The Philadelphia Story (1940) | |
| Director(s) | George Cukor |
| Producer(s) | Joseph L. Mankiewicz |
| Top Genres | Comedy, Romance |
| Top Topics | Alcohol, Based on Play, Divorce, Marriage, Newspapers, Reporters, Romance (Comic), Screwball Comedy, |
Featured Cast:
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).
.The Philadelphia Story was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1995.
Academy Awards 1940 --- Ceremony Number 13 (source: AMPAS)
| Award | Recipient | Result |
| Best Actor | James Stewart | Won |
| Best Actress | Katharine Hepburn | Nominated |
| Best Supporting Actress | Ruth Hussey | Nominated |
| Best Director | George Cukor | Nominated |
| Best Picture | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer | Nominated |
| Best Writing | Donald Ogden Stewart | Won |
BlogHub Articles:
High Society and Second Chances: The Philadelphia Story
By Stephen Reginald on Jul 8, 2026 From Classic Movie ManHigh Society and Second Chances: The Philadelphia Story Released in 1940 and directed by George Cukor, The Philadelphia Story is a quintessential romantic comedy starring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart. The narrative centers on Tracy Lord (Hepburn), a proud, strong-willed Phil... Read full article
Introducing THE PHILADELPHIA STORY for Last Remaining Seats on June 10
on May 23, 2023 From GlamAmorI'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 Filmvia: 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 ManField 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 GardenWhy 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
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Quotes from
Sidney Kidd: No?
Macaulay Connor: No. You're treating me like you treat all your other writers.
Uncle Willie: [watching Kittredge clumsily mount a horse] Heigh Ho Silver.
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
James Stewart had no plans to attend the Oscar ceremony the year he was nominated for this film. Just before the ceremony began, he received a call at home "advising" him to slip into a dinner jacket and attend the ceremony. He did and he received the award for Best Actor. This was in the days before an accounting firm kept the Oscar voting results secret.
Cary Grant was given the choice of which of the two male lead roles he wanted to play. Surprisingly, he chose the less showy part.
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