Guest Author - Judith Hodges

Philip Barry's play "The Philadelphia Story" was adapted into a movie by the same name in 1940. In 1956, The Philadelphia Story was adapted with the help of Cole Porter into the classic musical High Society. This musical stays true to the storyline of the original The Philadelphia Story with a few songs and a jazz festival in the mix to spice up the romantic comedy.
Grace Kelly takes on the role of Tracy Lord, originally portrayed by Katharine Hepburn. High Society would be Grace Kelly's final screen appearance before marrying Prince Rainier of Monaco and retiring from American cinema. C.K. Dexter Haven, originally played by Cary Grant, has musically talented Bing Crosby crooning his way through High Society. The 26 year difference in Crosby and Kelly's age made the movie seem less romantic even though they had an affair in real life. The newspaper reporter Mike Connor, played originally by Jimmy Stewart, shows off Frank Sinarta's acting and singing voice. Ruth Hussey was nominated for an Oscar for her role as the photographer in The Philadelphia Story, but for High Society Celeste Holm was not nominated for her portrayal of Liz Imbrie.

I was not impressed with the musical version of the movie until Frank Sinatra sang his love for Grace Kelly with the song "You're Sensational". At this point, even though I knew how The Philadelphia Story ends, I found myself rooting for Mike and Tracy. The jazz festival in town brought in Louis Armstrong and his band. Their music acted as a way for the movie to keep moving when the action started to become dull. Nothing will ever replace the witty banter between Hepburn, Grant, and Stewart, but the music and Grace Kelly's beauty in High Society make it a movie worth watching at least once.

High Society DVD, Cole Porter Box Set, or rent from Netflix.com