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The Philadelphia Story

The Philadelphia Story

1940
Romance, Comedy
1h 52m
When a rich woman's ex-husband and a tabloid-type reporter turn up just before her planned remarriage, she begins to learn the truth about herself. (imdb)
Your probable score
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The Philadelphia Story

1940
Romance, Comedy
1h 52m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 68.77% from 1883 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(1883)
Compact view
Compact view
Rated 06 Jun 2012
70
69th
Jimmy stewart just crashed the top five of people I would have liked to have a drink with.
Rated 25 Aug 2019
70
52nd
Uh, 1940 was a wild time. The horny uncle was something else.
Rated 30 Nov 2009
1
12th
For some reason this is on all of the best of and must see lists but it really is undeserving. Probably hailed as a classic more for its seasoned director and all star cast then anything else. It's just not funny at all. Jimmy Stewart is good but that's about it. It's really a chore to sit through this movie. Incredibly dated.
Rated 16 Jan 2008
85
94th
A terrific romantic comedy with a love triangle to die for. James Stewart plays drunk brilliantly. But then again, he's always brilliant.
Rated 08 Oct 2012
55
24th
Some enjoyable parts. The characters were likeable but it wasn't really compelling. I never really cared who she ended up with, which is a definite flaw.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
99
99th
With outstanding performances across the board, this is possibly the best romantic comedy to of all time. The screenplay and dialogue are incredible. It's very funny, and the romance seems quite real. No less should be expected from James Stewart, Katherine Hepburn, and Cary Grant. It's absolutely amazing. Awesome!
Rated 02 Dec 2013
83
83rd
The ending felt unearned, but drunk Jimmy Stewart was great...
Rated 04 Oct 2009
94
99th
It is fantastic .. Before Julia Robets there was Katherine Hepburn. She steals the movie !
Rated 22 Jul 2014
99
99th
thoughtful, clever dialogue. great characters and great acting. some really powerful scenes.
Rated 22 May 2009
73
44th
Having three acting behemoths like Stewart, Grant, and Hepburn is a big downer, because every time one is taken off screen I want them back immediately. The story isn't of the quality I would have expected and its execution isn't great on anybody's part except the acting. The only part of this movie that even got me to chuckle was the end, but still two hours of Stewart and Grant is never a waste of time.
Rated 23 Aug 2011
40
15th
Shockingly dull given the talent of the two leading men. Hepburn was given way too much creative control; Cukor was a poor choice to helm the film. Jimmy Stewart singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is worth, let's say, +40 points to the score.
Rated 16 Aug 2007
90
89th
Really funny at times. One of the best romantic comedies. Stewart, Grant, and Hepburn all perform amazingly. Should not be missed.
Rated 27 Sep 2010
84
94th
Stewart, Grant and Hepburn all brought their A games here. In their company you can be sure to have a great time. Sit back and enjoy!
Rated 28 Jul 2016
79
88th
Just darn great.
Rated 18 Jun 2009
90
61st
A charming classic! This was much better than I'd anticipated, fun, funny, and thoughtful. A great film to watch, if for nothing else than the wonderful acting of Stewart and Grant! The scene with the two of them is such a delight! Some of the other acting could have been better, but overall it was a charming film!
Rated 02 Mar 2014
92
92nd
It has complex characters and emotional intensity. I still want to stab the dad, but mostly, it's a story about different people realizing that they need to imagine each other more complexly. (And Virginia Weidler as Dinah Lord is hilarious, I will brook no argument on this.)
Rated 30 Sep 2014
91
99th
My favorite romantic comedy of all time! It is witty, elegant, smart... The cast couldn't be better. Hepburn was a surprise, her acting is much better than in other films I've seen. I find it impossible to pick my favorite Steward's performance, but this is a strong contender. The afterparty scene with Hepburn and Steward took my breath away. These 10 minutes are perfect.
Rated 08 Aug 2009
20
9th
As I watch this I envision a "laugh" prompt lighting up on every other line of the dialogue. With its incessant chatter it tries desperately to be funny and fails miserably, repeatedly. In its desperation it sinks as low as to steal a song from a yesteryear Marx Brothers movie. I can't help but surmise that the continued popularity of a comedy so dull is owed to the popularity of the leads.
Rated 26 Jul 2008
55
24th
Dated and fairly slight, but quite fun for what it is.
Rated 18 May 2008
100
92nd
Loved it! Comedy classic.
Rated 23 Aug 2016
90
99th
Untouchable cast! Ace writing! Brilliant acting! Impeccable style! Nothing more is needed to be said. It's The Philadelphia Story (1940)!
Rated 03 Sep 2009
100
95th
Classic comedy, with trio of Hepburn, Grant, and Stewart all serving aces.
