When it comes to films, I almost always hate remakes. Too many times, they are unnecessary and not nearly as good as the original. So, in the case of "High Society", it was a tall order to get me to like the film. Fortunately, instead of a direct copy, they made this version a musical--making it a bit different.

The film begins on a very good note with a clever introduction by Louis Armstrong. Only when you think of the original classic opening in "The Philadelphia Story" do you realize it isn't quite up to the original in this instance. As for the rest of the film, it's charming and fun--and the songs are remarkably good. Because of this, I was shocked when I found I was having a good time watching it--I really wanted to dislike it! My only serious complaint was Grace Kelly's character--she seemed much less likable and nasty than in the original. Still, with Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby laying out tunes, you can't help but have a good time.

I suppose comparisons between The Philadelphia Story and this film are inevitable. The Philadelphia Story is the superior film, but High Society, its musical remake is still very enjoyable without being a classic. The choreography is a mixed bag, it is wonderful in places but pedestrian in others(apparently Bing Crosby couldn't dance and sadly here it kind of showed),while I was a little disappointed at how underused jazz great Louis Armstrong was here. However the production values particularly in the cinematography and costumes are gorgeous and the songs and score are superb. Well, Did You Evah, the witty and infectious duet between Crosby and Frank Sinatra especially is a joy to behold. The story is charming and the screenplay has its fair share of delights, while Charles Walters cleverly under-directs. The acting and singing was what I loved most. Celeste Holm is wonderfully snappy, while Crosby and Sinatra are believable together and sing beautifully. Special mention should also go to Grace Kelly who plays the part of the beautiful spoiled rich girl superbly. Overall, no masterpiece but an enjoyable and very worthy musical elevated by the music and performances. 8/10 Bethany Cox

"High Society" unites the unbeatable talents of three legendary stars Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Louis Armstrong with the beautiful and talented Grace Kelly in her final role before she becomes the loving Princess of Monaco…

Spoiled Tracy (Kelly) is about to marry a boring businessman John Lund, but on the eve of her nuptials, her ex-husband Crosby, who still calls her Sam, returns to try and put a stop to the wedding…

On hand to cover her upcoming nuptials for a spy magazine are journalists Celeste Holm) and Sinatra, with the greatest American jazz musician Louis Armstrong providing with Crosby a musical jazz called "Now You Has Jazz."

Armstrong opens the film from the back of the blue bus shared with his band, with a calypso song, while the classic "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" is lively sung by Sinatra and Holm alone in a big room filled with Kelly's many extravagant wedding gifts…

Kelly is lovely as the refined woman flirting with three men… In scenes that required the softening of her unyielding nature, she seems so reserved and cold in manner…

Sinatra sings to her "You're Sensational" and "Mind if I Make Love to You? Crosby sings "True Love."