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High Society
1956
Porter adds the tunes and Sinatra adds the ring-a-ding to this swinging musical remake of The Philadelphia Story. A prim socialite (Kelly in her last role before becoming Her Serene Highness) finds herself in a the middle of a comic mess when her ex-husband (Crosby) and an amorous reporter (Sinatra) come to cover the .. Read more
| Starring | Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Celeste Holm, Frank Sinatra |
|---|---|
| Director | Charles Walters |
| Genres | Music/Musical |
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High Society
Porter adds the tunes and Sinatra adds the ring-a-ding to this swinging musical remake of The Philadelphia Story. A prim socialite (Kelly in her last role before becoming Her Serene Highness) finds herself in a the middle of a comic mess when her ex-husband (Crosby) and an amorous reporter (Sinatra) come to cover the preparations for her upcoming wedding. Adding to the tension is her skirt-chasing father, who's also returned home for the ceremony. The resulting confusion--and several potent drinks--melt the ice princess's frosty exterior. It isn't long before she sees through her society-climbing fiancee, and warms up again to her crooning jazz musician ex-husband. Rare chance to see rivals Crosby and Sinatra together. Includes such hit numbers as 'True Love', 'You're Sensational', and 'Did You Evah'. The film garnered three Academy Award Nominations including Best Motion Picture Story.
| Starring | Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Celeste Holm, Frank Sinatra, John Lund, Louis Calhern, Louis Armstrong, Sidney Blackmer, Margalo Gillmore |
|---|---|
| Director | Charles Walters |
| Studio | WARNER HOME VIDEO |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 43 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Music/Musical |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 26 May 2003 Production year: 1956 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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This musical remake of the 1940 film The Philadelphia Story was a smash hit, particularly in Britain, making comparisons with its fabulous forerunner unnecessary. It's cleverly under-directed (star Bing Crosby couldn't dance) by the brilliant Charles Walters and offers many joys, notably the teaming of crooners Crosby and Frank Sinatra for the brilliantly witty Cole Porter number Well, Did You Evah?, and the delightful Grace Kelly in a role she plays perfectly, that of a spoiled rich brat. Sinatra and Celeste Holm make a snappy pair of journalists (and bring that snap to another Porter classic, Who Wants to be a Millionaire?), but Crosby seems somewhat ill at ease, and jazz great Louis Armstrong is reduced to the chorus and stooge to Crosby.
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Cold, flat, dull musical reworking of The Philadelphia Story (qv), with ill-cast performers and just a few bright moments.
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Most helpful member's review
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28 out of 28 people found this review helpful
Leaden
Flat musical version of The Philadelphia Story with second rate Cole Porter songs.
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Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
A 'swelegant' 50s musical
A feel-good 50s musical with all the usual razzle dazzle and schmaltz. The film's weak plot is more than compensated for by the fantastic Cole Porter score, 'swell' Sinatra/Crosby duet and a heart-warming Louis Armstrong number. Surprisingly convincing performances from the two crooners although Kelly's overplayed 'Tracy' can grate a little. If you're a fan of this genre, you won't be disappointed!
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