So hard to believe this movie bombed when it came out. It's simply a joy, and has not only wonderful, lovable characters but a wonderful message too. And it has one great asset that the Philadelphia Story didn't have: the incredible Edward Everett Horton!
LOL! That's very astute. I also think it has a great take on alcoholism and closet gay characters in the form of the brother, who is the one I always want to run off with Cary. Thanks for watching and best Wishes; Steve
This is my favorite Kate Hepburn film, I think her partnership with Cary Grant was better than with Spencer Tracy. I enjoy the Tracy/Hepburn films but she and Cary had a more relaxed and equal footing vibe to their interplay. Also love Lew Ayres in this and agree he was nomination worthy. Everybody is wonderful and while I don't think she's bad Doris Nolan as Kate's sister Julia is the film's weak link. If another actress with a stronger screen presence had been cast the resolution wouldn't have been so obvious from the beginning. I've always imagined Joan Bennett in the part and think she would have been ideal. Still a great film and your review of it was terrific.
Edward Horton is descended from the man who spoke before Lincoln at Gettysburg. I first enjoyed him was the fractured Fairy Tales segments in the Rocky and Bullwinkle a precursor to the Animaniacs. Holiday is masterpiece on every level. Thank you again, Steve. 💖🌈💖
SO happy to see a review on this one! "Holiday" is my all-time *FAVORITE* Hepburn/Grant pairing...even more so than "Bringing up Baby". I agree that this was their best film, together. They were magic in this movie--not screwball comedy, but nuanced, warm performances that were just marvelous. Love your channel, Steve!!
I love this one too! Love the Grant/Hepburn combo. She never appreciated all that he brought to her films. I don't think she was ever better than with him.
this is one of my favourite movies of all time. "I love feeling free inside.. even better than I love you" and i love that you seem to enjoy it so much as well.)
It was made at the height of the depression and many of the movie going public resented the problems of the very rich and throwing away money for freedom. At that time, to many people, money meant freedom. Thanks for watching! Don't forget to push the "Like" button. It really helps!.
I don't recall ever even hearing of "Holiday" before but after hearing Steve Hayes talk about it and show clips I WANT TO SEE THIS MOVIE! Steve, when I see that you have a new video my day automatically gets better. Health, prosperity, peace, and blessing to you and to Johnny and to all your crew on the other side of the camera.
Absolutely agree that this is the best film between Grant and Hepburn! When they’re in that room, it’s pretty much as good as Cinema gets!! On of the reasons, for me, is that it’s the most sensual film between them. Just from the way she looks at him when he is talking about wanting to live life. Or when Grant holds her hand and she whispers “Don’t…”. Not a day goes by without me swooning by just thinking about it.
Cukor was such a romantic director. Even "gaslight" which is a psychological horror story is so romantic, which makes the underlying sinsiter aspect that much more disturbing. I like Car and Kate, because you could tell he admired her and it ran throghout all thir work together, I wish she'd done mre with him later on. I don't thunk she totally appreciated all he brought to the table in their films.he always made room for her to be who she was and enjoyed watching her.
@@STEVEHAYESTOQ definitely going to look up more of his films! I think Pauline Kael put it perfectly like you’ve said. Cary Grant leading ladies always seems to be having a great time WITH him. I absolutely agree about Grant never outshining his leading ladies. There was always a sense that he wanted them to be the main takeaway. I agree that It’s really odd that they (Kate and Cary) never made another Picture together after 1940. I really would love to hear what she said about Cary Grant. All in all it’s a real shame.
@@Fed804 Kate never really apprciated everything Cary brought to the table. She was on the 'Spencer Tracy" kick after "Woman Of The Year" and he was the only one she was really interested in working with. Too bad. I enjoyed her work with Cary far more. Thanks for watching.
At first, I was a little disappointed that you didn't discuss Edward Everett Horton, in this film. Then, I realized what mark of a good film that is, that Steve Hayes could discuss Holiday for more than seven minutes, without mentioning Edward Everett Horton.
Love this movie--a heartbreaking moment is when Linda (KH) promises--at the end--to come back for her brother--someday--and get him out of that marble prison. Hopeful for his sweet character.
One of my absolute favorites and definitely my favorite Grant/Hepburn movie too! And YES, I always read Lew's character as gay too, and appreciate your saying that. (SPOILER, tho not a surprising one) Ned seemed to be living just a little vicariously thru Linda as she got her Johnny in the end. I've read that Depression era audiences didn't appreciate seeing a young man with money voluntarily giving up his job as the reason it tanked, but then the Philadelphia Story punched holes in the rich too and obviously did well. A few years difference made the difference, or the fact that Grant and Hepburn found their Happy Ending WITH money in PS? *shrug* Popular tastes are a mystery. But they missed out on this one. Grant and Hepburn have never been more charming, and their support is stellar. The playroom acrobatics never fail to cheer me up. Wonderful choice!!
They wee the REAL team in my opininon. Each supported the other and wanted them to be the best they could be. Thanks for watching! Don't forget to push the "Like" button. It really helps!.
