In the Summer Classic Movies at the Ritz series, Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association (GIAHA) presents the witty 1940 romantic comedy, The Philadelphia Story, starring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart.  The award-winning film will be show at the Historic Ritz Theatre in Downtown Brunswick on Thursday, July 8, at 7:00 p.m.

“Cary Grant is easily the most requested and best-loved star of any of the movies we’ve shown in the summer classic series, so we’re happy to present another of his great roles,” notes GIAHA’s Rob Nixon. “And it’s especially wonderful to see him with one of his best on-screen partners, Katharine Hepburn. This was the fourth and final time they appeared together, and their romantic chemistry and comic sparring is a joy to watch.”

Nixon adds that this was perhaps the most important picture in Hepburn’s nearly seven-decade career. A couple of years prior to this, she was one of several actresses declared “box office poison” by a motion picture trade magazine. Many thought her career was finished, but with her characteristically steely Yankee determination, she returned to her first love, theater, appearing in the stage version of The Philadelphia Story to sold-out audiences. When MGM went to buy the film rights to the Broadway hit with the intention of producing it for one of their big stars, they found that Hepburn owned the property—the only way they could bring it to the screen was with her in it! The result was a triumph all around, not only restoring Hepburn’s film career but creating a new image that would shape the rest of her performances for the next 50+ years.

It was also an important role for James Stewart. The young star had broken through to major success the year before with Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, earning him the first of five Oscar nominations. Stewart didn’t win then, but he did get the award a year later for The Philadelphia Story, holding his own with Grant and Hepburn as a “man of the people” writer who learns a few things about how the other half lives.

The movie starts at 7:00 p.m., but audiences who arrive at least a half hour early will also be treated to entertaining short subjects, including cartoons, coming attractions, and newsreels, just like the old-time movie experience. And there will be free popcorn (first come, first served) generously provided by Angie Aimar and James Laurens of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners. Each night of the film series also features door-prize drawings and special offers from local merchants.

Admission to The Philadelphia Story, and to every film in the series, is only $5 for all ages. The first five films of the series are screened on Thursday nights in July at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:00, leaving ample time to buy a ticket and take advantage of the many dining opportunities in Downtown Brunswick before the show.

The series concludes with a special matinee showing of Gone with the Wind on Sunday, August 1, at 3:00 p.m. Audiences can purchase tickets at the door to see just the movie and shorts for $5. Advance tickets are also on sale for $12, which entitles the ticket holder to admission plus a delicious intermission Silver Screen Snack catered by Southern Soul Barbeque: a pulled pork slider and two sides that you can take back into the theater and enjoy during the second half of the show.

Advance tickets can be ordered on line at goldenislesarts.org; in person at the Ritz, 1530 Newcastle St., Downtown; or by phone with credit card (262-6934).