IMDb >
High Society (1956)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at Blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsHigh Society (1956) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 38 | slideshow) |
          |
Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
17 July 1956 (USA)
more
Tagline:
They're all together for the first time! more
Plot:
C.K. Dexter-Haven, a successful popular jazz musician, lives in a mansion near his ex-wife's Tracy Lord's family estate...
more
| full synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for 2 Oscars.
Another 1 nomination
more
NewsDesk:
(8 articles)
Twilight Odds And Ends For Thursday 10/15/09
(From TwilightersAnonymous. 15 October 2009, 2:37 PM, PDT)
[TV] Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!: Season One, Vol. 3 - Hello Mummy
(From JustPressPlay. 7 September 2009, 1:30 PM, PDT)
(From TwilightersAnonymous. 15 October 2009, 2:37 PM, PDT)
[TV] Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!: Season One, Vol. 3 - Hello Mummy
(From JustPressPlay. 7 September 2009, 1:30 PM, PDT)
User Comments:
Join in the belly-laughs!
more (105 total)
US TV Schedule:
Cast
(Complete credited cast) | Bing Crosby | ... | C.K. Dexter-Haven |
 | Grace Kelly | ... | Tracy Samantha Lord |
 | Frank Sinatra | ... | Mike Connor |
 | Celeste Holm | ... | Liz Imbrie |
| John Lund | ... | George Kittredge |
| Louis Calhern | ... | Uncle Willie |
| Sidney Blackmer | ... | Seth Lord |
| Louis Armstrong and His Band | ... | Themselves |
| Margalo Gillmore | ... | Mrs. Seth Lord |
| Lydia Reed | ... | Caroline Lord |
| Gordon Richards | ... | Dexter-Haven's butler |
| Richard Garrick | ... | Lords' Butler |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
111 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Perspecta Stereo (Westrex Recording System)
Certification:
Argentina:Atp |
South Korea:12 |
Portugal:M/12 |
Singapore:PG |
Australia:G (original rating) |
Australia:PG (alternate rating) |
Finland:K-12 |
Sweden:Btl |
UK:U
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
The musical based on the movie was performed at the St. James Theater (New York City) opening on April 27, 1998 and ran for 144 performances.
more
Goofs:
Boom mic visible: When George takes Tracy, who's obviously had too much to drink, into the blue walled room during the party to lie down on the couch, before she gets there, a boom mic is visible at the top of the screen.
more
Quotes:
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "Gossip Girl: Hi, Society (#1.10)" (2007)
more
Soundtrack:
You're Sensational
more
FAQ
Chapter Headings, an unofficial version:Is Clarendon Court, the von Bulows' mansion, featured in this movie?
more
more (105 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for High Society (1956) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| The Philadelphia Story | On Her Majesty's Secret Service | Second Honeymoon | The Palm Beach Story | Gone with the Wind |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Comedy section | IMDb USA section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |
This second rendition of the exuberant play by John Barry, while inferior to Cukor's 1940 version, remains a delightful farce on the upper class thanks to the witty, sparkling script from the play by John Barry.
The cast is commendable albeit not spectacular given , showcasing the drollery of the script. Grace Kelly (in her last complete screen performance) surprises us with her comedic talents helped along by the script; Crosby slips into the comfortable role of the guy-next-door that is all too familiar with his screen person. Sinatra (showing some of his age) sings adequately, but seems a little distant and lacks the edge, danger and sexiness of his 1940 counterpart.
I might only add that the 3 principals seemed to lack that spark which validated their freewheeling around L.A singing songs about making love. On screen I did not feel they were as youthful and vibrant as seen in some of their earlier films.
The direction by Charles Walters - an accomplished director of film musicals including Gigi, Ziegfeld Follies, and Annie get your Gun - supports the cast very well with various long shots of the mansion and sunny California. He is splendidly able to infuse the house with it's sparkling jewels and ornaments with a sense of grandeur, merriment and delight so that it fully inhabits the characters and their kingdom.
The scene-stealer each time is Louis Armstrong and his band. While his interludes are not his best pieces to showcase, the music is pleasant, dreamy and fun. What else would you expect from this rollicking comedy? And how can you not love Armstrong? He was so adorable!
It was interesting to note the audience's reaction to this film. Musicals are one of my favourite genres - I love them for the swooning and swinging numbers - however the audience did not appreciate it so much. There were even groans and boos (which I found disrespectful - you must know it's a musical!) when Sinatra and Kelly burst into dreamy love duets. I have to admit though that the transition of the songs in the film was not altogether seamless (even choppy at times). At times it seemed like a selling point for the producers to capitalise on the musical craze sweeping the country during that period in Hollywood (See Kelly and Sinatra sing!); add name dropping, and songs & lyrics that misrepresent Cole Porter's skill and wit as a composer.
This is a fun film however deeply overshadowed by the original 1940 version and lacking Cuckor's razor-sharp screwball slapstick. The pace is also slower however it probably compensates for delighting us with the elegant sets and musical interludes.
I was also fortunate to see this film with audience and definitely relished hearing the viewers chortle along to the absurd story and zany characters. It was impossible not to join in the belly-laughs in this dreamy ride.