The Philadelphia Story: A Comedy in Three Acts

by Philip Barry

Comedy / 9m, 6f / Int./Ext. This Broadway hit starred Katharine Hepburn as Tracy Lord of the Philadelphia Lords, an inhibited and spoiled daughter of the privileged. Divorced from C.J. Dexter Haven, she is engaged to a successful young snob. A gossip weekly sends a reporter and a camera woman to report the wedding arrangements and they are injected into the house by Tracy's brother who hopes to divert their attention from father's romance with a Broadway dancer.

The Philadelphia Story was first presented by The Theatre Guild at the Shubert Theatre, New York City, on March 28, 1939.

Genres: Plays, Fiction, Drama, Classics, Humor, Theatre, Comedy

136 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 1939

About the author

Philip James Quinn Barry was an American playwright, best known for the plays Holiday and The Philadelphia Story, both of which were successfully adapted into movies starring Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn (as well as James Stewart, in The Philadelphia Story).

Reviews

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having watched the classic film of The Philadelphia Story countless times over the years, and the musical adaptation, High Society, nearly as often, I was confident that I knew Philip Barry's story by heart.

I was both right and wrong, and each of those directions yielded fascinating discoveries for me.

First ... I was right. I know The Philadelphia Story so intimately that I can see every nook and cranny of every set, and I can watch the players move about the stage as if I am watching it onscreen for the umpteenth time, I can imagine every move, every beat, every drink they take. This was reinforced for me while reading The Philadelphia Story because Philip Barry was clearly a control freak on the order of David Mamet. What Mamet demands of dialogue, Barry seemed to demand of staging and blocking. Barry's The Philadelphia Story is riddled with minutia, which makes the task of reading the stage play much more difficult than it needs to be, especially for someone who has seen almost all of these scripted motions over and over again. I've seen what the characters do, Mr. Barry, so reading your microscopic details diminished my enjoyment.

In fact, it is the overwhelming blocking of the play that cost it the one star I removed from my rating. The joy of the dialogue, the rhythm of the comedy is deeply scarred by the constant interjections of stage movement. Even with the voices of my favourite screen actors rattling around in my head (Katherine Hepburn as Tracy, Cary Grant as C.K. Dexter Haven, and (oddly) Frank Sinatra as Mike), and all that great dialogue at my grey-mattery fingertips, I found it difficult to fully appreciate the joy of the words.

Second ... I was wrong. I was wrong when it came to my knowledge of C.K. Dexter Haven because it turns out that the C.K. of the film adaptations is the combination of C.K. and Tracy's brother, Sandy. The change from stage to screen is fascinating. The stage C.K. becomes much less likeable. Most of his film likeability comes from Sandy. Onstage, it is predominantly Sandy who is playful and funny and kind, meaning that the stage C.K. doesn't really earn his place at the end of the play. Of all the play's characters it is C.K. who is the weakest. Mix him with Sandy, however, and the film C.K. steals the show.

There is another significant knock on effect, though. The stage Tracy is stronger with the less likeable C.K. and the support of her groovy brother. Her divorce from C.K. becomes clearer, and her relations with George and Mike take on more depth, a depth of class struggle that sits alongside the question of love, rather than the film's slightly shallower (but more emotionally satisfying) romantic triangle. It is interesting, actually, that Tracy Lord's screen persona is weaker than her stage persona because of this C.K. business, but Barry has crafted a leading woman who is so strong that she can easily survive a slight diminishment. And in the hands of the unparalleled Katherine Hepburn (who played Tracy on stage and screen), Tracy Lord couldn't be anything but strong.

If you are a fan of the film adaptations of The Philadelphia Story you really should read the stage play, if only to meet Sandy. On a final note, I think it is time for this old gem to get a revival ... how much fun would it be, though, to revive this with all the gender roles flipped? Quite thrilling, I think.

[RinTinTin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having grown up in suburban Philadelphia and having seen the film many times (it’s a household favorite), I wanted to read the original play. Much of the script of the film is word for word from the play which is nice to see, though there are certain characters excised from the film and tweaks to the plot as a result. Partially due to the chemistry of the actors, partially to the careful reallocation of story points and scenes (and partially, perhaps, due to my love of the film which I saw first), I think that the Tracy-Dexter relationship comes off more believably on film than in the play. However, the writing is witty, the characters still vibrant, and there are little details (family names, places, etc) that’ll resonate for a Philly native and/or someone who knows their Main Line history which I found fun. I heard Katherine Hepburn’s voice in my head throughout, but since she originated the theatre role as well as the film one, I think it not only appropriate but also a wonderful bonus.

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife was just cast as Tracy Lord in a community theatre production, so I've been reading the play. Golly Moses it's fun, with laughs on almost every page and honest, vivid characters.

That said, it also makes me appreciate Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Jimmy Stewart even more. Playwright Philip Barry (who also wrote another great play adapted into a Hepburn/Grant film, Holiday) often hints at facts about his characters that really aren't demonstrated by anything they actually say in the script. The references are all very elliptical, and characters are in and out of scenes so quickly sometimes that they really shouldn't be able to get their points across or make much of an impression. And yet in the film, they very definitely do.

