CHARLES WALTERS
Bil’s rating (out of 5): BBBB.
USA, 1956. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Sol C. Siegel Productions. Screenplay by John Patrick, based on the play The Philadelphia Story by Philip Barry. Cinematography by Paul Vogel. Produced by Sol C. Siegel. Music by Cole Porter. Production Design by Cedric Gibbons, Hans Peters. Costume Design by Helen Rose. Film Editing by Ralph E. Winters. Academy Awards 1956.
Delightful musical version of The Philadelphia Story has Grace Kelly getting ready to remarry, but not before ex-husband Bing Crosby sticks his nose into the mix and Frank Sinatra shows up to throw our heroine’s situation (and emotions) into a tizzy. Just as spirited in story as the original, this version is further highlighted by some wonderful songs written by Cole Porter, the best of which is the lovely ballad ‘True Love”. Kelly is perfectly lovely, and Frank and Bing sound great in both their solos and their few duets together. Louis Armstrong also makes an appearance singing the fabulous ‘High Society Calypso’, and Celeste Holm has a brilliant supporting role.
