The Philadelphia Story

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The Philadelphia Story

Released Dec 1, 1940

1h 52m

Romance

Comedy

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100%

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105 Reviews

93%

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25,000+ Ratings

This classic romantic comedy focuses on Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn), a Philadelphia socialite who has split from her husband, C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant), due both to his drinking and to her overly demanding nature. As Tracy prepares to wed the wealthy George Kittredge (John Howard), she crosses paths with both Dexter and prying reporter Macaulay Connor (James Stewart). Unclear about her feelings for all three men, Tracy must decide whom she truly loves.

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Critics Consensus

Offering a wonderfully witty script, spotless direction from George Cukor, and typically excellent lead performances, The Philadelphia Story is an unqualified classic.

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Pauline Kael

The New Yorker

This is a paste diamond with more flash and sparkle than a true one. The director, George Cukor, has never been more heartlessly sure of him- self.

Jul 6, 2022

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Katherine Howard

Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com

Miss Hepburn has accomplished the thing she set out to do with both movie and stage play. She has made the showmen who labeled her boxofrice poison eat their words and rue the day they were ever so uncomplimentary.

Jun 10, 2021

Full Review

Mildred Martin

Philadelphia Inquirer

Barry's sprightly lines and the almost equally bright additional Stewart dialogue, of course, make the play the thing. But, frankly, it would be hard to imagine The Philadelphia Story without Katharine Hepburn.

Jun 10, 2021

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Cory Woodroof

For the Win (USA Today)

It’s an irresistible and painfully funny film, bolstered by one of the best love triangles you’re going to get in a romantic comedy. This one practically wrote the book on how the screwball comedy functions at its peak. It’s a must-see.

Jul 20, 2023

Full Review

Zita Short

InSession Film

Hepburn is a goddess, Stewart understands Connor’s purpose in the story, and Cukor masterfully pulls everything together.

Feb 7, 2023

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Matt Neal

ABC Radio (Australia)

Without its trio of legends and a few well-placed zingers, it would be long forgotten, lost in a mist of ideas that have aged like a banana in the sun.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 1, 2021

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Sarah G

Sparkling acting with a bit of a dumb plot. Honestly the best performance I've seen from James Stewart.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/16/25

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Rare T

Tracy… more like thricey. 🤭

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/16/25

Full Review

David S

A fun time with hefty star power - always a good choice to have running in the background - if you're the type to have classics running in the background - btw what was Hepburns' diet in those days?

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/28/24

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William B

Grant and Stweart, my two favorite XXs actors, performing a great captivating story with an unexpected outcome.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/22/24

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Average P

Screwball comedy perfection

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/24/24

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Jeff S

Stewart deserved his awards and all the stars are wonderful, but Katharine Hepburn is phenomenal in this film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/16/24

Full Review

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George Cukor

Director

Cary Grant

C. K. Dexter Haven

Katharine Hepburn

Tracy Samantha Lord

James Stewart

Mike Connor

Ruth Hussey

Liz Imbrie

John Howard

George Kittredge

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Synopsis

This classic romantic comedy focuses on Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn), a Philadelphia socialite who has split from her husband, C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant), due both to his drinking and to her overly demanding nature. As Tracy prepares to wed the wealthy George Kittredge (John Howard), she crosses paths with both Dexter and prying reporter Macaulay Connor (James Stewart). Unclear about her feelings for all three men, Tracy must decide whom she truly loves.

Director: George Cukor
Producer: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Screenwriter: Philip Barry, Donald Ogden Stewart, Waldo Salt
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co: Metro Goldwyn Mayer
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 1, 1940, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 15, 2008
Runtime: 1h 52m
Sound Mix: Mono

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