So so happy you've done this at last! This movie ruined me for romance. I wanted to be Katherine Hepburn, and I've grown into Edward Everett Horton. Thank you thank you thank you! "Oh, Neddy, Neddy..." "I'll be...here."
Dear, dear man! My husband and I love the movie "Holiday". It's a great film and Lew Ayers is magnificent. I just love your taste in movies and even though I've seen quite a few, the information about the film and your stories - and of course your wonderful delivery - are really a treasure! Keep it up!
Everything you said about Holiday is the Truth. I have loved this film forever and always wondered why it wasn't immediately included in Kate and Cary's roll call of films. And yes, Steve, Lew Ayres has always been the unsung star of this. Such a good actor who seriously reminds me of Jack Lemmon...even his vocal inflections. Gotta slip in the dvd, because it's fun to watch.
TOUCHINGLY WONDERFUL FILM that needs to be much better known. Thank you so much Mr. Hayes for getting the word out, and for your unfailingly (and erudite!) entertaining commentary that is so captivating because it sounds like gossip!
Thank you, Mr Cone for the lovely compliments! I love this one too. So smart. and Lew Ayres is so touching. He shoud have been nominated for this as Suporting Actor. I so apprecaite you watching and have Happy Holidays! Best; Steve
Thank you ! For the review. One of my favorites ❤ a hopeless Cary Grant fan.. the closeups of him are gorgeous. Love Nick and Susan ❤ thank god for UA-cam where you can watch it.
Of the four films Hepburn and Grant made together, I suppose my favorite would be a tie between "Holiday" and "The Philadelphia Story." As I recall, "Holiday" was more subversive about the capitalistic system. Steve's review makes me want to see "Holiday" all over again. It's a sweet film, and Lew Ayres is so lost -- so beautifully lost!
I love Lew Ayres in this. Such an underrated actor. He always had such sad eyes and world weary demeanor. And under Cukor's masterful direction, I think he should have won the Best Supporing Oscar for this!
Dear Steve, I can't resist this film any longer - I absolutely adore it. And it's so much more than the simple comedy the public must have been expecting, because it breaks your heart at the same time. You're dead right that Lew Ayres should have won an Oscar, but I don't think whether his character is gay or not is the issue - you don't have to be gay to be driven to drink at the idea of spending your life in an office, shuffling papers around in an attempt to make yet more money. He reminds me of the alcoholic son in that little gem "An Inspector Calls" - that character, the son of a very successful provincial businessman, doesn't drink because he's got a girl pregnant - he was drunk when he first met her. The problem is having to live a life that you hate. My only problem with "Holiday" is in wondering what Cary Grant saw in Doris Nolan in the first place - the poor girl is put in a lethal hat and then a succession of outfits that leave her breasts at waist level, and that's quite apart from the fact that her character adores having lots and lots of money. Katharine Hepburn's role is the kind that Irene Dunne was so good at - except that Irene Dunne couldn't have done those marvellous gymnastics. I love this film so much, and Katharine Hepburn is so much softer than usual in it - the way she melts with Cary Grant and then tries to resist him. It's a film to treasure. p.s., re your love of living in New York, of course I can see why. But back in the 'sixties and early 'seventies London was gorgeous too - the wonderful American shows that came over (when I first saw "Gypsy", Dolores Grey was in it), seeing Rudolf Nureyev dance with the Royal Ballet (no words to describe that); Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson came over and played in "The Typists" and "The Tiger" and Anne did a bit of business with her hair that I'd never seen before and remember to this day. And all our own playwrights and actors who were so young and new then - Maggie Smith among them. I saw Judi Dench in "Cabaret" at the Palace Theatre (adored it), and when I lived in the same building as a lot of backstage people, the elderly man in the flat above had worked at the Palace for ever, and advised Andrew Lloyd Weber when it was renovated, because the whole theatre was above a huge lake of water that constantly threatened to engulf it. He went to see Judi Dench in something at Stratford and she came out into the street and hugged him, and covered him in her green stage make-up. And the most beloved of the great American stars who came to play at the Palladium was, up till the 'eighties, Joel Grey! The orchestra and everyone in the theatre adored him. I'm not surprised. Very best wishes, Alida
I totally agree with your assessment of Doris Nolan...one wonders who's sibling to what producer she was, or, on a more typical note, who she sleeping with to get that part? She is completely one note and vacuous and here's where I prefer the earlier version, because in the Ann harding version, she was played by Mary Astor, who was smart, selfish and knew exactly what her plans for Johnny were and wasn't going the let the ever practical Ann harding get in her way. I think they didn't want to cast anyone who was as smart or more beautiful than Hepburn. By casting Nolan, the audience would shrug her off and be on Hepburn's side from the begining. I think it would hav been more interesting and more of a challenge to Hepburn and the audience to cast a smart/beautiful/ bitchy actress in the role. I think someone like Geraldine Fitzgerald would have been a perfect choice. You saw some wonderful productions. I met Dolores Grey at a party one night and said: " It's such a thrill to meet you!" She looked me up and down and said suspiciously; " Why?" I said; " Because you're DOLORES GREY! "She laughed and said;' " That I am, Honey!" Have a lvely weekend. Steve
Thanks so much for watching! I love that I have followers in Austrailia. I hope you are well and safe! Don't forget to push the "Like" button. It really helps!.
