MovieChat Forums > High Society (1956) Discussion > Impossible not to like both, however, if...

Impossible not to like both, however, if stranded on a desert isle...

posted 19 years ago by msabom
51 replies | jump to latest

OK, for me it is impossible not to thoroughly enjoy both High Society as well as The Philadelphia Story...

...having said that, however, were I marooned on a desert isle and could only take one or the other, I would have to pick The Philadelphia Story. I remember actually being a little shocked (although I KNEW that HS was a musical) when the first song suddenly broke out. And although it's terribly unfair, I know, to compare the casts, Katharine Hepburn will ALWAYS be Tracy Lord, just as much as Cary Grant will be "good old Dex".

So I ask - had you to choose to take along to re-watch for the remainder of your natural life (for I am certain that BOTH versions will be available for viewing at any time in Heaven!) which would you choose?

ms

[–] Golden_Oldies 19 years ago

Oh god that's a really tough one! Sure Philadelphia story has Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart and Katherin Hepburn BUT High Society has Frank and Bing! You would have thought the stars in PS would outweigh the ones in HS but then Frank Sinatra is my idol! Then HS has the amazing songs but the dialogue is much better spoken in PS. And agreed, Grace Kelly isn't a patch on Katherine Hepburn's Tracy Lord. I think I m gonna choose High Society, because the songs cut out some of the longness of Philadelphia story. Though I prefer PS normally.

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[–] kominogie 19 years ago

High Society becuase of the Songs

[–] Princess_Dala 19 years ago

I think Grace Kelly is better than Katherine Hepburn (although she is normally the by far better actress) for this part. I like her little spoilt but still girlish behaviour. So I guess for me the clear winner is High Society - but probably cos I grew up watching that movie in was not until recently that I actually watched the Philadelphia story.

[–] sawakatoome 18 years ago

'High Society'.

I love 'The Philadelphia Story' but the remake wins, IMO, for sheer entertainment and pace.

[–] alicefinklestein 19 years ago

I would actually say, easliy Philadelphia Story. I remember loving them equally as children, but having rewatched them both recently I think Philadelphia is better, I think the cast suited the roles better. I do love musicals but I think I don't really like Cole Porters lyrics much. High Society is still entertaining, but well the choice for me is easy.

[–] Registered_User 18 years ago

This is the easiest question I've ever had to answer. The philadelphia Story, hands down!

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[–] MokeStar 18 years ago

High Society.
I LOVE both of course...but I just really love the music.
And I think Grace Kelly did a stellar job.

[–] noveltylibrary 18 years ago

No contest, the original and much better of the two.

[–] ironandwine 18 years ago

I watched both movies today and I would have to say that Philadelphia story was better. Don't get me wrong, I love both movies so much but Katherine Hepburns a comedic genius in Philly Story. She was so strong in that role and I thought that the musical version should have had better music if they wanted to equally master what was done in the original.

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] ninja_shark 18 years ago

ARG! This is impossibly hard! They are both some of my favroite movies of all time.A couple of weeks ago I watched them both back to back. It was a really good way to compare them both. If I had to pick, I'd say HS beacuse I love musicals/Cole Porter.

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[–] jumpinggirl 18 years ago

I would have to say High Society. I absolutly love it, but then again I have not seen The Pholadelplia Story. I really need to sometime! Frank with his wonderful voice and Grace Kelly with all her grace, High Society is just so darned sensational!

[–] gaelicguy 18 years ago

Frankly, this question annoys me no end -- is it so inconceivable that folks can't enjoy both for different reasons??? Why this need to choose? There are merits and flaws to both films, comparisons are invidious.

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[–] bonafidejesus_freek 18 years ago

Even though i was brought up with HS, and only saw PS for the first time about 3 years ago, I'd deffo go for PS.

For some reason i understood the story of what happens to Sam so much better in PS. I think in HS (as good as it is) the actual story is lost a little bit because they concentrated so much on the songs!

And i mean, Jimmy and Cary in the drunk scene when JS hiccups?!? PRICELESS!

[–] mollaroo 9 years ago

Why on earth would you answer, having never seen The Philadelphia Story and being unable to spell Philadelphia in the first place? The Philadelphia story is far superior, educate yourself.

[–] bellamystic21 18 years ago

Easily The Philadelphia Story for me. High Society is a good movie but I just like the former better. I watched High Society for the first time today and it's hard to watch it and forget about Hepburn and Grant at the same time. Whenever Kelly and Crosby were saying certain things I kept remember how Hepburn and Grant said them. It's hard to let it go and get into High Society for what it is. But I managed and it is a really good movie, with Philadelphia just being a bit better.

[–] Black_Belt 18 years ago

Naw, High Society is my favorite. I just don't like Katherine Hepburn in PS, she annoys me. She's fine in other things, but Philadelphia Story.. eeeh. I prefer HS with Grace Kelly -- not annoying.

[–] ajm2006 18 years ago

High Society is enjoyable, but The Philadelphia Story is just amazing. It's true, Katharine Hepburn truly shined in that role, and Cary Grant was far better than Bing Crosby in the role of Dex. Sinatra does do extrememly well as Mike, but Celeste Holm's Liz isn't as good as Ruth Hussey's.

And as far as supporting cast goes, The Philadelphia Story had a much stronger cast.

The songs are enjoyable, and Grace Kelly does do a great job, but I have to go with The Philadelphia Story.

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