September 9 movie: High Society. I have deeply mixed feelings about this movie. In general, I'm not so crazy about remakes. Especially of movies I love. And one of the changes is seriously problematic: giving C.K. Dexter Haven (Bing Crosby here) a successful career makes him a much more positive character (unlike Cary Grant's idle wastrel version), and makes Grace Kelly's contempt for him come across as pure snobbishness. Which renders her character fairly unpleasant. Plus, Kelly's overly mannered impersonation of Katherine Hepburn is incredibly irritating. After a point I was cringing every time she opened her mouth. Whose decision was that? Bing, though not much of an actor, is refreshing in comparison. At least he's playing himself rather than imitating Cary Grant.
First the bad, now the good. As I said, Bing is at ease playing himself, and has several good songs. Frank Sinatra also has several good songs, and his acting is great -- Georg pointed out that he's actually better for the character of an ordinary working class guy than Jimmy Stewart. Celeste Holm is very good in a part originated by the wonderful Ruth Hussey. And of course, the best thing about the movie is Louis Armstrong. I watched the "High Society Calypso" number from the beginning three times before starting the movie.
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