OLDIE GOLDIES: The Philadelphia Story (1940)

James Stewart with his Best Actor Oscar

"Oldie Goldies" is back after a long hiatus and this week I'll be looking at the 1940 George Cukor film "The Philadelphia Story". This romantic comedy is about a rich woman (Katharine Hepburn) who gets entangled with a trio of men on the eve of her remarriage. It features a starry cast who all give radiant performances, especially Hepburn. It went on to receive considerable attention at the Oscars with 4 nominations (Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director, Best Picture) and 2 wins (Best Actor and Best Screenplay).

Classic Quote

"You're lit from within, Tracy. You've got fires banked down in you, hearth-fires and holocausts."

Classic Scene

"Oh C.K. Dexter Haven!"

Classic Characters

Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn)

Macaulay Connor (James Stewart)

Elizabeth Imbrie (Ruth Hussey)

Classic Costumes

Did you know?
Hepburn wanted Clark Gable for the Dexter Haven role and Spencer Tracy as Macauley Connor, but both had other commitments.