The Philadelphia Story

"The Philadelphia Story" concerns itself with Tracy Lord (Katherine Hepburn), a spoiled socialite scheduled to remarry when her first husband, C.K. Dexterhaven (Cary Grant)shows up to pitch some rice and mayhem. Add to the mix, Mike Connor (James Stewart) a reporter who is supposed to be covering the wedding for the tabloids but winds up falling for Tracy himself.
The play on which the movie is based has an interesting backstory. At this point in her career, for various reasons, Katherine Hepburn had been branded "box office poison". Unable to find suitable work in Hollywood, Ms. Hepburn decided to do the next best thing - get playwrite, Philip Barry to write her a hit. And so he did. The Broadway production of "The Philadelphia Story" was a phenomenal success. However, when L.B. Mayer, the head of MGM, decided that he simply had to have the rights to the play he discovered that Barry didn't own them - Katherine Hepburn did. Hence, the only way to make the movie was to cast box office poison in the lead. What good fortune that he did, since the film revitalized Katherine Hepburn's image with the movie going public and launched her career through another six decades of wonderful performances.
Now, about the DVD. Warner Home Video has inherited another MGM Home Video import with "The Philadelphia Story". Having said that, this one's pretty good looking. Yes, there is fine grain, dirt, scratches and aging present throughout. There's also some rare instances of edge enhancement and shimmering details. But these are minute and do not distract one from enjoying this fantastic film. The gray scale (it's a B&W movie) is well balanced. Contrast and shadow levels are accurately defined. The soundtrack is mono as originally recorded. At times there is a slight background hiss that crops up but overall, the audio is remarkably well represented. There are no extras.
BOTTOM LINE: YES.

The film is, of course, wonderful. What you probably want to know is that the DVD is a nice clean transfer with great contrast. On a big screen it almost looks like you're watching it on a film print. If you like screw-ball comedies or happen to be a fan of the stars, definately get this DVD.

It wears its age in a charming manner, and its themes are no less relevant today. Great storyline, wonderfully romantic moments and a strong cast with equally strong acting, it deserves all good things which have been written of it to this day. The story behind the movie is interesting, and almost as good as the film. Should be in every film buff's library.