HOLIDAY

This is the least well-known of three terrific films Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn made together in the 1930s, the other two being (of course) the incomparable 'The Philadelpia Story' and a film I don't enjoy quite as much as some do, 'Bringing Up Baby'.

Like the 'The Philadelphia Story' this film is based on a play by Philip Barry.  Barry pursued a writing career despite efforts to make him work in the family business.  This suggests that 'Holiday' is somewhat autobiographical in that the main question posed here is whether it is better to pursue a conventional life seeking material reward, rather than to follow one's dreams. 

This rather dry-sounding question is brought to dramatic life by making Cary Grant's character Johnny have to choose between marrying the somewhat dull Julia (and thereby condemning himself to a life of luxury working at her father's bank) or Julia's unconventional sister Linda who understands and shares Johnny's desire to explore what life has to offer.

Given that the actress playing Julia is quite ordinary whilst Linda is played by Hepburn, it is clear who Johnny should and will choose, but it is a tribute to the quality of the dialogue and of the acting that his decision genuinely seems in doubt right to the end.

Hepburn is dazzling and charismatic as hell, which makes it a mystery why audiences at the time were so lukewarm towards her.  Her chemistry with Grant is electric and prevents the film, which is heavy on dialogue, becoming stodgy. 

And boy can she act!  Her performance here where she has to support her sister's desire to marry Johnny whilst she herself has fallen head over heels for him is heartbreakingly beautiful to watch.

This is very much a film for adults; there are no cheap laughs and we are presented with real people dealing with real problems, for example the alcoholic brother Ned who could have been a musician but is now a broken man.

Highly recommended. 

RATING: ✓✓ Catch It If You Can