Rated 24 Aug 2011
65
77th
The 1940s equivalent of a raunchy rom-com, though it's not as raunchy today; it's definitely a product of its times. This is pure classic Hollywood, full of veiled innuendos, soft lighting, well-written dialog, and high caliber stars. Speaking of, drunk Jimmy Stewart is one of the greatest things I've ever seen.
Rated 27 Dec 2008
94
91st
One of the great acted films of any era. Hepburn shines and is backed up brilliantly by Grant and Stewart.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
95th
This is THE quintessential Katharine Hepburn role & it's also one of her finest performances. She's an absolute goddess in this. She has all kinds of gorgeous men chasing after her - & who can blame them? Oh, yeah...Cary Grant & Jimmy Stewart are along for the ride as well.
Rated 13 Aug 2007
90
92nd
A great comedy that was ahead of its time.
Rated 04 Mar 2007
88
93rd
Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart and Katherine Hepburn in the same cast list. What's not to like?
Rated 26 Mar 2007
0
8th
Too cute
Rated 30 Jun 2009
97
89th
I love the dialogue in this movie, and the performances are all wonderful.
Rated 28 Jan 2010
92
89th
A good play, well-filmed with a classic cast.
Rated 11 Aug 2010
89
96th
Even though I have only recently seen thisfilm for the first time, it may well have become one of my favourites. Both Katherine Hepburn and James Stewart shine in this film.
Rated 28 Dec 2009
95
87th
The touchstone of romantic comedies and a criterion for screenplays which even today has not been exceeded. All of the three leads unsuccessfully try to surpass one another in the beginning, but somewhere in their Katharine Hepburn wins you over with her allurement, desireability and seductiveness. James Stewart and Cary Grant should also not be missed. While the attempted humor is not only dated but uneventful, The Philadelphia Story still is an extraordinary film.
Rated 19 Oct 2019
3
45th
Consistently amusing, occasionally laugh-out-loud hilarious, and always very watchable. The three leads are good, of course, but it reaches its greatest heights when Stewart is on screen. Still, I don't feel quite as strongly for it as its glowing reputation might suggest.
Rated 21 Apr 2021
100
97th
My, how this script is yar. A must watch. The crackling, whip-smart writing provides excellent fodder for Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant and a young Jimmy Stewart to play to their strengths. Grant is irascible as the charming hero secretly pining for his ex-wife who is set to marry again. Hepburn, notably written about as a cold, unapproachable star seems to take the words to heart when the same is said about her character. Every actor delivers here. One of cinema's classic stories.
Rated 06 Jul 2023
7
94th
as a grant/stewart fan and hepburn sceptic i'd like this if it just used the personas of the former to cruelly skewer the persona of the latter, but that's just the first act. it then becomes a compassionate deconstruction, acknowledging the scenery-chewing nature of this performance and working to understand the motivations and consequences of performance itself, locating a human source in all the affectation and posturing. which is to say, it's not only oddly moving but genuinely eye-opening.
Rated 04 Oct 2008
75
66th
Jimmy Stewart and Katherine Hepburn are terrific in this. Although outside of their performances, there's little remarkable about this film.
Rated 12 Apr 2010
70
61st
The film is worth far mainly by main trio, amazing actors, which is always nice to see them. Although the story not be the best.
Rated 29 Aug 2012
60
38th
komik degil. romantik, hic degil. filmdeki karakterlerin hicbirinin hisleri inandirici gelmiyor; hepsi birbirinden yapay. diyalog kargasasindan baska bi sey yok filmde. ortaokul musameresi gibi. sonunu zor getirdim.
Rated 01 Mar 2008
92
87th
# 153
Rated 01 Mar 2016
85
54th
Cute movie. Very period-classic, with great acting of course. DRAMAFLOP rating: (see profile for details) Dialogue=5,Rudeness=5,Acting=5,Messages=3,Action=3,Funny=3,Filmography=4,loveable characters=4,orchestration=3,Plot=5. Weighted total = 85.
Rated 14 Nov 2007
85
73rd
An excellent story with superb acting and casting that paved the way for most every romantic comedy to date. All three of the leads are top-tier, which should really be no surprise seeing as they're three of the best actors to ever live. Hepburn is particularly charming as Tracy Lords; both Grant and Stewart do equally great jobs as well. The Philadelphia Story is maybe not one of the absolute best movies around, but it sure does come close.
Rated 05 Jun 2014
50
24th
Exactly what you expect from a romantic comedy that starts with the male lead hilariously beating up the female lead.
Rated 24 Feb 2016
15
81st
Star Rating: ★★★★
Rated 08 Feb 2017
52
17th
Merely bearable because of the gifted Stewart, Grant and Hepburn. -- Too slow, too dry.
Rated 28 Aug 2009
72
71st
Entertaining.
