Revisited: High Society

PLOT:

The highly successful jazz musician C.K. Dexter Haven was divorced from wealthy Newport, Rhode Island socialite Tracy Samantha Lord, but remains in love with her. She, however, is about to get married to a bland gentleman of good standing, George Kittredge.

Spy magazine, in possession of embarrassing information about Tracy’s father, sends reporter Mike Connor and photographer Liz Imbrie to cover the nuptials. Tracy begins an elaborate charade as a private means of revenge, pretending that her Uncle Willy is her father Seth Lord and vice versa.

Connor falls in love with Tracy. She must choose between three very different men in a course of self-discovery.

REVIEW:

With the great Louis Armstrong’s birthday on the 4th, I always try to watch something he appeared in. Satchmo appeared in quite a few films, but I am finding out that he mostly played himself, or some caricature of his persona, with a few exceptions. High Society isn’t a deviation from that formula, but does offer us a little something different from Armstrong. Oh, and there is an actual film going on, as well.

What is this about?

In this Cole Porter reworking of The Philadelphia Story, a jazz musician tries to win back his socialite ex-wife — who’s engaged to a respectable but bland gentleman — while two gossip-rag reporters gum up the works.

What did I like?

Papa Bing. I once heard someone refer to Bing Crosby as “America’s uncle.” Well, with that warm, deep voice of his and charming demeanor, is it any wonder he was tapped with this moniker? Even when he is playing a character that isn’t exactly supposed to have the audience’s sympathetic ear, and yet isn’t a villain, either, Crosby manages to make sure that we are still enchanted with him, much like we are when Uncle Bing is telling us the tale of the Headless Horsemen in The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

Grace’s mirror. As it turns out, this would be Grace Kelly’s last film before she became Princess of Monaco (by marriage). I found it a bit funny that her character is also about to marry into a similar situation. Kelly was a fine actress, with chops that rivaled many of her more established and successful contemporaries, and yet she threw away a promising career for love. In the film, Kelly throws away Crosby’s character for the love a more established and “safe” man, but is it the right move?

King Louis. What other entertainer do you know can juggle being the narrator, musical entertainment, and playing themselves? Sure, there are a few, but none can pull it off with the pizzaz that Satchmo manages to pull off, without question, the consummate professional. I believe that this role was meant to be more of a “minstrel” type, but was changed to fit Louis better. At any rate, Louis owns this role, and provides us with mayhaps the best song of the film, the titular “High Society calypso.

What didn’t I like?

Team Sinatra vs. Team Crosby. Two of the greatest singers during this era were Bing Crosby and young up and comer by the name of Frank Sinatra. Rumors are that there was some tension behind the scenes with the two crooners. As much as they tried to hide it, on-screen it showed. Such a shame that these two great entertainers couldn’t have a better working relationship. I’m sure it would have resulted in a much better final product. What we got was ok, but the tension that can be cut with a knife between the two has no reason being there.

Constant comparisons. Everything I’ve read about this film has made sure to bring up the fact that this is a retelling/remake of The Philadelphia Story. Apparently, many think this isn’t as good, which is a shame. I cannot comment on which is better, but the comparisons do not need to happen. Saying that it is a remake is all that needs to be said, but dissecting every scene in comparison to the other flick is a bit anal retentive. I am no fan of remakes, but even I don’t do that!!!

Music. Cole Porter…a name that is well-known among musical aficionados. Seeing his name on these songs automatically raises one’s expectation to meteoric levels. The problem is that these songs don’t come close to those expectations. Porter did a fine job with “True Love” and of course Armstrong’s “High Society” is a memorable jaunt, but the only other song that is worth mentioning is a duet between Crosby, Armstrong & his band entitled, “Now You Has Jazz”. As I say with all musicals, not every song is going to be a memorable showstopper, but they should at least be worth listening to and probably even stick in your head long after the film has ended.

As I said, I went into this for the sole purpose of seeing Louis Armstrong, and possibly hearing him blow a couple of tunes. When the credits to High Society finished rolling, though, I was more than happy that there was more than just ol’ Pops doing his thing. There is an actual story going on that is worth watching, as well as some other worthwhile factors that are enjoyable. Do I recommend this flick? Yes, but I do so with trepidation, knowing good and well that not everyone is going to like this type of film. If this sounds like something up your alley, check it out, if not, maybe still give it a shot and watch the first 10-15 minutes before you make a decision.

3 1/2 out of 5 stars