I sure enjoyed that Steve Hayes very informative And it was great seeing that old nostalgic footage Thank you so much for keeping us abreast of what was and how beautiful it was.
Never seen this one, even though it stars two of cinema's greats. It's also directed by one of the great directors, George Cukor. It seems to be a little obscure, but your description made me go rent it. Thanks, Steve. Merry Christmas.
Another one I grew to love during my college years. It didn't do well when it was released, and it didn't help that Hepburn was just given the box office poison label . For some reason audiences seemed to appreciate her more when she was brought down a notch or two in her movies.
I think she was always too smart and they associated that with being 'highbrow". During that period...as well as many others...audiences seldom appreciated smart women...unfortunately.
I love you, and I love this movie it's been on my DVR for awhile now I refuse to delete it, this movie Arsenic and old lace , and an affair to remember are my favorite Cary Grant movies. I do like my favorite wife but I prefer the remake with Doris day and James garner, I have a soft spot for Doris day. I just wish I knew more people who liked old black and white movies like I do but I'm 26 and I've loved them since I was in high school and non of my friends know anything about these movies, I think that's why I like you so much you share my love of movies and your funny too.
Your comments made me so happy! This site was created for you and all the young people who love and turn their friends onto these magnificnet classsics. Black & white or Technicolor, they are story driven/ character driven masterpieces and must be kept alive for future generations. So, thanks for watching! Don't forget to push the "Like" button. It really helps!.
Love this movie! I think it's the best pairing of Hepburn and Grant, although, I also loved "Bringing Up Baby". I loved Charlie Ruggles in the latter. I have them both in DVD. Hollywood in the '30s was great - giving the Depression audience a short respite from their misery. On the flip side, Hollywood in the '50s and '60s, a prosperous time, after all, depressing and "socially relevant" movies.
"I feel alive and I love it!" Don't I wish. Thanks for this heads up Steve. You look quite handsome there next to the tulips. Merry Christmas to you as well from down here in Texas.
"Tulips in the meadow. Tulips in the park. But the tulips I love best are the two lips in the dark" My sister used to call me up and sing that to me on the first day of Spring!
Steve, I love that in your intro you make Hepburn sexy...it's kind of too bad that she never got cast or perceived that way. In this movie, it's kind of great that the truth slowly dawns on her that he shouldn't marry her sister...not for the sister's sake, but for his. I think that was a very unpopular storyline for that time. It wasn't Hepburn that the public didn't like, it was the story that SOMETIMES you don't get the happy ending you want to happen.
Very perceptive Ruth. I also think it was the fact that at the height of the Great depression, when noone in the audience had any money, here were these rich people willing to throw it all away. These "problems" of the very rich didn't go down well.
After this movie Bombed and with her at a crossroads over her relationship with Howard Hughes she went home to Fenwick and survived the Great New England Hurricane of 1938.
Bringing Up Baby and The Philadelphia Story are a couple of my favorite movies, but I think I like Holiday even better. Maybe it's partly overfamiliarity with the first two, but Holiday IS brilliant. Thanks for the video -- loved it, as always!
This is a captivating film. It was originally done at RKO-Pathe seven years earlier and even got an Oscar nomination (Ann Harding). But when RKO sold a bunch of scripts, Columbia's Harry Cohn stepped in to purchase Barry's script. Aside to Samantha N, the film DID bomb, but it was at the box office. As a result, Katharine Hepburn never made another movie for Columbia until after Cohn died (1959's "Suddenly Last Summer"). But that didn't take away from the poignancy and the sophistication of this wonderful comedy. Years later, Cukor recalled the film with much fondness ("It was a happy experience."). Any chance you can see---probably on TCM--- don't miss it.
One other aside to Steve. It's not so much that Cohn "liked" borrowing stars from other studios. In the 1930s, Columbia really was thought of as a "minor" studio and stars usually signed with MGM, Paramount, Warners, etc. before they would lower themselves to Columbia. But Cohn did something which got his studio going up: he signed excellent writers like Robert Riskin and Jo Swerling and it wasn't too long before people began noticing that Columbia movies were intelligent films. Soon, stars didn't mind doing movies at Columbia. Guys like Cary Grant and Melvyn Douglas had split contracts, Grant with Columbia and RKO and Douglas with Columbia and MGM. A decade later, Cohn did start developing his own when Rita Hayworth, William Holden (another split contract with Columbia and Paramount) and Glenn Ford. But in many ways, I compare the Columbia of the 1930s to Miramax many years later. Both studios had to work hard to gain attention and respect. But both of them did.
