High Society (1956)

This film has particular importance to me as it was one of the first movies my grandparents saw whilst they were 'courting'. Also the film epitomises the glamour of the time starring 1950s icons such as Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong. It was filmed in technicolour that adds vivid and bold colour to each frame. I was inspired by the combination of its glamour and musicality, element I would like to include in my own interpretation of the time.

There is an interesting mix of characters in the narrative of High Society (1956), The protagonist Tracy (Grace Kelly) is a spoilt woman on the verge of marrying a rich, aspiring senator. The story follows her attempts to keep everything together as her ex-husband, two journalists and kid sister threaten to ruin her wedding. Tracy fits the stereotype of a 1950s woman, very beautiful and glamorous, however her strong opinions and determination to get her own way makes her an outcast in society- she often gets criticised by her male acquaintances- her father even criticized her for not having a heart. On the other hand the male protagonists Dexter (Bing Crosby) and Mike (Frank Sinatra) prove to be fairly foolish men, both with careers that were considered to be not steady and appropriate for bringing up a family. They are both shown to drink a lot and have weakness for Tracy, which she takes advantage of throughout the story. However, they are shown to support her and Dexter marries her at the end. Effectively I think High Society gives the impression of female power over men and that perhaps they have more to give than just 'looking pretty.

Tracy (Kelly) and Dexter (Crosby)

Tracy (Kelly), Mike (Sinatra) and Liz (Celeste Holm)