I have a theory about "High Society" and that is that you must regard it as an Opera. Now I haven't lost my marbles and I am not suggesting that Cole Porter is Verdi. What I mean is that the story is so preposterous (as are most Opera plots) that it is best not to question it too closely and just enjoy the movie. Porter's music is sensational (to coin a phrase) and the songs are all well performed. Grace Kelly's rendition of "True Love" (yes, it is her - not dubbed) is delicious and just adds to her allure. Isn't it wonderful just how sexy Ms Kelly is in this film? This is 1956 and there is no flashing of bosom or even leg - just her natural beauty. She spends some time in the bedroom with Frank Sinatra and (improbably) remains chaste. Frank the honourable man!
I watched "The Philadelphia Story" again recently and was surprised how much of the script from that movie was retained for "High Society". If you find the story of High Society silly (it is) then it is really the earlier film you should blame. The set piece musical numbers in High Society are absolute classics - indeed there isn't a dud. It's worth listing them and you'll see what I mean: "High Society Calypso";" Little One";" Who Wants to be a Millionaire ?";"True Love";" I Love You Samantha";" Well, Did You Evah"; "Mind If I Make Love To You";" Now You Has Jazz";" You're Sensational". WOW!
When you go to the Opera you want great music, good performances, lovely sets and some sort of feel good factor. With "High Society" you get all this and more. It is played tongue in cheek (how could it not be?) and that is how it should be. Keep your "Film noir" or your "Cinema Vérité" - give me High Society every time!
I watched "The Philadelphia Story" again recently and was surprised how much of the script from that movie was retained for "High Society". If you find the story of High Society silly (it is) then it is really the earlier film you should blame. The set piece musical numbers in High Society are absolute classics - indeed there isn't a dud. It's worth listing them and you'll see what I mean: "High Society Calypso";" Little One";" Who Wants to be a Millionaire ?";"True Love";" I Love You Samantha";" Well, Did You Evah"; "Mind If I Make Love To You";" Now You Has Jazz";" You're Sensational". WOW!
When you go to the Opera you want great music, good performances, lovely sets and some sort of feel good factor. With "High Society" you get all this and more. It is played tongue in cheek (how could it not be?) and that is how it should be. Keep your "Film noir" or your "Cinema Vérité" - give me High Society every time!