah Lord (Virginia Weidler): Tracy’s younger sister, known for her precociousness and sharp observations.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tracy Lord: “The time to make up your mind about people is never.” – Tracy says this to emphasize her belief that people are complex and constantly evolving, so judging them is futile.
• C.K. Dexter Haven: “With my heart on my sleeve and a smile on my face, I’m in a highly suitable condition for walking straight out of your life.” – Dexter says this with biting sarcasm when Tracy confronts him about his presence at her wedding.
• Macaulay Connor: “I’m a writer. I have to eat.” – Mike explains his reason for working for a tabloid magazine despite his artistic aspirations.
• Tracy Lord: “I don’t want to be worshipped. I want to be loved.” – Tracy reveals her deeper desire for genuine connection rather than being placed on a pedestal.
• C.K. Dexter Haven: “Now, you’re going to get your divorce, and I’m going to marry you.” – Dexter confidently declares his intention to win Tracy back, summarizing the core conflict of the film.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $944,000
• Domestic Gross: $404,524
• Worldwide Gross: $413,654

💥 The Philadelphia Story Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored ‘The Philadelphia Story’! It’s so witty and charming. Katharine Hepburn is iconic, and the chemistry between her, Cary Grant, and James Stewart is off the charts. I loved the pool scene, it was hilarious. This movie made me laugh and feel all warm inside. It is a classic for a reason!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood cinema”
  • “Lovers of romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers who appreciate witty dialogue”
  • “Those interested in social commentaries”
  • “Admirers of Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Alcohol use”
  • “Implied marital discord”
  • “Some outdated attitudes towards relationships”
  • “Brief scene of physical altercation (pushing)”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “A witty and sophisticated comedy that showcases stellar performances from its legendary cast, The Philadelphia Story remains a timeless classic.
• Variety: “A sparkling adaptation of Philip Barry’s play. Katharine Hepburn shines as Tracy Lord, supported by a stellar cast. A benchmark for screwball comedy.
• The New York Times: “A delightful and effervescent romantic comedy featuring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart at their very best. The witty dialogue and charming performances make this a must-see.

Audience Reactions

The witty banter and comedic timing are impeccable.: Viewers consistently praise the sharp dialogue and the cast’s delivery of it.

Katharine Hepburn’s performance is a standout.: Many consider this to be one of Hepburn’s best roles, showcasing her talent and charisma.

The film is a timeless romantic comedy.: Audiences appreciate the film’s enduring appeal and its ability to entertain across generations.

Overall Consensus: A beloved classic romantic comedy celebrated for its witty dialogue, stellar performances, and timeless appeal.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actor)- 1941
2. Academy Award (Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay)- 1941

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Katharine Hepburn bought the film rights to the play specifically to control her comeback after being labeled ‘box office poison.'”
• “The film was shot in just eight weeks with very few retakes, showcasing the cast’s remarkable professionalism and comedic timing.”
• “James Stewart spontaneously added the hiccups to his drunk scene, catching Cary Grant off guard and nearly making him break character.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Philadelphia Story?

The Philadelphia Story is a timeless classic available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where it is available for rent or purchase. Check your local listings for availability on cable or satellite providers. For those who prefer physical copies, the film is widely available on DVD and Blu-ray from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. Be sure to check for special editions with bonus content for a deeper dive into the making of the film.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Philadelphia Story, you might like these similar films:

• Bringing Up Baby (1938): Similar screwball comedy pairing Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn, filled with madcap situations and witty banter.
• His Girl Friday (1940): Another fast-paced, dialogue-heavy screwball comedy from the same era, featuring a strong female lead and a battle of wits.
• Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967): Deals with social expectations and changing attitudes, similar to ‘The Philadelphia Story’s’ examination of class and relationships.
• Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994): A modern romantic comedy with a similar ensemble cast and focus on relationships evolving through a series of social events.
• High Society (1956): A musical remake of ‘The Philadelphia Story’, offering a different take on the same plot with added musical numbers and a new cast.

🛒 The Philadelphia Story Related Products

• The Philadelphia Story (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A meticulously restored Blu-ray edition of the film from The Criterion Collection, featuring insightful bonus content, interviews, and essays. Perfect for film enthusiasts.
• Cary Grant: A Brilliant Legacy – 4-Movie Collection (Blu-ray): This collection features four of Cary Grant’s best films, including “The Philadelphia Story”, showcasing his unparalleled charm and comedic brilliance.
• Katharine Hepburn: The Defining Performances – 5-Movie Collection (DVD): Celebrate the iconic career of Katharine Hepburn with this DVD collection featuring five of her most defining performances, including The Philadelphia Story. Immerse yourself in her talent and charisma.
• Classic Movie Posters: The Philadelphia Story (24×36): A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, capturing the elegance and charm of this classic film. Ideal for decorating a home theater or office.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Philadelphia Story features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady” – performed by Virginia Weidler
• “High Society Calypso” – performed by Franz Waxman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

James Stewart receiving an Honorary Oscar®

Ever wondered how much Hollywood legends are appreciated? Check out James Stewart receiving an honorary Oscar for his incredible career – a true recognition of his talent and legacy!

The Beauty Of Old Hollywood In One Scene

Want to understand what made old Hollywood so magical? This video breaks down a scene from ‘The Philadelphia Story’ to reveal the artistry and elegance of classic cinema. It’s surprisingly insightful!

Eat the Rich! Stories About the Wealthy, Explained

Have you noticed how many movies explore wealth and class? This video puts ‘The Philadelphia Story’ in context with other films that tackle similar themes. I never thought of it this way before!

✨ Rate