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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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Critics' reviews (3)
View all -
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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"...Hollywood hokum at its most magically, glossily simple -- watch it and be happy to the tips of your toes..."
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Most helpful members' reviews (3)
View all -
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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5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Nostalgia ain't what it used to be.
With people now getting sentimental about the 1970s, you have to be a bit older to get full value from this delightful museum piece, set in the early 1950s. Grace Kelly, on review and reflection, certainly could not act convincingly in this part but is a great big star, holding her own against Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong, all of whom are plainly enjoying her company, and each others', and are great to remember given that all four are now dead. The plot and setting rely heavily on the 'Country Cottages' of the mega-rich Vanderbilts, Dukes, Astors etc in Newport, Rhode Island. We visited some of these recently and they are wonderful tourist attractions. Playing on a screen in the basement of one of the great houses was - yes, you've guessed it - the film of High Society. It is a significant part of movie history, also of the social history of the American Dream. More to the point, it is wonderful entertainment. Think of it as a musical comedy with great tunes and unforgettable Cole Porter lyrics. Forget the plot. Enjoy the ride.
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Good Lord
The music is great .... the movie is a sleeping pill.
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Most recent members' reviews (2)
View all -
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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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
I Love it!
I still love this film! the acting, the singing and the story are all brilliant! This film still has me laughing out in places.
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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.
-
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Nostalgia ain't what it used to be.
With people now getting sentimental about the 1970s, you have to be a bit older to get full value from this delightful museum piece, set in the early 1950s. Grace Kelly, on review and reflection, certainly could not act convincingly in this part but is a great big star, holding her own against Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong, all of whom are plainly enjoying her company, and each others', and are great to remember given that all four are now dead. The plot and setting rely heavily on the 'Country Cottages' of the mega-rich Vanderbilts, Dukes, Astors etc in Newport, Rhode Island. We visited some of these recently and they are wonderful tourist attractions. Playing on a screen in the basement of one of the great houses was - yes, you've guessed it - the film of High Society. It is a significant part of movie history, also of the social history of the American Dream. More to the point, it is wonderful entertainment. Think of it as a musical comedy with great tunes and unforgettable Cole Porter lyrics. Forget the plot. Enjoy the ride.
-
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Good Lord
The music is great .... the movie is a sleeping pill.
-
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
They Don't Make Them Like This Anymore...
This is a great introduction to Hollywood musicals. It has a feel to it that everyone involved in its making was having a good time.
It is a love story set against an early celebrity back drop, told by Louis Armstrong who also happens to be part of the house band in the story.
People go on about De Niro & Pachino meeting in Heat, Sinatre & Crosby acting and singing together - Did You Ever - simply out class them here. Two great masters of old school Hollywood. Throw in a few knowing one liners and what you have is a compact, witty, stylish movie. -
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
A great musical!
Great movie and some great performances by the actors, especially Grace Kelly....She was simply terrific...drop dead gorgeous...A must see for Grace' fans!
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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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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
I have adored this film forever
I have loved this film since I first saw it 20 years ago. I must have watched it 20 times since then and seeing it again now for the first time in years made me smile the minute the music started. Romance and glamour, lots of very silly comedy moments and wonderful songs. A classic chick flick of the highest calibre.
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
I Love it!
I still love this film! the acting, the singing and the story are all brilliant! This film still has me laughing out in places.
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Billionaire Bing is Bling in High Society
A lightweight, inoffensive and song strewn tale in which slack moraled Grace Kelly flirts with Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby on the eve of her wedding to the understandable chagrin of her husband to be.
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high society
the best ever musical - doesnt insult musical intelligence.
Critics' reviews (3)
-
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.
-
Cold, flat, dull musical reworking of The Philadelphia Story (qv), with ill-cast performers and just a few bright moments.
-
"...Hollywood hokum at its most magically, glossily simple -- watch it and be happy to the tips of your toes..."
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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 ... -
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