Rated 18 Dec 2010
93
94th
Katharine Hepburn maybe my favorite actress of all time and I've only seen three of her films, I think that sums up what I thought of her performance in this. Of course, Grant and Stewart are fantastic and the writing was great. I love the dialogue of these old school movies, but I wonder if it would work coming from other actors. This film wasn't so much a comedy, as a examination of social class and I thought that worked well. The ending sort of hurt, as I wasn't expecting that direction.
Rated 18 Jun 2009
87
88th
There are a few moments in the movie which take the film down a notch from greatness, specifically Virginia Weidler overacting on a few occasions. However, the main cast is fantastic. Grant, Stewart and Hepburn are all superb from start to finish. There are plenty of hilarious moments in the film that haven't become dated one bit making this movie one that is well worth seeing.
Rated 20 Feb 2007
80
77th
The screenplay is outstanding, the direction precise and the acting superb, with Katherine Hepburn shining, as usual.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
72
81st
A fine movie, although clearly I didn't enjoy it as much as some others. It didn't seem to me to reach the comedic heights of HIS GIRL FRIDAY, THE LADY EVE, THE AWFUL TRUTH, THE PALM BEACH STORY, or TROUBLE IN PARADISE.
Rated 30 Nov 2011
92
84th
#156
Rated 19 Dec 2008
93
86th
142
Rated 04 Feb 2007
93
82nd
Contains what is hands down the funniest drunk scene ever. Hepburn, Grant and Stewart all hand in some of the best performances of their careers.
Rated 24 Aug 2007
85
73rd
A great classic to see at least once in your life, despite the very Hollywood happy ending.
Rated 30 Mar 2015
95
93rd
Everyone knocks it out of the park in this.
Rated 20 Dec 2011
88
79th
Superb cast and snappy direction, but somehow doesn't quite live up to its 'classic' reputation. Grant and Hepburn demonstrate their expertise in rancerous banter, while Stewart provides the perfect straight man; opening gag worthy of inclusion in the great silent comedy set pieces sets a standard for hilarity that the rest of the film can't quite live up to.
Rated 29 May 2012
80
59th
It is surely a nice movie, especially because Grant and Stewart are so good. Unfortunately its theatrical essence and poor balancing between drama and comedy can stimulate you to skip some parts.
Rated 15 Jul 2014
85
87th
Pre-60s comedy movies can be very hit and miss with me and this was a definite hit. Grant, Hepburn, and Stewart were all great and I had a great time watching this one.
Rated 03 Jan 2013
96
91st
A classic from the classics. Great writing and perfectly polished performances from three legends, Grant, Hepburn and Stewart. Fun movie.
Rated 02 May 2010
60
54th
watched: 2010, 2021
Rated 30 Jan 2009
97
92nd
Troubles? Just get completely wasted and they'll sort themselves out! Words cannot describe just how awesome James Stewart really is.
Rated 02 Mar 2007
60
62nd
Great film.
Rated 04 May 2010
95
81st
Perhaps too rational at times to be a true "screwball" comedy, but still one fo teh greats.
Rated 06 Jan 2014
72
71st
I am just tired of seeing James Stewart playing James Stewart... I guess.
Rated 13 Jan 2010
93
86th
145
Rated 19 Aug 2015
82
70th
Great characters, great chemistry between the actors, a fun old classic.
Rated 24 Feb 2017
60
26th
I learned that a failed marriage, an estrangement with a parent, and a warped outlook on life can all be fixed with a good night drunk on champagne.
Rated 10 Dec 2017
65
32nd
Bereft of pathos or humor. Characters aren't very interesting, and consequently the movie becomes sort of unpleasant to watch.
Rated 19 Nov 2008
72
63rd
Ho-hum. Took me three sittings to get through this one. At least James Stewart was great.
Rated 15 Jul 2013
65
67th
An interesting period film that is not quite current anymore as culture and mores have changed. Mostly worth seeing for Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant.
Rated 26 May 2009
80
62nd
This is not my kind of thing, but what's really interesting about it is how BETTER it is than newer flicks of the same genre. Like all that Julia Roberts crap, and other stupid romantic comedies.
Rated 10 Feb 2007
80
65th
really funny stuff.
Rated 28 Dec 2008
73
58th
M: 75/100 S: 70/100 Mike: Cute classic. Fine acting. Sophia: Pre-Matrimonial silliness.
Rated 23 Dec 2010
80
37th
Maybe it's just me, but I can't see why every single person in the movie was going crazy over Hepburn's character. Cary Grant was great, however and thank God for Jimmy Stewart.
Rated 25 Jul 2014
75
81st
It's hard not to like this when you've got the combined charm of Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and James Stewart. Hepburn is lovely and beautiful, and Stewart acting drunk is fantastic. The story isn't anything special, though this is coming from a present day perspective, where the romantic comedy has been done to death. There's some great, funny dialogue though, and I enjoyed it all, except for perhaps the ending, which wasn't exactly what I would have preferred.
