Margot Robbie Picks Her Top Classic Hollywood Film
Margot Robbie recently shared her love for a classic Hollywood film, naming The Philadelphia Story as her favorite when asked by Cinema Perspective.
The 1940 romantic comedy stars Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, James Stewart, and Ruth Hussey.
Directed by George Cukor, the film follows a socialite whose wedding plans are complicated when her ex-husband and a tabloid journalist arrive at the same time. Hepburn, who had played the role in the original Broadway play, helped acquire the film rights and turned it into a vehicle for her screen comeback after a string of flops left her labeled “box office poison” in 1938.
Robbie explained her choice simply, saying, “My favourite old Hollywood movie? The Philadelphia Story.”
The movie was written for the screen by Donald Ogden Stewart, with an uncredited contribution from Waldo Salt.
It is celebrated as a classic example of the “comedy of remarriage,” a genre popular in the 1930s and 1940s, which explored romance and divorce at a time when such topics were considered scandalous.
Upon release, the film earned six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won two: Best Actor for James Stewart and Best Adapted Screenplay. Stewart later joked that his Oscar was a kind of compensation for missing out the previous year for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
Over the years, the film has been praised for its witty script, elegant depiction of high society, and the performances of its leading stars. Bosley Crowther of The New York Times called it a “blue-chip comedy” with “a splendid cast of performers headed by Hepburn, Stewart, and Grant.”
Critics and audiences continue to celebrate the film. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a perfect 100% rating with an average score of 9/10. The website notes, “Offering a wonderfully witty script, spotless direction from George Cukor, and typically excellent lead performances, The Philadelphia Story is an unqualified classic.”
Metacritic also reports a score of 96 out of 100, indicating universal acclaim. Over the years, it has consistently been ranked as one of the greatest romantic comedies ever made.
The film also holds a place in cinematic history, having been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 1995 as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” It was the last of four collaborations between Grant and Hepburn, following Sylvia Scarlett, Bringing Up Baby, and Holiday.
The Philadelphia Story remains a benchmark for romantic comedy, admired for its mix of elegance, humor, and strong performances. It continues to influence filmmakers and delight new audiences decades after its release.
Margot Robbie’s admiration highlights how classic films can inspire modern actors and remain relevant today. What do you think about her choice? Do you have a favorite old Hollywood film? Share your thoughts in the comments.
