Such a frustrating disappointment

It is a performances centric movie

It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Grant and Hepburn were married, then divorced, but secretly both still harbor feelings and want to get together. Of course neither of them realizes this until it's almost too late, as Hepburn has become engaged to someone else. Grant is the instigator in the reunion efforts. This is a story I've noticed that is quite common in many of the films of Cary Grant, His Girl Friday, with Rosalind Russell standing in for Hepburn, comes immediately to mind, but there are others as well. Still, this is an enjoyable film and Hepburn and Grant along with Jimmy Stewart all come together to make this film worth watching.

The Philadelphia Story is a good movie with a well developed plot and a charming cast. The performances are, without any doubt, what holds the whole film together, Katherine Hepburn shines as the leading lady and her on screen chemistry with Hollywood legends Cary Grant and James Stewart is outstanding. The individual relationships between each character is what made the whole film intriguing to view. I do think it is a bit of an overstatement to label this as a comedy. It is a feel good drama that has humorous elements to it, but it is not necessarily funny, especially when you compare it to the proper comedies made by the likes of Charlie Chaplin and the Marx Brothers during this era of film. The plot is also very straight forward, it flows by so easily that you forget there is even an objective that the protagonist is trying to overcome. There is never a moment where Tracy or any other character seems to be struggling. I do not blame the actors, but the writers for not making their issues seem vital, something that we would want them, as viewers, to defeat.The film is very sweet, the immense charm of the story itself and the lead make it a pleasant viewing. Well acted and somewhat enchanting, The Philadelphia Story may be flawed, but it is still worth the watch if you are looking for a good romance, just do not go out of your way to see it. A woman begins to learn to truth about herself when two past lovers make her conflicted about her arranged marriage. Best Performance: James Stewart

At the beginning of The Philadelphia Story, Cary Grant pushes Katharine Hepburn to the ground by putting his hand in her face. With any other actor this would be a vile act against a woman but because it's Cary Grant, it works and thus showing the power of these three acting titans, Hepburn, Grant and Stewart. The Philadelphia Story gives an insight into the lives of the rich and famous, something which would be harder to pull off in later decades not to come off as a metaphorical dick waving display of wealth. I do find myself trying to figure out why this is? Could it be the incredibly high standards of writing and filmmaking craft on display here and the love of these performers; even more so when compared to the poor standard of romantic comedies today?Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn) is not a ditzy socialite. In this role written for Hepburn it's clear that she is a symbol of first wave feminism; wearing pants and an emasculating suit and being an influence on her younger tomboy sister but more importantly it's not to be undermined the complex characterisation of Tracy Lord. Like in Holiday, Grant and Hepburn share some very poignant and hard to decipher dialogue in which he tells her about her standing as a goddess and her lack of human frailty. Despite her ego, she claims in a sincere manner "I don't want to be worshipped, I want to be loved". Under the surface of the usual Cary Grant charm and elegance, C.K. Dexter Haven is one the darker characters Grant ever played. Apparently he "socked" Tracy on occasions, destroyed the cameras of multiple photographers on a boat and is a recovering alcoholic. This is Cary Grant at his most knieving with no remorse and enjoying it, displaying the darkly comic side of The Philadelphia Story.However this is Stewart and Hepburn's film. Macaulay Connor is the moral, do gooder James Stewart is known for (at least at the beginning that is); objecting to having been given the assignment of snooping in on the wedding of a Philadelphia socialite, as opposed to something with more journalistic integrity. He is appalled by the rich and their lifestyle but unlike Jefferson Smith he throws this out the window when he falls in love with Tracy; a piece of subtle cynicism on the movie's part? I also really appreciate the relationship he shares with his work partner Liz Imbrie (Ruth Hussey). Her character is very cynical throughout most of the film but later reveals her more idealist side. She shares a platonic friendship with Macaulay but there are hints they have deeper feelings for each other. Virginia Weidler on the other hand is a real scene stealer. Just look at her speaking French in an overdramatic manner then singing Lydia the Tattooed Lady by the piano; a pointless scene but funny.I can't call The Philadelphia Story a predictable movie as I couldn't see where the story was going at the end. I could have sworn she would end up with Jimmy but at the last minute and totally out of nowhere she goes with Cary and with it coming off as contrived. Likewise a drunken Stewart carrying Hepburn in his arms while singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow is surely one of the greatest things ever caught on celluloid.

The Philadelphia Story is perhaps the greatest Romantic Comedy of all time. Katherine Hepburn is wonderful I might even go as far as to say its one of Katherine's greatest ever roles. She plays a very very funny Tracy Lord, she previously played this role on stage just about 1 year previously and in the film she was just as amazing. She spends the whole movie taking the mickey out of Carry Grant and Jimmy Stewart. Carry Grant plays a reporter who is in love with Tracy, and Jimmy plays Tracy's ex husband. Excellent support from Virgina Weidler and Ruth Hussey.A Hilarious film with some wonderful scenes. I can't recommend it enough. 10 out of 10.