If you're looking for boobs and blockbusters, look to the theaters. If you're looking for real black and white substance, look to the past. This week's pick: The Philadelphia Story
“The Philadelphia Story,” a 1940 romantic comedy starring Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart (three of the only 10 old movie stars you or I could name) is as classic as classic gets. The film follows the romantic hijinks of Tracy Lord, a young Philadelphia socialite juggling three suitors...all on the weekend of her second marriage.
Lord is played by the legendary Hepburn, who could offer us all some serious pant suit inspiration during these trying OCR times. Moreover, she gives Philadelphia an air of regality in the movie, all the while making audiences laugh. The film is brilliantly witty, as Hepburn attempts to field the advances of both her ex–husband C.K. Dexter Haven (played by the suave Grant) and a reporter (the dashing Stewart) sent to cover her wedding to bachelor George Kittredge.
Beyond its funny dialogue, this story of socialites has a revealing angle about classism in general. It’s an important plot point that Hepburn’s nouveau riche fiancee is pitted against her old money ex–husband. Additionally, Stewart’s status as a lowly reporter has audiences sure he couldn’t possibly be the suitor Hepburn chooses.
In the realm of OCR and beyond, life at Penn rings with classist undertones. The University, with its vast financial aid arsenal, prides itself on class diversity. With so many socioeconomic classes in one place, tension is impossible to avoid. From campus groups that recruit by zip code to programs that specifically cater to the underprivileged, class can define a person’s life at Penn. While this 1940 classic may not have computers or Kardashian jokes, its depictions of status resonate today.
Fortunately for those not seeking to scrutinize society, the film is still plenty of fun and Hepburn, as always, is a strong female protagonist for whom you can’t help but root for. It’s nothing short of a triumph, and worth watching for each of its 112 minutes.
Catch it on Amazon or Google Play for $1.99, or rent it for ~free~ from our very own Van Pelt Library.