Lew Ayres. He had a scene in the last silent movie made at MGM, The Kiss with Greta Garbo. Check him out at 'Hollywood Without Makeup' Part One" on UA-cam. he is at 13:50. His first appearance on screen ever. KISSING GRETA GARBO. He was only 19 and looked it.
I always liked him. I thought he gave such an inspired, touching and ultimately unforgettable perforamce in "All Quiet On The Western Front'. Haunting.
@@STEVEHAYESTOQ I once had a boyfriend that looked like Lew Ayres. Lucky me! Alas, like Ayres' character in Holiday he was an alcoholic, and our relationship collapsed after he got back from rehab. I don't think I was an enabler; I think he just wanted to make a fresh start across the board.
@@SarahRenz59 Having had alot of experience with sober people, quite odften it is suggested that they not get involved in relationships in the first year while their minds and bodies are going through the process of detoxing. Though I don't know for sure, I suspect your friend was folowing that advice and taking care of himself. It probably had nothing to do with any right or wrong on your part. Thanks for watching and Happy Holidays! Steve
My favorite Hepburn/Grant pairing by far. Ayres' character definitely seemed to be a gay man mourning the fact that he could find no acceptable way to be himself and couldn't bear to pretend to be straight. The weak link was Nolan, far too bland for any of the rest. This brings me to the biggest problem with this review. Two characters who are absolutely integral to the plot are played by the inestimable Edward Everett Horton and Jean Dixon. Both were pitch-perfect in every respect. They could not have become friends with Nolan's character, who would also have punished Grant's for pursuing his close attachment to them. That they formed so effortless an attachment to Hepburn's and Ayres' characters and an antipathy between Nolan's tells us in no uncertain terms where Grant belongs.
Well said. That delightful pair mirrored the affectionate, fun-loving dynamic of the Johnny and Linda characters while foreshadowing the relationship the audience was wishing for them. It's a movie with an old message (money doesn't buy happiness) but goes one further by lightheartedly hinting at the values that do bring us happiness.
Well, on is a screwball comedy and the pace is more frantic and the other is a comedy/ dramdy of manners, so the words count more thatn the pratfalls. I love 'em both. Steve
"Kindly walk; do not run to the nearest exit." Lew Ayers walked off with this film. Thank you, Steve!
Lew Ayres shoud have won an Oscar for this. Thanks for watching! Don't forget to push the "Like" button. It really helps!.
So hard to believe this movie bombed when it came out. It's simply a joy, and has not only wonderful, lovable characters but a wonderful message too. And it has one great asset that the Philadelphia Story didn't have: the incredible Edward Everett Horton!
I love him, but for me, it's Lew Ayers. Tragic and wonderful. Steve
This movie has the best understanding of introverts at a party I’ve ever seen
LOL! That's very astute. I also think it has a great take on alcoholism and closet gay characters in the form of the brother, who is the one I always want to run off with Cary. Thanks for watching and best Wishes; Steve
Holiday has been one of my favorites for years.
This is my favorite Kate Hepburn film, I think her partnership with Cary Grant was better than with Spencer Tracy. I enjoy the Tracy/Hepburn films but she and Cary had a more relaxed and equal footing vibe to their interplay. Also love Lew Ayres in this and agree he was nomination worthy. Everybody is wonderful and while I don't think she's bad Doris Nolan as Kate's sister Julia is the film's weak link. If another actress with a stronger screen presence had been cast the resolution wouldn't have been so obvious from the beginning. I've always imagined Joan Bennett in the part and think she would have been ideal. Still a great film and your review of it was terrific.
I TOALLY agree. Grant's characters always awanted her to be the very best she could be.
Interesting you should bring up Joan Bennett. She was seriously considered for the part
Edward Horton is descended from the man who spoke before Lincoln at Gettysburg. I first enjoyed him was the fractured Fairy Tales segments in the Rocky and Bullwinkle a precursor to the Animaniacs. Holiday is masterpiece on every level. Thank you again, Steve. 💖🌈💖
One of my favorite classic movies for so many reasons. Glad to find the one and only review on UA-cam!
Thank you!
Somehow I’ve never seen this before but I love Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. the dialogue is absolutely superb. it’s one of the best romcoms ever.
SO happy to see a review on this one! "Holiday" is my all-time *FAVORITE* Hepburn/Grant pairing...even more so than "Bringing up Baby". I agree that this was their best film, together. They were magic in this movie--not screwball comedy, but nuanced, warm performances that were just marvelous.
Love your channel, Steve!!
I love this one too! Love the Grant/Hepburn combo. She never appreciated all that he brought to her films. I don't think she was ever better than with him.
this is one of my favourite movies of all time. "I love feeling free inside.. even better than I love you"
and i love that you seem to enjoy it so much as well.)
How in the world could this movie BOMB? It's absolutely brilliant. A bit ahead of its time as well.
It was made at the height of the depression and many of the movie going public resented the problems of the very rich and throwing away money for freedom. At that time, to many people, money meant freedom. Thanks for watching! Don't forget to push the "Like" button. It really helps!.
@@STEVEHAYESTOQ Wow, I hadn't considered the historical context. Thank you for replying! Always enjoy your videos.
