The Philadelphia Story
Katharine Hepburn, Ruth Hussey, James Stewart
March 2005
Good Afternoon John,
I trust all is well with you and Miss Hussey.
I am a freelance journalist and filmmaker. I write film related articles for The London Daily Telegraph and The Times.
I am currently writing a piece on 'The Philadelphia Story' for the Times, and the much antisipated Kevin Spacey version which starts rehearsals at The Old Vic, London later this week.
There have been troubles reported in the press over who should play the Hepburn role. Then finally last week it was announced that Jennifer Ehle has been cast as Tracy Lord.
However, who would Miss Hussey choose to play her on stage?
I read that in 1939, there was no question that Miss Hussey should play the cynical Elizabeth Imbrie.
My friend Mildred Shay who lives near me here in Belgravia, London, played Joan Crawford's French maid Hélène in 'The Women' (1939).
She and George Cukor were great pals and insists that he had no qualms over who to cast in 'The Philadelphia Story'.
"George thought of Ruth Hussey as a very talented actress. Well, she was" said Mildred -- She sends Miss Hussey her love by the way. Mildred is 94 in September.
What does Miss Hussey think of Kevin Spacey's work?
The late Miss Virginia Grey and Olivia de Havilland told me that they had never met such a film nut.
"Kevin is crazy about Katharine," Virginia said. "It is no surprise to me that he should want to repeat something (The Philadelphia Story) of which Katharine made her own."
Did Miss Hussey suspect the movie would become such a huge hit sixty years ago and still very much a hit today?
I look forward in receiving any comment from you and Miss Hussey.
It is my aim to make an article on 'The Philadelphia Story' more of a feature on Miss Hussey.
Every good wish
Austin Mutti-Mewse
