Home Dear Educator Letter Curriculum Connections Enroll Julius Caesar THE PHILADELPHIA STORY Behind the Scenes Before/During Viewing Activities After Viewing Activities Elements of Drama Aspects of Film Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Casablanca The Man Who Came to Dinner Brigadoon Ah, Wilderness! Gaslight Evaluation

Suggested AFTER Viewing Activities "Screwball comedy" is the designation given to a genre of films that flourished in the 1930s and 1940s. These movies usually explore situations suchs as love overcoming obstacles, couples working through a relationship or exploring what makes a "good match." Oftentimes, these films are characterized by the infamous battle of the sexes. THE PHILADELPHIA STORY falls into this genre. Have students write a film treatment or storyboard for a screwball comedy that includes a contemporary "unlikely couple." What obstacles will they have to overcome? What differences will they have to settle? What adventures will they have before they conquer all odds? Compare THE PHILADELPHIA STORY with a modern-day screwball comedy, such as FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL. Have students write a movie review for THE PHILADELPHIA STORY. They should include a good lead or hook, followed by a basic plot summary. In addition, students should analyze the literary, dramatic and cinematic elements of the film, such as plot (was it simple, complex, realistic, convoluted); dialogue; acting; sets; costumes; and makeup, if significant. Remind students they need to support their evaluations with evidence from the movie. Once reviews are finished, stage a mock "Siskel and Ebert" show and have students share their opinions of the film. Have students write love letters or admiring letters, from one character to another. Discuss the possible exchanges: 1) Dexter to Tracy or vice versa, 2) Macauley to Tracy or vice versa, 3) Elizabeth to Macauley or vice versa, 4) George to Tracy, 5) Uncle Willie to Elizabeth, 6) Seth Lord to Margaret Lord or vice versa. THE PHILADELPHIA STORY was remade in 1956 with a Cole Porter musical score as HIGH SOCIETY. Have students compare the director's techniques used in each of these films.