I don't recall ever even hearing of "Holiday" before but after hearing Steve Hayes talk about it and show clips I WANT TO SEE THIS MOVIE! Steve, when I see that you have a new video my day automatically gets better. Health, prosperity, peace, and blessing to you and to Johnny and to all your crew on the other side of the camera.
Thanks so much for watching!
As I recall, this is the film which shows Americans using the word "trousers".
Thought I'd seen all the Grant/Hepburn movies. Thanks for the rec.
My pleasure. This is a great one. Lew Ayres is so wonderful! Steve
Never heard of this before, but now must watch!
Thank you for all your videos, and Merry Christmas!
Absolutely agree that this is the best film between Grant and Hepburn!
When they’re in that room, it’s pretty much as good as Cinema gets!!
On of the reasons, for me, is that it’s the most sensual film between them. Just from the way she looks at him when he is talking about wanting to live life. Or when Grant holds her hand and she whispers “Don’t…”. Not a day goes by without me swooning by just thinking about it.
Cukor was such a romantic director. Even "gaslight" which is a psychological horror story is so romantic, which makes the underlying sinsiter aspect that much more disturbing. I like Car and Kate, because you could tell he admired her and it ran throghout all thir work together, I wish she'd done mre with him later on. I don't thunk she totally appreciated all he brought to the table in their films.he always made room for her to be who she was and enjoyed watching her.
@@STEVEHAYESTOQ definitely going to look up more of his films! I think Pauline Kael put it perfectly like you’ve said. Cary Grant leading ladies always seems to be having a great time WITH him.
I absolutely agree about Grant never outshining his leading ladies. There was always a sense that he wanted them to be the main takeaway.
I agree that It’s really odd that they (Kate and Cary) never made another Picture together after 1940. I really would love to hear what she said about Cary Grant. All in all it’s a real shame.
@@Fed804 Kate never really apprciated everything Cary brought to the table. She was on the 'Spencer Tracy" kick after "Woman Of The Year" and he was the only one she was really interested in working with. Too bad. I enjoyed her work with Cary far more. Thanks for watching.
At first, I was a little disappointed that you didn't discuss Edward Everett Horton, in this film. Then, I realized what mark of a good film that is, that Steve Hayes could discuss Holiday for more than seven minutes, without mentioning Edward Everett Horton.
😉😎 Good God I love your name!
Love this movie--a heartbreaking moment is when Linda (KH) promises--at the end--to come back for her brother--someday--and get him out of that marble prison. Hopeful for his sweet character.
I think Lew Ayres gives one of the most heart wrenching performances and should have won an oscar for this role.
One of my absolute favorites and definitely my favorite Grant/Hepburn movie too! And YES, I always read Lew's character as gay too, and appreciate your saying that. (SPOILER, tho not a surprising one) Ned seemed to be living just a little vicariously thru Linda as she got her Johnny in the end. I've read that Depression era audiences didn't appreciate seeing a young man with money voluntarily giving up his job as the reason it tanked, but then the Philadelphia Story punched holes in the rich too and obviously did well. A few years difference made the difference, or the fact that Grant and Hepburn found their Happy Ending WITH money in PS? *shrug* Popular tastes are a mystery. But they missed out on this one. Grant and Hepburn have never been more charming, and their support is stellar. The playroom acrobatics never fail to cheer me up. Wonderful choice!!
They wee the REAL team in my opininon. Each supported the other and wanted them to be the best they could be. Thanks for watching! Don't forget to push the "Like" button. It really helps!.
This is one of my all time favorites! Thank you so much for suggesting it! Merry Christmas.
So so happy you've done this at last! This movie ruined me for romance. I wanted to be Katherine Hepburn, and I've grown into Edward Everett Horton. Thank you thank you thank you! "Oh, Neddy, Neddy..." "I'll be...here."
You cracked me up. Hey, Eddy Everett had his good points too!
Thanks for watching! Don't forget to push the "Like" button. It really helps!.
@@rhyfeddu he certainly did! Thanks for watching! Don't forget to push the "Like" button. It really helps!.
Merry Xmas and Happy New Year Mr. Hayes. You are an endless joy to movie buffs everywhere.
One of my fave films just love it! But not as much as I love your joy and enthusiasm!
That's very sweet! Thanks for watching! Don't forget to push the "Like" button. It really helps!.
Dear, dear man! My husband and I love the movie "Holiday". It's a great film and Lew Ayers is magnificent. I just love your taste in movies and even though I've seen quite a few, the information about the film and your stories - and of course your wonderful delivery - are really a treasure! Keep it up!
I will if you keep watching! Be well and safe. Don't forget to push the "Like" button. It really helps!.
Everything you said about Holiday is the Truth. I have loved this film forever and always wondered why it wasn't immediately included in Kate and Cary's roll call of films. And yes, Steve, Lew Ayres has always been the unsung star of this. Such a good actor who seriously reminds me of Jack Lemmon...even his vocal inflections. Gotta slip in the dvd, because it's fun to watch.
