The Philadelphia Story (1940)

The Philadelphia Story (1940) is a sparkling romantic comedy about class, love and self-discovery. Wealthy Philadelphia socialite Tracy Lord is days away from marrying the respectable, if stuffy, George Kittredge when her ex-husband C.K. Dexter Haven turns up at the family mansion — accompanied by a tabloid reporter, Macaulay “Mike” Connor, and photographer Elizabeth Imbrie. What begins as a scheme to protect the family’s reputation and snag a scoop soon turns into a witty, emotionally charged triangle: Tracy must confront her own pride and ideals as Dexter, Mike and Liz unsettle her carefully ordered world and expose truths about love, forgiveness and identity. Watching the film you’ll get rapid-fire, sophisticated screwball comedy and razor-sharp dialogue alongside genuine moments of warmth. Expect charming romantic tension, clever social satire of upper-class manners and tabloid press culture, and strong character dynamics that shift from comic mischief to real feeling. The movie moves briskly, balances laughs with honest emotional payoff, and rewards viewers who enjoy smart, character-driven romantic comedies with enduring wit and heart.

Actors: Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart

Director: George Cukor

Runtime: 112 min

Genres: Comedy, Romance

8.0 /10 96 /100 7.9 /10 8.5 /10