High Society

In the 1956 classic, High Society, Katharine Hepburn and Grace Kelly deliver captivating performances as two sides of the charming and poised Tracy Lord, a beautiful high-society woman struggling to make a choice between love and convenience. The picture is the remake of the 1940 film The Philadelphia Story, adapted by Norman Krasna, with a screenplay by John Van Druten and Samuel and Bella Spewack. The story commences with Tracy Lord, a charismatic debutante from one of Philadelphia's esteemed families, about to tie the knot with her suitor, C. K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant) at the family's opulent estate. Although Tracy initially seems enthralled with her fiancé, George Kittredge (John Lund), everyone is oblivious to her lingering feelings for her ex-husband, Dexter. Dexter Haven, an old family friend, comes to the estate for the wedding but is asked not to stay overnight as there are family rules prohibiting him from being present during the nuptials. Dexter and Tracy still share an undeniable affection for each other, which becomes apparent as they spend time together. A news reporter, Macaulay "Mike" Connor (Bing Crosby), accompanied by his photographer, Liz Imbrie (Paulette Goddard), has arrived at the estate. Connor has been given a story to cover this extravagant wedding by his boss. However, the assignment goes south as he stumbles upon Dexter's past and finds it to his advantage to use this information to create a better piece for the press. He discovers that Tracy's first husband is still in love with her. Connor has 48 hours to make Tracy realize her true feelings before the wedding, and that's exactly what he does. Dexter, with the help of reporter Mike Connor, devises a cunning strategy to break through Tracy's reserve and win her heart. Tracy's family, consisting of her father, James M. Lord (John McGiver), along with other guests, provides a colorful array of supporting characters whose involvement adds comedic relief and excitement. Throughout her internal conflict, Tracy begins questioning her marriage to George, a man she barely knows, and starts to develop feelings for her former husband, Dexter, once more. Tracy's decision comes to the forefront during the course of her 48-hour window as Mike encourages her to rekindle the flames that once burned between her and Dexter. As Dexter puts on a show, displaying his affection for Tracy, and winning her over by revealing his true self, it seems that the nuptials are off. Although Dexter is smitten with Tracy and willing to do anything for their love, she is aware that their marriage might have been doomed from the start, mainly due to her own insecurities. As it turns out, both of them were equally flawed and were merely a pair of individuals who were drawn into love for a brief, captivating period of time, only to let it fizzle out. Ultimately, Dexter realizes that, no matter the outcome, he truly wants Tracy to be with someone who makes her happy, someone worth fighting for - even if that person isn't him. He encourages her to go ahead with the nuptials with George, as long as she is genuinely content. Tracy, understanding Dexter's feelings and knowing that he will no longer pursue her, finally decides to walk down the aisle with George. The High Society concludes with Tracy, now married to George, with both husbands appearing friendly, in a way that signifies they are no longer rivals vying for her attention. As Tracy walks away from the ceremony, arm in arm with her husband, it seems as though the story ends with Tracy finally choosing her life's partner, George, who has brought her contentment and a sense of belonging.