The Philadelphia Story (1940) - Critical Reviews

Synopsis

Philadelphia socialites Tracy Lord and C.K. Dexter Haven married impulsively, with their marriage and subsequent divorce being equally passionate. They broke up when Dexter's drinking became excessive, it a mechanism to cope with Tracy's unforgiving manner to the imperfect, imperfections which Dexter admits he readily has. Two years after their break-up, Tracy is about to remarry, the ceremony to take place at the Lord mansion. Tracy's bridegroom is nouveau riche businessman and aspiring politician George Kittredge, who is otherwise a rather ordinary man and who idolizes Tracy. The day before the wedding, three unexpected guests show up at the Lord mansion: Macaulay Connor (Mike to his friends), Elizabeth Imbrie - the two who are friends of Tracy's absent brother, Junius- and Dexter himself. Dexter, an employee of the tabloid Spy magazine, made a deal with its publisher and editor Sidney Kidd to get a story on Tracy's wedding - the wedding of the year - in return for Kidd not publishing a salacious story with accompanying photographs of Tracy's father, Seth Lord, with a New York showgirl named Tina Marra. In reality, Mike and Liz are the reporter and photographer respectively for Spy. Mike and Liz don't particularly like this assignment or working for Kidd, but they need to make a living as their chosen other fields as serious writer and painter don't pay the bills. A suspicious Tracy is onto them, the entire truth which Dexter admits to her. Tracy decides to turn the tables on Mike and Liz. However, hours before the wedding, as the more self-assured Dexter and Liz get to work on how to get the Lords out from under Spy's threats, Tracy and Mike, both inebriated, go on a journey of self-discovery with Tracy ultimately coming to her realizations a little faster than Mike.

Critical Acclaim

When The Philadelphia Story premiered in 1940, it was met with enthusiastic praise for its witty screenplay and stellar performances. Critics lauded director George Cukor's adept handling of the sophisticated comedy, as well as the film's ability to balance humor and social commentary. The film was particularly noted for revitalizing the career of Katharine Hepburn, who had been labeled "box office poison" just a few years earlier. Her portrayal of the strong-willed socialite Tracy Lord was celebrated as a triumphant comeback and earned her an Academy Award nomination.

Bosley Crowther of The New York Times described the film as "a rich and rare combination of all the desirable elements of comedy," and praised its "sparkling dialogue and polished performances." More recent reviews continue to echo these sentiments, with the film maintaining a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a testament to its lasting appeal. Critics have consistently highlighted the film's sharp dialogue and the chemistry between its leads, including Cary Grant and James Stewart, the latter of whom won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as the cynical reporter, Macaulay Connor.

The film's impact extended beyond its initial success, influencing the genre of romantic comedies for decades to come. It was nominated for six Academy Awards and won two, including Best Screenplay for Donald Ogden Stewart. The Philadelphia Story has since been featured on numerous "greatest films" lists, including the American Film Institute's list of the top romantic comedies. Its legacy endures as a quintessential example of Hollywood's Golden Age, showcasing the era's flair for sophisticated storytelling and character-driven narratives.