Certificate U
Duration 112 mins
Romantic-comedies don’t come any more witty, sophisticated or star-packed than this double Oscar-winner from 1940. An unbeatable trio of Hollywood’s golden greats Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn and James Stewart (winner of one of those Oscars) form the triangle at the heart of a fast-paced farce that mixes terrific physical comedy with verbal dexterity; the film itself was adapted from a Broadway play which had been a huge success for Hepburn. She plays Tracy Lord, an heiress whose plan to get married as a way of proving a point to her ex Dexter Haven (Grant) brings her together with reporter Mike Connor (Stewart), an unexpected situation that causes further complications.
Director George Cukor went on to direct Hepburn and Spencer Tracy in a number of screwball comedy classics (Pat and Mike; Adam’s Rib) but nothing beats this perfectly-poised and expertly-crafted entertainment. Indeed, the story had such strong appeal that it returned to the screen 16 years later, with added songs and Grace Kelly, in the form of musical remake High Society. Prepare to be won over - if you don’t fall in love with this film under the stars, then maybe you and the movies were never meant to be.
#Film4SummerScreen
DJ from 18.45 | Ginger Fizz
London-based selector Sadie Doherty, AKA Ginger Fizz, will be spinning us all the way back to the golden age of Hollywood with her handpicked collection of vintage 45s.
