High Society (1956): A Glamorous Musical Remake of The Philadelphia Story
Released in 1956, High Society is a sparkling American musical romantic comedy that brought together some of the biggest stars of the era. Directed by Charles Walters and produced by Sol C. Siegel for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the film is a lavish reimagining of the 1939 play The Philadelphia Story by Philip Barry. Shot in the vivid colors of Technicolor and the wide-screen format of VistaVision (a high-resolution widescreen process), the movie blends high-society drama with the timeless melodies of Cole Porter.
The story follows the complicated romantic entanglements of Tracy Samantha Lord, a wealthy socialite in Newport, Rhode Island. As she prepares to marry the snobbish George Kittredge, she is forced to navigate the return of her ex-husband, C.K. Dexter Haven, and the arrival of a tabloid reporter, Mike Connor. The result is a journey of self-discovery and romance set against the backdrop of the Gilded Age.
Key Facts
- Starring: Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra.
- Music: Original score and lyrics by the legendary Cole Porter.
- Historical Significance: Included in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2025.
- Career Milestone: This was Grace Kelly's final professional film role before becoming the Princess of Monaco.
- Financial Success: Earned $8.2 million in worldwide rentals against a $2.8 million budget.
Plot Summary
The narrative centers on Tracy Samantha Lord (Grace Kelly), who is engaged to the socially prominent George Kittredge. However, her former husband, C.K. Dexter Haven (Bing Crosby), a successful jazz musician, still harbors feelings for her. The tension rises when a tabloid newspaper, Spy, coerces the Lord family into allowing reporter Mike Connor (Frank Sinatra) and photographer Liz Imbrie (Celeste Holm) to cover the wedding to protect family secrets.
As the wedding approaches, Tracy finds herself torn between three very different men. While George represents the idealized image of her social standing, Dexter reminds her of their shared past—symbolized by a scale model of their former sailboat, "True Love." Meanwhile, her interactions with Mike Connor reveal a more authentic side of her personality. After a series of comedic misunderstandings and a romantic awakening, Tracy realizes her true feelings, leading to a surprising change in wedding plans.
Production and Behind-the-Scenes
Filming took place between January and March 1956, primarily at Clarendon Court in Newport, Rhode Island. The production integrated the real-world Newport Jazz Festival into the plot, allowing the film to feature jazz legend Louis Armstrong and his band appearing as themselves.
The production was marked by a fascinating dynamic between its male leads. While some biographers suggest a professional rivalry between Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, other sources, including Turner Classic Movies, maintain that the two worked together amicably. Interestingly, the film also served as a personal milestone for Grace Kelly; she wore the actual Cartier engagement ring given to her by Prince Rainier III during filming.
Musical Contributions
Producer Sol C. Siegel paid Cole Porter $250,000 for the score, which produced pop standards such as "True Love" and "You're Sensational." The film is also notable for the duet "Well, Did You Evah!", a last-minute addition to ensure Crosby and Sinatra shared a musical number. The soundtrack became a major commercial success in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release on July 17, 1956, High Society received mixed reviews. Some critics felt it lacked the "snap" of the 1940 non-musical version, The Philadelphia Story. However, it was a significant box-office hit, ranking among the top 10 highest-grossing films of 1956 in the US and Canada. Today, it holds an 87% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is preserved by the Library of Congress for its cultural and aesthetic significance.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Charles Walters |
| Screenplay | John Patrick |
| Budget | $2.8 Million |
| Box Office | $8.2 Million (Rentals) |
| Runtime | 111 Minutes |
| Key Music | Cole Porter |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is High Society a remake of another movie?
Yes, it is a musical remake of the 1940 screwball comedy The Philadelphia Story, which was itself based on a 1939 play by Philip Barry.
What is the significance of Grace Kelly's role in this film?
This was Grace Kelly's final professional appearance in cinema before she married Prince Rainier III and became the Princess consort of Monaco.
Who composed the music for High Society?
The music and lyrics were written by Cole Porter, and the score was orchestrated by Conrad Salinger and Nelson Riddle under the direction of Johnny Green.
Did the film win any Academy Awards?
The film was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Scoring of a Musical Picture and Best Song (for "True Love"), though it did not win.
Was there a Broadway version of the movie?
Yes, a Broadway musical adaptation opened on April 27, 1998, at the St. James Theatre, featuring a young Anna Kendrick in her Broadway debut.