Yes. Lew is subtle and devastating. He should have won the Oscar. Thanks for watching! Don't forget to push the "Like" button. It really helps!.
One of my favorite movies of all time. Lew Ayres will break your heart.
I think he should have won an Oscar for this.
@@STEVEHAYESTOQ He should have. He is brilliant in this movie and breaks. your. heart.
Another day, another great Tired Old Queen review. Steve Hayes, you're the best.
TOUCHINGLY WONDERFUL FILM that needs to be much better known. Thank you so much Mr. Hayes for getting the word out, and for your unfailingly (and erudite!) entertaining commentary that is so captivating because it sounds like gossip!
Thank you, Mr Cone for the lovely compliments! I love this one too. So smart. and Lew Ayres is so touching. He shoud have been nominated for this as Suporting Actor. I so apprecaite you watching and have Happy Holidays! Best; Steve
Wonderful, as always. Keep up the great work!
One of my favorites also and you did such a great job reviewing it.
Thanks so much and thanks for watching! Steve
Thank you ! For the review. One of my favorites ❤ a hopeless Cary Grant fan.. the closeups of him are gorgeous. Love Nick and Susan ❤ thank god for UA-cam where you can watch it.
Yes, it's really wonderfiul.
Of the four films Hepburn and Grant made together, I suppose my favorite would be a tie between "Holiday" and "The Philadelphia Story." As I recall, "Holiday" was more subversive about the capitalistic system. Steve's review makes me want to see "Holiday" all over again. It's a sweet film, and Lew Ayres is so lost -- so beautifully lost!
I love Lew Ayres in this. Such an underrated actor. He always had such sad eyes and world weary demeanor. And under Cukor's masterful direction, I think he should have won the Best Supporing Oscar for this!
I cried slightly before the end of this movie.
I did too. When she leaves her tragic brother behind. Back then, alcoholics seldom came to a good end.
This is with Bringing Up Baby are the 2 best Grant/Hepburn films I can rewatch alot out of just watching them all as a binge watch.
He certainly gave us alot to chose from.
What a Christmas treat. No Halloween trickery here! Well done!
excellent as usual - Merry Xmas to u too!
Dear Steve, I can't resist this film any longer - I absolutely adore it. And it's so much more than the simple comedy the public must have been expecting, because it breaks your heart at the same time. You're dead right that Lew Ayres should have won an Oscar, but I don't think whether his character is gay or not is the issue - you don't have to be gay to be driven to drink at the idea of spending your life in an office, shuffling papers around in an attempt to make yet more money. He reminds me of the alcoholic son in that little gem "An Inspector Calls" - that character, the son of a very successful provincial businessman, doesn't drink because he's got a girl pregnant - he was drunk when he first met her. The problem is having to live a life that you hate. My only problem with "Holiday" is in wondering what Cary Grant saw in Doris Nolan in the first place - the poor girl is put in a lethal hat and then a succession of outfits that leave her breasts at waist level, and that's quite apart from the fact that her character adores having lots and lots of money. Katharine Hepburn's role is the kind that Irene Dunne was so good at - except that Irene Dunne couldn't have done those marvellous gymnastics. I love this film so much, and Katharine Hepburn is so much softer than usual in it - the way she melts with Cary Grant and then tries to resist him. It's a film to treasure. p.s., re your love of living in New York, of course I can see why. But back in the 'sixties and early 'seventies London was gorgeous too - the wonderful American shows that came over (when I first saw "Gypsy", Dolores Grey was in it), seeing Rudolf Nureyev dance with the Royal Ballet (no words to describe that); Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson came over and played in "The Typists" and "The Tiger" and Anne did a bit of business with her hair that I'd never seen before and remember to this day. And all our own playwrights and actors who were so young and new then - Maggie Smith among them. I saw Judi Dench in "Cabaret" at the Palace Theatre (adored it), and when I lived in the same building as a lot of backstage people, the elderly man in the flat above had worked at the Palace for ever, and advised Andrew Lloyd Weber when it was renovated, because the whole theatre was above a huge lake of water that constantly threatened to engulf it. He went to see Judi Dench in something at Stratford and she came out into the street and hugged him, and covered him in her green stage make-up. And the most beloved of the great American stars who came to play at the Palladium was, up till the 'eighties, Joel Grey! The orchestra and everyone in the theatre adored him. I'm not surprised. Very best wishes, Alida
I totally agree with your assessment of Doris Nolan...one wonders who's sibling to what producer she was, or, on a more typical note, who she sleeping with to get that part? She is completely one note and vacuous and here's where I prefer the earlier version, because in the Ann harding version, she was played by Mary Astor, who was smart, selfish and knew exactly what her plans for Johnny were and wasn't going the let the ever practical Ann harding get in her way. I think they didn't want to cast anyone who was as smart or more beautiful than Hepburn. By casting Nolan, the audience would shrug her off and be on Hepburn's side from the begining. I think it would hav been more interesting and more of a challenge to Hepburn and the audience to cast a smart/beautiful/ bitchy actress in the role. I think someone like Geraldine Fitzgerald would have been a perfect choice. You saw some wonderful productions. I met Dolores Grey at a party one night and said: " It's such a thrill to meet you!" She looked me up and down and said suspiciously; " Why?" I said; " Because you're DOLORES GREY! "She laughed and said;' " That I am, Honey!" Have a lvely weekend. Steve
Another treat from Steve! Special thanks for the background story
Thank you for watching! Stay SAFE! Best Wishes; Steve
lots of love from Australia to you Steve and Johny. i always find these films after Steve recommends them, he has never let me down.
