Film Review: High Society

After years and years of non stop pressure from my father I finally gave in last week and watched the 1956 musical remake of the film The Phillidelphia Story, High society. Having never watched The Phillidelphia story I was going in with an open mind, (unlike many of the reviews I have seen which compare it unfavourably to its inspiration) and I have to admit I loved it! Although the story line could be seen as a little monotonous due to the plot revolving around Sam, (played by Grace Kelly), being chased around by multiple different men though the majority of the film, the music and costumes made up for it in spades.

The score, written by Cole Porter, features some of my new found favourite songs such as ‘Well did you Evah’ whilst Louis Armstrong’s musical interludes were often my favourite parts of the film. I also found myself mesmerised by the costumes, particularly Sam’s wedding dress which was one of the most beautiful pieces of costume design I have ever seen.

Her sassy and unapologetic attitude is mirrored by the dress which has beautiful embroidered flowers all over it and feels much more modern than the average 1950’s wedding dress which again fits perfectly with her feminist attitude.

Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra’s onscreen chemistry whilst playing the characters of Dexter Haven and Macaulay Connor is unchallengeable and, whilst I found the character of Liz Imbrie (played by Celeste Holm) rather insignificant to the story-line as a whole, her song with Sinatra, ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire’ was a beautiful moment. In this scene you are able to see two of the characters who aren’t part of the ‘High Society’ have an unlikely moment of solidarity.

Overall I thought this film was utterly charming and I would 100% recommend it for a bit of lighthearted watching throughout lockdown!

Em x