The Philadelphia Story (1940)

A Philadelphia socialite (Katharine Hepburn) is set to marry her second husband (John Howard) in a society event of the year. Complications arise when her first husband (Cary Grant) shows up and two reporters (James Stewart, Ruth Hussey) from a tabloid cover the wedding against her objections. Based on the play by Philip Barry and directed by George Cukor (GASLIGHT). One of the most revered of classic comedies (I wouldn't call it a screwball though some might). I've never warmed up to it personally though it's well written and acted. Maybe it's because I'm turned off by the characters except for Ruth Hussey. Hepburn's Hollywood career was in the dumps when she returned to the stage in PHILADELPHIA STORY and the play was a hit and she smartly purchased the film rights so that if any studio wanted to make it, she went with it. The film was a huge success and revitalized her film career. Stewart's Oscar win seems inexplicable until you realize it was a compensation Oscar for not winning for MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON the year before. Remade in 1956 as a musical, HIGH SOCIETY. With Roland Young, Mary Nash, Virginia Weidler, Henry Daniell and John Halliday.