The Philadelphia Story Overview:

The Philadelphia Story (1940) was a Comedy - Black-and-white Film directed by George Cukor and produced by Joseph L. Mankiewicz.

SYNOPSIS

Hepburn shines (the Stewart character describes her character as being "lit from within") as Tracy Lord, the role that probably continues to define our vision of her. And she took a strong hand in the production, bankrolling the play, in which she also starred, and hand-picking the director, screenwriter, and stars. This perennial favorite, a film version of Barry's smart play, depicts the topsy-turvy events around the impending wedding of a wealthy society girl who's torn between her millionaire fianc? (Howard), her dashing ex-husband (Grant), and a cynical, voice-of-the-people reporter (Stewart) turned loose among the Main Line set. Remade in musical form in 1956 as High Society with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Grace Kelly.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

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The Philadelphia Story was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1995.

Academy Awards 1940 --- Ceremony Number 13 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best ActorJames StewartWon
Best ActressKatharine HepburnNominated
Best Supporting ActressRuth HusseyNominated
Best DirectorGeorge CukorNominated
Best PictureMetro-Goldwyn-MayerNominated
Best WritingDonald Ogden StewartWon
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BlogHub Articles:

Introducing THE PHILADELPHIA STORY for Last Remaining Seats on June 10

on May 23, 2023 From GlamAmor

I'll be introducing The Philadelphia Story (1940) at the historic Los Angeles Theatre as part of Last Remaining Seats on June 10! It's a real honor to be invited by the Los Angeles Conservancy to be part of this beloved series. An additional honor is that they're allowing me to do my type of introdu... Read full article


The Philadelphia Story (1941)

By Cameron on Jan 29, 2018 From The Blonde At The Film

via: http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/12778/The-Philadelphia-Story/#tcmarcp-142626 ?Unless otherwise noted, all images are my own. The Philadelphia Story (1941) is a charming comedy that holds a unique place in cinema history, mostly because of its notorious star. It was based on a 1939 play by Philip... Read full article


Field Trip: “The Philadelphia Story” at River East 21 February 18

By Stephen Reginald on Jan 20, 2018 From Classic Movie Man

Field Trip: “The Philadelphia Story” at River East 21 February 18 Treasure of the Sierra Madre on the big screenDate: February 18 at River East 21, 322 East Illinois · Chicago, IL Time: 2:00 p.m. TCM Big Screen Classics Presents: The Philadelphia Story Cary Grant, Kather... Read full article


Why I love The Philadelphia Story (1940)

By Carol Martinheira on Jan 17, 2018 From The Old Hollywood Garden

Why I love The Philadelphia Story (1940) On January 17, 2018 By CarolIn Uncategorized The privileged class enjoying its privileges, as Mike Connor (James Stewart in an Oscar-winning role) puts it. And why not? The Philadelphia Story is high society at its best. Or is i... Read full article


Win Tickets to see ?TCM Big Screen Classics: The Philadelphia Story (Giveaway runs through Feb 3)

By Annmarie Gatti on Jan 5, 2018 From Classic Movie Hub Blog

Win Tickets to see ?The Philadelphia Story? on the Big Screen! In Select Cinemas Nationwide Sun Feb 18 and Wed Feb 21! ?I don’t want to be worshipped. I want to be loved.? CMH continues into our?3rd year of our partnership with Fathom Events?? with the 2nd?of our 13 movie ticket giveaways for ... Read full article


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Quotes from

C. K. Dexter Haven: Hello friends and enemies.
Uncle Willie: Young man, remove yourself!
C. K. Dexter Haven: How are you, sir?
Uncle Willie: I don't know. Get along! Get along!


Tracy Lord: [normal voice] Hello, Dexter.
[lower voice]
Tracy Lord: Hello, George.
[high childish voice]
Tracy Lord: Hello, Mike.


Elizabeth (Liz) Imbrie: There's a cousin, Joanna, who's definitely crazy.
Macaulay Connor: Who told you that.
Elizabeth (Liz) Imbrie: Dinah.
Macaulay Connor: Well Dinah would know.


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Facts about

Katharine Hepburn's swimming pool dive is the real thing. No doubles were used.
Before shooting the scene where Connor passionately recites his poetry to Tracy, James Stewart was extremely nervous and certain he would perform badly. Coincidently, Noel Coward was visiting the set on that day and, having been asked to say something to encourage Stewart by George Cukor, Coward off-handedly said something to Stewart like, "Did I mention I think you're a fantastic actor." Stewart shortly thereafter performed the scene without a hitch and went on to win the Oscar for Best Actor.
Played Radio City Music Hall for 6 weeks, breaking the previous attendance records set in 1937 by Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It grossed over $600,000 in that one location alone.
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Best Actor Oscar 1940






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National Film Registry

The Philadelphia Story

Released 1940
Inducted 1995
(Sound)




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Also directed by George Cukor




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Also produced by Joseph L. Mankiewicz




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