Anyway, this has me resolved to read more plays.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: required reading for my film class

3.75

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. But the real question is, does a book deserve its rating, even if the ending let you down?
I didn’t expect to like this but I did!! The tension between Mike, George, and Dexter was amazing. The sisterly relationships. And the stage directions added an extra little bit to the book that I really enjoyed. Solid 4 star minus the ending.

[Sam Doolittle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Am I missing something? I read this in college and didn’t like it then, either.

[Susan Liston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hilarious. And the film version is wonderful.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

The film version of The Philadelphia Story is one of my all-time favorite films. Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart – right there, what’s not to like? And the story? It’s a screwball, high-society romantic comedy about a divorcee, her fiancé, her ex-husband, and a handsome newspaper reporter all staying at her parents’ Philadelphia estate in the days before her second wedding. In other words, it’s a little nutty, a lot unrealistic, and a ton of fun. Written for Katharine Hepburn, I find it impossible to read the play and not hear Hepburn’s voice (that my grandmother saw the original production on stage with Hepburn makes me irrationally jealous). But the odd thing is, I find the play itself a bit forgettable (see my inverse reaction with Philip Barry’s Holiday). This is the third time I’ve read the play (the first being in high school after trying to track down public-school-appropriate plays with strong female characters – it’s harder than you’d think). I still like the play, but the tweaks they made to the film – plus the talent of the three leads – makes the movie into something much bigger, much more rare than the play alone. Oh, the play is good … but this is one of those rare times when I say skip the play and see the movie. You won’t regret it. Quasi-recommended.

[Jane Leach · Rating 3 out of 5]

The movie is way better, but I might be biased because I've seen it so many times

[Michael Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw the movie of this play back in 1979 and though I wasn't quite sure what to make of it, after a another viewing a couple of years later, it became one of my very favorite movies. I've watched it at least once or twice a year since it became available on home video in the mid-80s, which means I've seen it a minimum of 50 times. Reading the play was an unusual experience because although the plot and events play out largely like they do in the movie, the character roster is different; Tracy's brother Sandy is a main character who is absent from the film, and his lines and plot functions in the movie are mostly split between Mike and Dexter. Otherwise, reading the play was enjoyable, though I'm sure how someone who hadn't seen the movie would react.

[Jason Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The film version gets the basics down, but is pretty different. One particular character is cut out completely, and he's more or less combined with Dexter. Kittridge is much more loutish and unpleasant in the play, Dexter not really there to be much more than a foil to both Kittridge and Tracy. Mike much more a class warrior in the play. The most ludicrous change between the two was in language, specifically words like 'damned,' 'bastard,' 'damn it.' The Production Code was in place by then, so 'foul language' that was okay on Broadway was, I guess, to much for the delicate ears of the movie audience.

The play itself still holds up, is still quite funny and sharply observant of class foibles.

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this four stars because I truly love the movie and would love to see a production of it. Such a fun romantic and comedic romp. I really identify with Tracy. We need to start being able to accept mistakes as a positive part of us for human growth. However, this was a slower read and was a struggle to get through. There are too many stage directions that are not necessary. If I were to direct it I would use maybe a quarter of them. I do get that it was the original way the production was, but made it confusing. The wording itseof isn't funny or anything special. This is definitely situational comedy. I can't wait to watch the movie again. Cary Grant was a perfect cast for Dext.

[Rob Smith, Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great play that has much more going for it than the very edited version filmed a few times. The original characters not seen on screen connect dots that I always had problems with seeing the films. The writing is also more direct as is the humor.

I love how author Barry really understands adult interaction and pens it down in a wonderfully accurate script. However, it will be too much for the faddish fantasy of adulthood brewed by today's crowds. As with all else ever produced in human history, today's uber-sensitive, immature adults will demand this, too, to be thrown into the fiery pits of censorship.

Bottom line: i recommend this book: 10 out of 10 points.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The play has great dialogue, but it falls flat compared to the performance. Great movie: The Philadelphia Story When a rich woman's ex-husband and a tabloid-type reporter turn up just before her planned remarriage, she begins to learn the truth about herself.
Director: George Cukor
Writers: Donald Ogden Stewart (screen play), Philip Barry (based on the play by)
Stars: Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart

[Lesia Waschuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful read. I’ve seen the film adaptation several times and it’s neat to see where it differs from the source material. This is one of several scripts I’ve found in a Little Free Library in one one of the artsiest parts of my town and I look forward to reading the others (which are more contemporary) to learn about the playwright’s craft.

[Frank Marzano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some witty, sparkling dialogue here. The movie took advantage of the film format and introduced a few additional locales, and eliminated the character of Sandy. Mostly when you read this, you realize how perfect the casting choices of Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Jimmy Stewart were.

[Brian McCann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talky old-fashioned comedy.

But glad to have read this chestnut.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect.