Rated 18 May 2016
85
86th
A romantic comedy in the vein of greats of Classic Hollywood: quick, philosophical dialogue bristling with romantic tension and innuendo and a clash between multiple well-developed characters. It doesn't do anything unique, but it does the things it does very well. Also, I'd like to give a huge shout-out to Jimmy Stewart for respecting sexual consent, something very progressive for Hollywood at the time, especially considering Gone With the Wind came out only a year earlier.
Rated 15 Feb 2011
55
12th
Ugh, Katherine Hepburn.
Rated 22 Jun 2008
85
89th
Pauline Kael sums up my reaction much better than I ever could: "Shiny and unfelt and smart-aleck-commercial as the movie is, it's almost irresistibly entertaining--one of the high spots of MGM professionalism. There isn't much real wit in the lines, and there's no feeling of spontaneity, yet the engineering is so astute that the laughs keep coming. This is a paste diamond with more flash and sparkle than a true one. The director, George Cukor, has never been more heartlessly sure of himself."
Rated 02 Jan 2017
81
18th
1
Rated 26 Dec 2010
93
97th
93.250
Rated 08 Aug 2014
48
54th
In spite of the great acting by the headline stars unusually I prefer a later remake to this previous version.
Rated 13 Jun 2015
58
74th
This story is not very romantic at all to me, but the acting is indeed fantastic. I would not call this a must-see, nor would I say it is one of the best romance films ever, as some claim. The dialogue is well done, but what a terrible thought that if you change your ways and still love your exwife, it gives you permission to meddle with and try to ruin her remarriage.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
65
25th
Not laugh-out-loud funny, but entertaining enough. Lots of drunk acting which always bugs me, and lots of hungover acting which is almost as bad.
Rated 08 Sep 2012
40
34th
Couldn't finish.
Rated 10 Mar 2018
60
36th
Cornball, but watchable.
Rated 21 Mar 2018
100
98th
Offering a wonderfully witty script, spotless direction from George Cukor, and typically excellent lead performances, The Philadelphia Story is an unqualified classic.
Rated 17 Feb 2018
60
26th
Tracy Lord: "The time to make up your mind about people is never."
Rated 16 Jun 2018
60
48th
Well made, but not especially interesting romantic comedy is really just a showcase for its stars, who deliver the goods in a rather predictable fashion. I've never been totally convinced of Grant's comic skills, and while he has a few amusing exchanges with Hepburn, they aren't nearly as fun to watch as they are in Bringing Up Baby, which is also quite overrated, although less so than this. Cukor's direction is adequate, if undistinguished.
Rated 24 Jun 2018
80
78th
Another of the "they don't make 'em like that anymore" films of the 40s, this screwball comedy has a wacko plot, dozens of non sequitur comments, and a high-octane cast -- and somehow, even with the improbable ending, it's a terrific film with dozens of quotable lines. I loved watching Grant ("like Lee and Grant") try not to crack up when talking with a drunk Stewart, but Hepburn steals the show.
Rated 03 Aug 2018
77
81st
James Stewart does a great drunk act
Rated 11 Mar 2019
96
95th
96.00
Rated 24 Sep 2019
73
39th
From a modern perspective, this movie is full of questionable if not outright baffling takes on morals, relationships and class, But thanks to the mostly snappy script and the extremely talented cast it is still quite fun to watch.
Rated 20 May 2020
65
52nd
Little romance, little comedy, but still interesting to watch. If you can ignore all of the problematic behaviour displayed and rewarded, that is.
Rated 21 May 2020
91
97th
Arguably the greatest romantic comedy put to film. The trio of Hepburn, Stewart and Grant is irresistible. Hilarious. So many zingers. But with an entertaining storyline to match.
Rated 09 Dec 2020
62
47th
The beginning was pretty dull but definitely got better in the second half.
Rated 11 Aug 2021
100
96th
Grant and Stewart are in top form and the supporting ensemble is the cream of comedic character actors. George Cukor handles the very large cast (many of whom are all in several scenes together) and crafts a really elegant film. This is one of the rare romantic comedies that legitimately keeps you guessing as to how it will turn out, mostly through really deft handling of some fairly complicated and mature themes.
Rated 12 Apr 2022
52
53rd
Smart, well acted, and consistently witty. But some scenes drag, it's not exactly a compelling scenario or setting, and I didn't care for the conclusion.
Rated 06 May 2022
83
83rd
Pretty crazy that they made a movie about the AIDS epidemic way back in 1940. Tom Hanks is barely even recognizable in this, and he does a hell of a Jimmy Stewart impression.
Rated 10 May 2022
100
70th
love itttt. like idk how to explain but: highschool drama yk
Rated 11 Jan 2023
93
79th
Great cast, good humor, some wonderful one liners.

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