The Philadelphia Story

Hepburn, Grant, Stewart = Holy Trinity

Maybe not the Holy Trinity. Forgive me Lord. That is my objectable humor talking as I mentioned last night. Nevertheless I never get tired of Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, or James Stewart movies.

Philadelphia story (1940) has a special place in my life. Everytime about this time of year as Winter nears in cooler November's and chilly Decembers (however that works in Texas) I get a bit nostalgic, very romantic, and maybe slightly melancholy; perfect timing for a romantic comedy, in my case, C.K. Dexter Haven (who couldn't be swooned by that name), the beautiful and rich Tracy Lords (a great power name), the studious journalists Macaulay Connor, and his colleague, the incredible Elizabeth Imbrie (and obvious potential soulmate).

Traci Lords is her own person, fearless, smart, determined, and passionately defending those she loves. Exactly like my wife! Maybe my wife is the black Traci Lords? Indeed elegant is added to that list.

Mr. Haven is rich, suave, intelligent, and humbled after coming out of alcoholism though he holds to his own high societal ways.

There is a scene in the movie that captures everything for me, let me explain.

Connor’s tipsy after a ball and dancing with Ms. Lords, and after some conversation he feels some indignation towards Haven. So he demands to be driven to Dexter's home to discuss his concerns.

C.K. Dexter Haven.

What's up?

- You are.

I hope it's worth it.

Come on in.

I bring you greetings.

Cinderella's slipper.

It's called champagne.

Champagne is a great "levelerer."Leveler.

- It makes you my equal.

- I wouldn't quite say that.

Well, almost my equal.

C.K. Dexter Haven,

I would like to talk to you.

Let's go in the talking room.

- Don't tell me the party's over so soon.

- No, no.

- I just felt like talking to you.

- Well, that's nice.

I wonder if I mightb borrowa drink.

Certainly.

Coals to Newcastle.

Here, sit down.

Excuse me.

What's this?

- Is it my book?

- Yes.

C.K. Dexter Haven,y you have unsuspected depth.

- Thanks, old chap.

- But have you read it?

I was trying to stop drinking.

I read anything.

- And did you stop drinking?

- Yes. Your book didn't do it, though.

Are you still in love with her?

Or perhaps you'd consider that a very personal question.

- Not at all.

- Liz thinks you are! Liz thinks you are.

But of course, women like to romanti...romanticize about things.

Yes, they do, don't they?

- Yes, they do, don't they?

I can't understand how youc could've been married to her...and still know so little about her.

The whole scene which I only included a small piece is between two men captured by the same woman. One having been once married to her, the other discovering an idolic love for Ms. Lords. Haven is calm, cool, collected, and rather comfortable to not even have attended the party. Connor, total opposite, he was swept by the event and the boos. Yet here they are together after a night still young looking to resolve a tension that tugs at both men.

Truthfully what I love about the scene is Cary Grant. A man of experience and seemingly unfazed, his heart still hurt yet deserving to recover his marriage.

See, now I am all sappy.

How couldn't anyone get a little sappy when it comes to Hepburn? I told my wife it was the season and she automatically knew what I meant. Soon Philadelphia Story will be playing in our home and for a moment, amidst Covid and Biden and Woke Wackiness, I can forget and be in the moment, perhaps even in D.K. Haven's robe with my books and warm quaint sitting spot with not a worry in the world.

Freedom, even if for a moment.

Night ladies and gentlemen.

— EKR

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