[Nick Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The young, rich, rapacious American female. No other country where she exists.” (24:00)

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the movie, but the play is a bit more convoluted.

[Rebecca Jauregui · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was clearly written by a man. Yuck.

[Catherine Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

on page: four stars, on screen: five five five

[Hogfather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe the greatest American stage comedy ever. It's a shock to me that the film version made any changes at all.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm more of a 3.5 at the moment, but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. I like many things about this play, but the comedy hasn't aged flawlessly. Some of what should be jokes fall flat to my modern eye; this is partially due to my own lack of a context for the humor and references, but is also due to us no longer finding it funny to, say, hint at hitting your wife. There might be one subplot too many, but it still moves quickly enough most of the time. All in all, it's enjoyable and kind of romantic, so I approve.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 3 out of 5]

✿●✿●✿●✿
The Script for the Stage Play: This is the point where I should have first started – reading the script version for the original Broadway play. Nonetheless, I read it twice (2020, 2022).

Upon reading the script, I discovered that the movie versions deviate somewhat. Here, in the stage play version, Tracy Lord has a brother, Sandy (Alexander). That is the biggest surprise for me. He has an important role, and if he was left in the two movie versions, I believe those stories would have been better.

The Philadelphia Story, 1940 movie version : This adaptation is the better of the two movies, although I find nothing comical about the portrayal of Tracy Lord here. It is Cary Grant’s Dexter and Jimmy Stewart’s Mike who make this version worth watching. Katherine Hepburn’s Tracy is dull and boring to me. Again, they should have left the Sandy Lord character in.

High Society, 1956 movie version : From the moment I realized that this is Grace Kelly’s attempt at imitating Katherine Hepburn’s style, I found the rest of this movie version insipid. The only saving grace for me here is Frank Sinatra’s George and Celeste Holm’s Liz. They portrayed interesting characters who exhibited depth and believability. Bing Crosby, on the other hand – a hard pass; very disturbing that a 53-year-old Dexter would get back together and be with a 26-year-old Tracy. His character portrayal came across like he was a hanger-on, a stalker, a guy who should have been long gone before the cameras rolled.

Further research revealed to me that there was a July 20, 1942, Lux radio version of this play, too, and a July 14, 1943 radio presentation. It was also adapted for two half-hour episodes of The Screen Guild Theater on April 5, 1942, then again on March 17, 1947. Now those would be fun to find if they were recorded!

2022 update: I watched the 1956 movie version again to reacquaint myself with the décor.
✿▬✿●✿▬✿
⬛️ Stage play version.
⚪️Internet Archive.
🎥Movie version, 1940.
🎥Movie version, 1956.

[Bt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has a lot of jokes and quick banter which I think could be a lot of fun on stage but which are not particularly fun to read (it can get boring when you’re just reading it). I enjoy reading Dexter’s dialogue most; it really “pops” off the page. The plot is not my favorite (it’s just sort of odd and a little confusing), but overall, I enjoyed the play. I have seen the movie with Katherine Hepburn, and I enjoyed it immensely. When I watched the movie, I remember having no clue who was going to end up with who, which is very unusual for a romantic comedy (most are so predictable) but is, of course, a great characteristic. I’m sure I would have felt the same thing reading the play if I hadn’t already seen the movie. Even though this isn’t a favorite play, I would really enjoy being involved in a production of it; there’s a lot of fun things to do.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic Plot: A divorcee deals with several romantic entanglements and ends up with exactly the right man for her.

I was named for Katherine Hepburn, so I like to hunt down projects that she was involved with when I can to see what shenanigans my namesake got up to. Her character (Tracy) was a lot of fun. There is a lot left to the imagination in the script, not everything that happens is specifically stated, it is implied and really relies on the actors to get ideas across in their own ways. That said, it is still very funny, and worth a read.

[Czarny Pies · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was crazy enough to read this play which contains nothing that cannot be found in the wonderful movie starring Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn.

The Philadelphia Story is of course quite odious. Its basic message is that money isn't everything you also need breeding. Social climbers with neither are the lowest of the low. Artists belong to a lower level of humanity than those with money and breeding provided that they respect their social betters.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A witty play marred by some backwards misogyny, even for the thirties. Mr Lord is a hardcore scumbag and we're supposed to think Tracy is a frigid bitch for not wanting him at her wedding. No thanks. I also don't love how under-drawn the relationship between Tracy and Dexter is, when the dialogue more thoroughly supports a Mike and Tracy ending. Ah, well. Not the best thirties romcom, but propped up by a stellar cast in the film version.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely hysterical; this is my favorite movie and now my favorite play -- although I did note one or two typos, it doesn't take away from the story or some of my absolute favorite lines. "Uncle Willy is around in the pantry doing weird and wonderful things." "I have feet made of clay made of clay - did you know? Goo' Night' sleep well, little man."

[Julie Bozza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having loved the current production of High Society at The Old Vic in London, I've been catching up on the film versions, and now the original play. An interesting story, with engaging characters and moments of real humour. And I did enjoy the echoes of Emma's story in Tracy's.