MGM’s remake of The Philadelphia Story as High Society, a star-studded, Technicolor musical with Cole Porter tunes – an underrated gem

High Society (1956) starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Celeste Holm

I have to admit, I’m torn between High Society and The Philadelphia Story. Both are very enjoyable, well-done musicals that I enjoy and recommend. Both are powerful, but in different ways. I think High Society has great songs and music — Thank you to both Cole Porter and Louis Armstrong. But I find the acting in the original movie more compelling. Both are good, both are well-acted. I enjoy them both and hope that you do as well.

Editorial review of High Society courtesy of Amazon.com

 MGM’s bold idea to remake George Cukor’s Oscar-winning upper-class romantic farce, The Philadelphia Story, into a star-studded, Technicolor musical with Cole Porter tunes somehow works splendidly and remains an underrated gem. Even the plot and character names–and some bits of dialogue–all remain the same as the original. Crooning Bing Crosby replaces Cary Grant as the wealthy ex-husband trying to win back his soon-to-be-remarried ex-wife, spoiled ice queen Tracy Lord (Grace Kelly, stunning and aloof in her last film role, originated in the earlier comedy by Katherine Hepburn). Unlike Grant, however, Crosby has jazz great Louis Armstrong, playing himself, in his corner for quixotic persuasion. Frank Sinatra (cocky in James Stewart’s former role) and Celeste Holm add support as the nosy reporters covering, and subsequently complicating, the upcoming wedding.

High Society