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High Society (1956 film)

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High Society (1956 film)
NameHigh Society
CaptionTheatrical release poster
DirectorCharles Walters
ProducerSol C. Siegel
ScreenplayJohn Patrick
Based onThe Philadelphia Story, play by Philip Barry
StarringBing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Celeste Holm, John Lund, Louis Calhern, Sidney Blackmer, Louis Armstrong
MusicCole Porter
CinematographyPaul C. Vogel
EditingRalph E. Winters
StudioMGM
DistributorLoew's Inc.
Released1956, 07, 17
Runtime107 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$2.7 million
Gross$13 million

High Society (1956 film) is a MGM musical romantic comedy film directed by Charles Walters and starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra. A musical adaptation of Philip Barry's 1939 play The Philadelphia Story, which was previously filmed in 1940 starring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart, the film features a score by Cole Porter. Set in Newport, Rhode Island, during a lavish wedding weekend, the plot revolves around socialite Tracy Lord navigating the affections of her ex-husband, a reporter, and her fiancé.

Plot

The story unfolds over a weekend at the opulent Lord family estate in Newport, Rhode Island. Socialite Tracy Lord is preparing to marry George Kittredge, a man of modest background. Her ex-husband, C. K. Dexter-Haven, a charming jazz musician, arrives hoping to win her back. Meanwhile, Spy Magazine sends reporter Mike Connor and photographer Liz Imbrie to cover the wedding. Amidst the pre-wedding festivities, including a yacht party and a jazz concert, Tracy finds herself charmed by both Dexter-Haven and Mike, leading to romantic confusion and a pivotal confrontation on the eve of the ceremony.

Cast

* Bing Crosby as C. K. Dexter-Haven * Grace Kelly as Tracy Samantha Lord * Frank Sinatra as Mike Connor * Celeste Holm as Liz Imbrie * John Lund as George Kittredge * Louis Calhern as Uncle Willie * Sidney Blackmer as Seth Lord * Louis Armstrong as himself, leading his band * Margalo Gillmore as Mrs. Seth Lord * Lydia Reed as Caroline Lord * Gordon Richards as Sir Simon Abernathy

Production

The film was produced by Sol C. Siegel for MGM, with John Patrick adapting the Philip Barry play. Director Charles Walters sought to create a lavish, Technicolor spectacle. Principal photography took place primarily on the MGM backlot, with some establishing shots filmed in Newport, Rhode Island. The production marked the final film role for Grace Kelly before she retired from acting to become Princess of Monaco upon her marriage to Prince Rainier III. The casting of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, two of the era's biggest stars, alongside the Louis Armstrong ensemble, was a major studio coup.

Music

The film's musical score and songs were composed by Cole Porter, marking his final complete film score. The soundtrack includes several iconic numbers, such as the duet "Well, Did You Evah!" performed by Crosby and Sinatra, and the romantic ballad "True Love" sung by Crosby and Kelly, which became a major hit. Louis Armstrong and his band perform "Now You Has Jazz" with Crosby and appear throughout, providing a jazz backdrop. Other notable songs include "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" sung by Sinatra and Celeste Holm, and "You're Sensational".

Release and reception

High Society premiered in New York City on July 17, 1956, and was a major commercial success, earning approximately $13 million at the box office against a $2.7 million budget. Critical reception was mixed; while the performances of Crosby, Sinatra, and Kelly were praised, along with the Cole Porter score, some reviewers compared it unfavorably to the non-musical 1940 film adaptation. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Original Song for "True Love" and Best Scoring of a Musical Picture. The soundtrack album, released by Capitol Records, was also a bestseller.

Legacy

The film is remembered as a highlight of the MGM musical era and the final screen appearance of Grace Kelly. The song "True Love" became a standard and is indelibly associated with both Crosby and Kelly. The film's depiction of Newport, Rhode Island, high society and its blend of jazz with Cole Porter's sophisticated tunes influenced later musical comedies. It is frequently broadcast during holiday seasons and remains a staple of Turner Classic Movies. The collaboration between Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Louis Armstrong is considered a landmark in film musical history.

Category:1956 films Category:American musical comedy films Category:Films directed by Charles Walters