You’re getting two for one today. “High Society” is a musical remake of “The Philadelphia Story,” and the two movies are so similar, I thought I’d just review them side by side.
The basic story is as follows: Tracy Lord, an aristocratic divorcee, is preparing for her second marriage. Her ex-husband, C. K. Dexter Haven, is a loveable lout who is still in love with her. He’s made no secret of the fact that he’d like her back, but she’s too stubborn to even talk about it.
Tracy’s father has been philandering with an actress, and if the story gets out, it could lead to the great embarrassment of the family. A popular tabloid magazine gets hold of the story, but they make a deal: if reporters can come out and cover Tracy’s wedding, they’ll ditch the story on her father. She agrees, but only to save her mother’s feelings.
With her little sister Caroline’s help, Tracy proceeds to put on a ridiculous act for the press reporter, Mike, and his photographer, Liz. They figure out pretty quickly that she’s giving them the runaround, and Mike meanwhile falls for Tracy, who is slowly deciding she can’t go through with this marriage.
I liked “The Philadelphia Story” because, well, it stars Cary Grant as Dexter, and if you haven’t figured out how I feel about Cary Grant, I simply haven’t been doing my job. Katharine Hepburn plays Tracy Lord, and I think you’d have to look pretty hard to find a better actress. The exchanges are quick and witty, and this is a very well-done piece, especially with Jimmy Stewart as Mike.
On the other hand, I liked “High Society” for the musical aspect. Bing Crosby is Dexter, and while he’s not quite as rascally as Cary, he does a pretty good job. Grace Kelly is Tracy, and presents the aristocratic air necessary for the role, although from time to time I felt she was trying to act like Katharine Hepburn rather than Tracy Lord. Frank Sinatra played Mike, and we are treated to Louis Armstrong and his band throughout the film. Again, it was well-acted, and the musical numbers were impressive. I especially liked the performance of “True Love,” one of my favorite Cole Porter pieces.
I’d recommend you see both films. I found my enjoyment of them to be 50/50, and while the story is nearly identical, with the updated look of “High Society” and the addition of music, you’ll find them different enough not to be bored.
Neither film was rated.
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