High Society (MGM 1956, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby)

Published

5 years ago

on

July 13, 2018

Cole Porter adds the tunes and Frank Sinatra the ring-a-ding to this swinging musical remake of The Philadelphia Story. A prim socialite (Grace Kelly in her last role before becoming Her Serene Highness) finds herself in the middle of a comic mess when her ex-husband (Bing Crosby) and an amorous reporter (Frank Sinatra) come to cover the preparations for her upcoming wedding. Adding to the tension is her skirt-chasing father, who’s also returned home for the ceremony.

The resulting confusion, and several potent drinks, melts the ice princess’s frosty exterior. It isn’t long before she sees through her society-climbing fiance, and warms up again to her crooning jazz musician ex-husband. Rare chance to see rivals Crosby and Sinatra together. Includes such hit numbers as ‘True Love,’ ‘You’re Sensational,’ and ‘Did You Evah.’

Academy Award Nominations: 3, including Best Motion Picture Story.

production details
USA / MGM / 107 minutes / 1956

Director: Charles Walters
Producer: Sol C. Siegel
Cinematography: Paul Vogel
Editor: Ralph E. Winters
Music: Saul Chaplin, Johnny Green, Cole Porter
Script: John Patrick
Production Design: Cedric Gibbons, Hans Peters
Choreographer: Charles Walters

cast
Celeste Holm as Liz Imbrie
Grace Kelly as Tracy Samantha Lord
Sidney Blackmer as Seth Lord
Bing Crosby as C.K. Dexter-Haven
Frank Sinatra as Mike Connor
John Lund as George Kittredge
Louis Calhern as Uncle Willie
Louis Armstrong as Himself