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Katharine Hepburn as Tracy Lord in The Philadelphia Story” width=”700″ height=”420″>Katharine hepburn’s portrayal of Tracy Lord in “The Philadelphia Story” is a masterclass in character evolution, but the film quickly moves beyond allowing her to simply inhabit the image of a glamorous socialite. The narrative’s success hinges on Tracy’s journey of self-discovery and humility. She must shed her elevated self-perception to connect with ordinary individuals, fulfilling an audience’s desire to see the seemingly untouchable Hepburn brought down to earth. This dynamic has led some, like Kazuo Ishiguro, to label the film a “really nasty piece of work,” particularly when contrasted with the traditional screwball comedy trope of male characters being humbled.
Though, the screenplay’s intricate construction deserves recognition.Each character within the central love triangle is portrayed as deeply flawed, employing various defense mechanisms to shield themselves.Tracy’s ultimate contentment is a result of her own agency; she only surrenders to love when she encounters someone capable of recognizing and accepting her imperfections.
Within a subgenre celebrated for its compelling female protagonists, Tracy Lord stands out as a particularly nuanced example of the screwball heroine. She embodies the spoiled heiress, the sharp intellectual,