Thanks so much for watching! I love that I have followers in Austrailia. I hope you are well and safe! Don't forget to push the "Like" button. It really helps!.
I sure enjoyed that Steve Hayes very informative And it was great seeing that old nostalgic footage Thank you so much for keeping us abreast of what was and how beautiful it was.
Thanks for watching! Don't forget to push the "Like" button. It really helps!.
A Happy Holiday to you and Johnny, Steve.
Incredible movie. Saw it today
Isn't it wonderful? nd Lew Ares should have been nominated. He's so wonderful. Thanks for watching! Steve
Merry Christmas to you too, Steve!
Anything Katherine Hepburn appeared in was fantastic!
She was definitely unique and wonderful.
Happy Holidays to you Steve and Johnny .. Love your postings here and on Twitter ..
Merry Christmas,. Happy Holidays love to you.
Thanks for the review. I just ordered it. Thanks for clewing me in..
Hooray!
Happy holidays Johnny and Steve!!
Fine review Steve. I'll have to see this film. Good job as usual.
You like it. So smart, sophisticated and Lew Ayres!
Never seen this one, even though it stars two of cinema's greats. It's also directed by one of the great directors, George Cukor. It seems to be a little obscure, but your description made me go rent it. Thanks, Steve. Merry Christmas.
I'd be curious as to what you thought of "Holiday."
Wonderful review and excellent impersonations, is there no end to this man's talent. Merry Christmas Steve and Johnny.
Awwww, thanks a million!
Another one I grew to love during my college years. It didn't do well when it was released, and it didn't help that Hepburn was just given the box office poison label . For some reason audiences seemed to appreciate her more when she was brought down a notch or two in her movies.
I think she was always too smart and they associated that with being 'highbrow". During that period...as well as many others...audiences seldom appreciated smart women...unfortunately.
I love you, and I love this movie it's been on my DVR for awhile now I refuse to delete it, this movie Arsenic and old lace , and an affair to remember are my favorite Cary Grant movies. I do like my favorite wife but I prefer the remake with Doris day and James garner, I have a soft spot for Doris day. I just wish I knew more people who liked old black and white movies like I do but I'm 26 and I've loved them since I was in high school and non of my friends know anything about these movies, I think that's why I like you so much you share my love of movies and your funny too.
Your comments made me so happy! This site was created for you and all the young people who love and turn their friends onto these magnificnet classsics. Black & white or Technicolor, they are story driven/ character driven masterpieces and must be kept alive for future generations. So, thanks for watching! Don't forget to push the "Like" button. It really helps!.
I agree. I love these!
Kate's hair and fashions make me swoon almost as much as Lew Ayres.
He was a babe.
I was indeed and a fabulous, subtle actor.
Love this movie! I think it's the best pairing of Hepburn and Grant, although, I also loved "Bringing Up Baby". I loved Charlie Ruggles in the latter. I have them both in DVD.
Hollywood in the '30s was great - giving the Depression audience a short respite from their misery. On the flip side, Hollywood in the '50s and '60s, a prosperous time, after all, depressing and "socially relevant" movies.
Yeah! I saw this! This IS a good one!!!
Hooray!
P.S. And what about a Jean Arthur film - something, let's say, like Talk of the Town or The More the Merrier or The Devil and Miss Jones or...
They're on my list. .
Please did you make a video of bringing Up baby by both Katharine Hepburn and Cary grant? Thank you
It's on my "to do" list.
"I feel alive and I love it!" Don't I wish. Thanks for this heads up Steve. You look quite handsome there next to the tulips. Merry Christmas to you as well from down here in Texas.
"Tulips in the meadow. Tulips in the park. But the tulips I love best are the two lips in the dark" My sister used to call me up and sing that to me on the first day of Spring!
Steve, I love that in your intro you make Hepburn sexy...it's kind of too bad that she never got cast or perceived that way. In this movie, it's kind of great that the truth slowly dawns on her that he shouldn't marry her sister...not for the sister's sake, but for his.
I think that was a very unpopular storyline for that time. It wasn't Hepburn that the public didn't like, it was the story that SOMETIMES you don't get the happy ending you want to happen.
Very perceptive Ruth. I also think it was the fact that at the height of the Great depression, when noone in the audience had any money, here were these rich people willing to throw it all away. These "problems" of the very rich didn't go down well.
After this movie Bombed and with her at a crossroads over her relationship with Howard Hughes she went home to Fenwick and survived the Great New England Hurricane of 1938.
