 | |
List Price: $12.97 | | Label: Warner Home Video
Salesrank: 693
Released: May 13, 2008 |
| Our Price: $5.79 |
| Used Price: $27.84 |
|
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Media: DVD |
|
Editorial Review:
Heiress Tracy Lord (Grace Kelly) is engaged to one man (John Lund), attracted to another (Frank Sinatra) and, just maybe, in love again with her ex-husband (Bing Crosby) in this efferevescent musical reinvention of Philip Barry's play The Philadelphia Story featuring an endlessly delightful Cole Porter score. Among High Society's high points: Sinatra and Celeste Holm ask Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Crosby and Kelly share True Love, Der Bingle and Ol' Blue Eyes swing-swing-swingle Well, Did You Evah? and Crosby and Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong jive with Now You Has Jazz. Yes, indeedy, we has!
Description of High Society:
MGM's bold idea to remake George Cukor's Oscar-winning upperclass romantic farce, The Philadelphia Story, into a star-studded, Technicolor musical with Cole Porter tunes somehow works splendidly and remains an underrated gem. Even the plot and character names--and some bits of dialogue--all remain the same as the original. Crooning Bing Crosby replaces Cary Grant as the wealthy ex-husband trying to win back his soon-to-be-remarried ex-wife, spoiled ice queen Tracy Lord (Grace Kelly, stunning and aloof in her last film role, originated in the earlier comedy by Katherine Hepburn). Unlike Grant, however, Crosby has jazz great Louis Armstrong, playing himself, in his corner for quixotic persuasion. Frank Sinatra (cocky in James Stewart's former role) and Celeste Holm add support as the nosy reporters covering, and subsequently complicating, the upcoming wedding. Sure, High Society lacks the original's witty satire, sarcasm, and character complexity; but it's assuredly paced and wonderfully acted, and contains enough romantic chemistry to keep the plot engaging. And then there's the music. Unlike the grandiose production numbers of many '40s and '50s musicals, High Society's musical sequences are considerably low-key and intimate, focusing on Porter's lyrical content, and the style in which it's delivered by the charismatic performers. Armstrong kicks the film off in telling style: he sings the title track, a calypso tune outlining the plot like a Greek chorus, not as an elaborately choreographed song-and-dance number, but instead stuffed claustrophobically in the back of a limousine with his jazz band. Other musical standouts include Sinatra and Crosby playfully tossing barbs during "Well, Did You Evah?"; Crosby and Armstrong teaming up for an energetic clash of styles in "Now You Has Jazz"; the two soaring, archetypal ballads by the leads--Crosby's "I Love You, Samantha" and Sinatra's superior "You're Sensational"; and, finally, the satirical Sinatra/Holm duet, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?," the closest High Society ever comes to social or class commentary. --Dave McCoy
High Society Reviews:
Fun Movie 
2009-11-20 - I have always loved High Society, it's fun, funny and filled with great music! A great end to Grace Kelly's long movie career. It gives you romance, and beautiful gowns! The restoration was perfect,making the film as lovely as the day it was released. Want an evening of fun, romance and relaxation? Grab the popcorn and enjoy High society!
Great Great Film
2009-10-25 - I bought this for my mom because we watch it many many times on TV and always get annoyed by the commercials. It is a great film for the young and old!!!
Classic Classic
2009-10-25 - If you enjoy the old classic movies, this one is a wonderful one! A very pretty Grace Kelly, showing her ability to be funny, and a very YOUNG Frank Sinatra, in what I guess must be one of his first movies. Light-hearted and fun, with a good duet with Frank & Bing.
High Society, A pinkie up film
2009-10-19 - This is just a fun movie for everyone gets their guy and gal.....with music and comedy in the mix....with very likable characters.
perfect product
2009-08-23 - The dvd and case was in perfect condition! I was really satisfied with my purchase...and was happy that it was exactly what i expected.
