Original and Remake: The Philadelphia Story

Here is this month's Original and Remake. This month I'm focusing on The Philadelphia Story. It is based on the Broadway play of the same name by Phillip Barry. There are two versions of this the original from 1940 and the remake High Society from 1956.

The Philadelphia Story (1940)

Directed By: George Cukor

Starring: Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart

Running Time: 112 Minutes

High Society (1956)

Directed By: Charles Walters

Starring: Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra

Running Time: 111 Minutes 

This is another post where I can't choose which film I prefer, I like them both! If you are in the mood for a black & white comedy watch The Philadelphia Story and if you are in the mood for a technicolor musical watch High Society. I will say as much as I like High Society there are some things the original version hits better at, like the chemistry between Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn and James Stewart is much better than the remake, in fact in the remake the two I think have the most chemistry are Frank Sinatra and Celeste Holm (as Liz Imbrie). Which I know is funny to the Bing Crosby or Grace Kelly fan since the two co-starred in The Country Girl. What I like about the remake is the catchy songs and score, particularly the song, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? it's too fun! On who the better director is, well, I think both George Cukor and Charles Walters bring out the best in each film. George Cukor was great at comedy and showcasing women and Charles Walters (who was also a choreographer) was a perfect fit for directing a musical. Two fun facts for you, This film was Grace Kelly's last film appearance before she became Princess of Monaco. The Philadelphia Story was a huge comeback hit for Katharine Hepburn after being called 'box office poison'. In conclusion it just comes down to which one you'd rather see.  

Until Next Time,

Ashley A.