Yup.
Bringing Up Baby and The Philadelphia Story are a couple of my favorite movies, but I think I like Holiday even better. Maybe it's partly overfamiliarity with the first two, but Holiday IS brilliant. Thanks for the video -- loved it, as always!
Stevie, darling, you are the most joyous Queen I've ever seen! We love you, you big silly! 💋
Awwww thanks!
This is a captivating film. It was originally done at RKO-Pathe seven years earlier and even got an Oscar nomination (Ann Harding). But when RKO sold a bunch of scripts, Columbia's Harry Cohn stepped in to purchase Barry's script. Aside to Samantha N, the film DID bomb, but it was at the box office. As a result, Katharine Hepburn never made another movie for Columbia until after Cohn died (1959's "Suddenly Last Summer"). But that didn't take away from the poignancy and the sophistication of this wonderful comedy. Years later, Cukor recalled the film with much fondness ("It was a happy experience."). Any chance you can see---probably on TCM--- don't miss it.
One other aside to Steve. It's not so much that Cohn "liked" borrowing stars from other studios. In the 1930s, Columbia really was thought of as a "minor" studio and stars usually signed with MGM, Paramount, Warners, etc. before they would lower themselves to Columbia. But Cohn did something which got his studio going up: he signed excellent writers like Robert Riskin and Jo Swerling and it wasn't too long before people began noticing that Columbia movies were intelligent films. Soon, stars didn't mind doing movies at Columbia. Guys like Cary Grant and Melvyn Douglas had split contracts, Grant with Columbia and RKO and Douglas with Columbia and MGM. A decade later, Cohn did start developing his own when Rita Hayworth, William Holden (another split contract with Columbia and Paramount) and Glenn Ford. But in many ways, I compare the Columbia of the 1930s to Miramax many years later. Both studios had to work hard to gain attention and respect. But both of them did.
@@williamsnyder5616 Thanks. Loved this!
Lew Ayres. He had a scene in the last silent movie made at MGM, The Kiss with Greta Garbo. Check him out at 'Hollywood Without Makeup' Part One" on UA-cam. he is at 13:50. His first
appearance on screen ever. KISSING GRETA GARBO. He was only 19 and looked it.
I always liked him. I thought he gave such an inspired, touching and ultimately unforgettable perforamce in "All Quiet On The Western Front'. Haunting.
@@STEVEHAYESTOQ I once had a boyfriend that looked like Lew Ayres. Lucky me! Alas, like Ayres' character in Holiday he was an alcoholic, and our relationship collapsed after he got back from rehab. I don't think I was an enabler; I think he just wanted to make a fresh start across the board.
@@SarahRenz59 Having had alot of experience with sober people, quite odften it is suggested that they not get involved in relationships in the first year while their minds and bodies are going through the process of detoxing. Though I don't know for sure, I suspect your friend was folowing that advice and taking care of himself. It probably had nothing to do with any right or wrong on your part. Thanks for watching and Happy Holidays! Steve
MORE STEVE HAYES OUTTAKES PLEEEEZE!!!
Good GoD! Not enough time, or film! LOL!
(2021 Article which may be of interest): "6 Movies Similar To Holiday (1938)"
Thanks.
My favorite Hepburn/Grant pairing by far. Ayres' character definitely seemed to be a gay man mourning the fact that he could find no acceptable way to be himself and couldn't bear to pretend to be straight. The weak link was Nolan, far too bland for any of the rest.
This brings me to the biggest problem with this review. Two characters who are absolutely integral to the plot are played by the inestimable Edward Everett Horton and Jean Dixon. Both were pitch-perfect in every respect. They could not have become friends with Nolan's character, who would also have punished Grant's for pursuing his close attachment to them. That they formed so effortless an attachment to Hepburn's and Ayres' characters and an antipathy between Nolan's tells us in no uncertain terms where Grant belongs.
Well said. That delightful pair mirrored the affectionate, fun-loving dynamic of the Johnny and Linda characters while foreshadowing the relationship the audience was wishing for them. It's a movie with an old message (money doesn't buy happiness) but goes one further by lightheartedly hinting at the values that do bring us happiness.
Cary Grant is my love forever!!
Mine too! I'll share him with you!
@@STEVEHAYESTOQ any time! I love him so much! Have you ever commented about Elizabeth Taylor or any movie of her?
I love Bringing up Baby but find Holiday a bit boring
Well, on is a screwball comedy and the pace is more frantic and the other is a comedy/ dramdy of manners, so the words count more thatn the pratfalls. I love 'em both. Steve
@@STEVEHAYESTOQ i love screwball
@@MrRodrigues4 So do I! In fact, I've dated alot of 'em! Have a great August! Steve
angel your so delicoius and delightful i love the thrilling insight you give us all
Thank You Pais. You made my day! Stay happy, well and SAFE! Best; Steve
Dear You: Everyone seems to be in love with you. Well, why not? I'll join the crowd.
Dear Me.
Dear You. I love you too. OXOX TOQ