I love The Philadelphia Story, so this movie had big shoes to fill. That said, this is a terrible movie based on a good one, and would be a mediocre movie even if I knew nothing about The Philadelphia Story. I will base my review knowing it came from The Philadelphia Story. All the edge and wit of the original are GONE. The changes made to the plot and dialogue took them away. So, when the plot/dialogue returns word for word to the original, it loses its impact. And the songs are sadly distracting and just not all that impelling for the story. Sorry, Cole Porter. Lastly, the acting is really not that good. Grace Kelly overacts, Bing Crosby barely acts, and Frank Sinatra waits for another reason to sing. All from people we know are better. I watched this because I knew I should, and wished I hadn't. For those who gave it a glowing review, or even a decent one - well, okay. Just not something I could do. It has been running on Turner Classic Movies, and I watched it again (or tried to) to make sure my memory still served me correctly - and it did. (Insert cringing here...)

I was somewhat disappointed with the original version, The Philadelphia Story, when I watched it. Though James Stewart's acting was great, for some reason the movie just wasn't too enjoyable for me.When I found this movie, until I read the synopsis I had no clue it was a remake. That being said, I think that High Society made some improvements over its predecessor. The casting in both movies is no doubt great. Many people enjoy Katharine Hepburn in TPS, but I found her annoying.I am a little biased towards Grace Kelly in general but I enjoyed her performance much better than Hepburn's. Making this story a musical helps liven up the whole thing and makes it more enjoyable to see. My favorite was the jazz song by Louis Armstrong and his band with Bing Crosby. Plus, three great musicians are in the cast. What more could you ask for? The ending in both flicks is the same. I'm not giving too much away but I think it comes out of left field (less so in this one). I guess this divorcée romance type of story isn't my cup of tea. Another pet peeve: this movie loves wide shots. Perhaps there are too many.Overall, the performances here are very enjoyable, both acting and musically, and you will be charmed to no end by Grace Kelly and entertained by the music. If you didn't care for The Philadelphia Story, you'll find that High Society improves a story a bit and is overall more fun.7/10 stars.

I'm one of those who don't admire this film much.On the positive side, it's a lush production. It has a Cole Porter score -- my favorite composer -- although I'm impressed with only a few of the songs: "True Love" (of course), "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" (with a swellegant turn by Celeste Holm), and the bright "Well, Did You Evah!" (in a terrific duet by Bing and Frank); the other songs are forgettable.Another positive note are a number of the supporting actors -- Celeste Holm as a reporter, Louis Calhern as an uncle, Sidney Blackmer as the father, Margalo Gillmore as the mother, and young Lydia Reed as the younger sister.Unfortunately, I can't say as much for the lead cast. Bing Crosby is always very natural on screen, and is here. Grace Kelly has another turn as a spoiled brat, and as far as I'm concerned flubs the role terribly. Frank Sinatra plays the smart ass that he seemed to be in real life...which may have gone over well in the 1950s, but isn't as attractive today; and ironically, he played a poor drunk (type casting from the Rat Pack days?). John Lund as the fiancée????? Stick with the original "The Philadelphia Story", or watch this one as a comparison. Frankly, about the only reason this film was made was Bing's whim and Grace Kelly's rising star (in terms of the latter, thankfully it was the last film with her that we had to suffer through).

Following a wonderful adaptation of the play in The Philadelphia Story 1940 here comes a potentially great musical. I was very excited to see it and very disappointed afterwards. How do I loathe this musical - every scene feels like it will never end and the songs seem out of place. Gone is the vivacity, wittiness, poignancy and the romance of a wonderful story. Am I supposed to believe that a beautiful young woman of 27 is happily marrying a not very attractive 45 year old? That she finds nothing surprising at being surrounded by short unattractive men who are each older than the other and the main love interest is 53 years old! Watching her surrounded by these old guys I felt the same disgust and distaste I felt when watching The Seven Year Itch - beautiful Ms Monroe being ogled by a a pervy old man. And everyone acts as if this is normal! It is beyond comprehension and utterly unconvincing. Sure the guys can sing - well then find them a love interest of their own age! I do wonder if this film could have been saved by an appropriate casting. Maybe it could have helped avoid implausible scenes, unconvincing dialogue and wooden acting...