There were some other interesting points I drew out from watching Philadelphia Story and never got back to posting them. My original post was on Agesim in Hollywood. My second article here is about character of the characters.
One thing I notice in a lot of recent romantic comedies is the very confusing message about men and women. I think often there is this perfect, hot guy who has some redeeming qualities, but is somewhat of a buffoon. He does one or two gloriously romantic gestures and completely wins the girl despite his jerk-moves in other ways. I guess it gives grace, but it’s just weird in a world that sets up this “strong woman” who doesn’t need a man, and then she ends up falling for a stereotypical jerk. Not all movies, but many very popular ones are this way. Often neither male or female characters prove out lasting change; maybe just temporal change. [Side Note: I was very surprised by 50 First Dates though; very different, and if it wasn't full of potty humor and unnecessary sex references, it would make a beautifully moving story!]
In the Philadelphia Story, heiress Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn) throws out her husband C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant) shortly after their marriage. Two years later, Tracy is about to marry respectable George Kittredge. Dexter arrives at the Lord’s mansion the day before the wedding with writer Mike Connor and photographer Liz Imbrie.
Despite working for “Spy” magazine (a tabloid of the rich and famous), Dexter has become changed, having sobered up from his playboy and alcohol addiction, part of his losing Tracy. He returns to Tracy’s life trying to protect her from marrying this man who is not a good match for her, and from having her family slandered in the papers. Dexter is cautious and playful in winning Tracy back. But he’s given her space to make that decision on her own; his main goals are to protect her, being truly the husband he should be to her.
Tracy is on a journey of discovery. Mike (James Stewart) picks up on traits about her beyond her goddess-posture, and she realizes she likes being admired for her heart. Secondary character, Liz obviously loves Mike and is patiently waiting for him to “get it” and be mature enough and ready for marriage. Liz watches sadly as Mike falls for the leading lady, Tracy, but wants happiness for him and so refrains from interfering. While a somewhat typical secondary character, purposefully underplayed, Liz has a winning nature through wit and charm; the stark contrast to Hepburn’s commanding presence.
In the end, Tracy gives preference to Liz, honoring the love that Liz has for Mike by not pursuing a relationship with him, and says so publicly. This floored me. I don’t think a main “leading lady” type would defer to a secondary, meeker woman in a movie today. Tracy subtly honors their relationship by pointing out to Mike Liz’s true feelings.
Spoiler warning!! Tracy ends up marrying her first husband, CK Dexter. These two are transformed — Dexter having shed his old ways and proven his character, and Tracy discovering the heart beneath her holier-than-thou exterior. What I love about this is that it seemed a real surprise to me being used to modern movies. Also, this display instills the true definition of marriage and the commitment beyond paperwork. CK remains faithful to Tracy, and shows steadfastness in changing and coming back to win her heart again; truly becoming the husband he promised to be to her in their initial engagement.
While not a perfect parallel, I think it is i brilliantly written and very poetic.
