Even 85 Years Later, This 100%-Fresh Gem Is Still One of the Best Rom-Coms Ever Made
This masterpiece proves that true cinematic art never grows old.
Many movies become mere monuments to their era decades later, but only a select few achieve the status of timeless classics.
The Philadelphia Story, released in 1940, is a shining example of such longevity. Even today, the film remains an unrivaled benchmark of wit, style, and depth in a genre that often settles for light humor.
What Is 'The Philadelphia Story' About?
On the eve of her second wedding, wealthy heiress and willful beauty Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn) finds herself in the midst of a love affair.
Her ex-husband, the charming Dexter (Cary Grant), unexpectedly returns to her home with tabloid journalists Connor (James Stewart) and his partner.
They wreak havoc on Tracy's carefully constructed world under the guise of covering the gossip columns, forcing her to look within.
'The Philadelphia Story' Is More Than Just a Smart Romantic Comedy
George Cukor's movie is a masterful blend of sparkling comedy, subtle psychological drama, and sharp social commentary.
Beneath the brilliant dialogue and romantic entanglements is an exploration of class differences, high-society hypocrisy, and the search for true identity.
Despite being made during the strict Hays Code era, the film circumvented censorship restrictions with masterful skill, setting a precedent for the comedy of remarriage subgenre.
'The Philadelphia Story' Is Probably the Most Acclaimed Movie in the Genre, Full of A-List Stars
The Philadelphia Story's success was predetermined by its brilliant script and perfectly cast ensemble, both of which are hard to match.
Katharine Hepburn played one of her most iconic roles as a strong yet vulnerable woman. Cary Grant embodied the epitome of masculine charm and wit. James Stewart won a well-deserved Oscar for his role as the cynical journalist, demonstrating a new side of his talent.
The film received six Academy Award nominations and was later inducted into the National Film Registry. Its cultural influence is enormous – just consider the famous remake, the musical High Society starring Grace Kelly.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Philadelphia Story'?
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The Philadelphia Story has 100% from critics and 92% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.8/10.
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On Letterboxd, The Philadelphia Story scored 4.0/5.0.
Where to Watch 'The Philadelphia Story'?
You can buy or rent The Philadelphia Story on Apple TV.
