What a combination of actors. I've always loved Jimmy Stewart, and it was fun to see him a bit surlier than usual. Previously I'd seen Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant in Holiday together, which strangely had a similar story: rich, high society woman is caught in a love triangle, and I suppose Hepburn was bordering on being typecasted which is why she had become "box office poison" until this movie salvaged her reputation.
The banter on display here is a joy to watch. These were the days when most actors had theater experience, and much more emphasis was placed on the dialogue, and it shows. Everyone is on fire, with wisecracks and puns a plenty. Even the little sister isn't all that annoying, although a standard was certainly set here.
Again I can't help but marvel at the influence on later cinema. There's a scene in which Stewart is caught touching an expensive dinner set, and the way he backs up while placing everything back on the table (and the expression on his face) I swear has been co-opted by just about every comedy actor since.
My only gripe with the film is we're repeatedly told how George Kittredge is not a good man, but never shown. He seems rather understanding and accepting of his bride-to-be's indescretions, he's very polite, he's hard working. The fact that he's "new money" seems to be frowned upon by the movie (he even yells at Grant, at one point, about how his class is fading in the US), and he's not classy (oh no, he's having trouble mounting a horse). Sure the blue collar Stewart character gets a shot with Hepburn, but only after he's proven to be a high-minded, well read writer. The movie ends with Hepburn and Grant back together, as well as Stewart and Ruth Hussey's photographer, with everyone securely in their classes.
With that in mind, I'm left with an uneasy feeling that we're supposed to shun the Proletariat, especially if they try to move up in the world.
Still, fun movie. Bringing Up Baby is fast approaching on the list, so more Hepburn.
