Watching the Philadelphia Story is a joy. The script is so literate, so witty, so sharp that comparing it to a current film is almost laughable. So much happens in so short a time without it ever seeming contrived. Characters go through changes and are allowed the space and time to react to each other. Hepburn reconsiders her entire life in a fairly serious way, and the other characters go through changes too. Of course, the acting is great, especially from Hepburn, who is one of our great actresses. The performances given by the little girl and the photographer are also superlative.
I suppose that the only complaints one can have about the film are content rather than form. Hepburn is supposed to forgive her father for his philandering? She is cold and aloof and thus must return to her first husband, who comes this close to beating her? As with many classic Hollywood films, the independent, smart woman is pathologized and must be cured. Marriage is the only real option. At least here, the options are appealing. Still, a film like this, while unquestionable great, makes one wonder what people are talking about when they speak of a return to the good old days. They look like slavery to me.
I suppose that the only complaints one can have about the film are content rather than form. Hepburn is supposed to forgive her father for his philandering? She is cold and aloof and thus must return to her first husband, who comes this close to beating her? As with many classic Hollywood films, the independent, smart woman is pathologized and must be cured. Marriage is the only real option. At least here, the options are appealing. Still, a film like this, while unquestionable great, makes one wonder what people are talking about when they speak of a return to the good old days. They look like slavery to me.