Cary Grant Tells Off Goldman Sachs

1938's "Holiday" is one of the funniest and most genuinely romantic movies ever made, and therefore one of the most democratic. (Small "d", as that nitwit Ronald Raygun used to say.) It is also heartbreaking, because it embodies that part of the American character -- since exterminated by the media/corporate takedown of the culture -- which always recognized that in dealing with the rich and powerful, cut the cards first and never turn your back. And that the link between wealth and character is non-existent. "Holiday" proves it to us: this used to be a pretty great country.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Cary
• Grant
• populism
• 1930s
• unions

[ColtraneNYC]

Thanks to all for the wonderfully thoughtful comments. See -- we still do have a democratic(small d) spirit here!

Just curious: God forbid this should be remade, but if it were, how would you do it? How would you capture a non-Knowing, non-narcissistic attack on the idea of wealth=character. And who would embody it the way Grant does?

I ask because the new Clooney film "Up in the Air" is a Knowing, narcissistic attempt. It sucks.

[RubyTuesday717]

"There's no such thrill in the world as making money!" Says the girl who probably has never worked a day in her life.

I love this movie. I think this is among Katharine Hepburn's best performances, my favorite George Cukor film, and another fine Cary Grant role. This film has barely aged a day. I love it.

[artistanj]

There is nothing more tragic than making money for money's sake.

I agree with S Johnson: "Poverty is a great enemy to human happiness; it certainly destroys liberty, and it makes some virtues impracticable, and others extremely difficult."

I also applaud Grant's character here. Too many wait too late to "try and find out who I am..." They know the insides of their back accounts better than the inside of their hearts. And money, like any addiction, is never enough to satisfy.

[CamdenMo]

This is a wonderful film, and one that is hardly ever shown. I'm always amazed by the number of people who have never heard of this movie. Grant's speech, shown in the clip here, rings as now as it did back then. His character's yearning to find out what life's all about instead of conforming to a job and way of life that he finds distasteful is refreshing.

[windstorm1000]

Coltrane, you are right--this film is heartbreaking AND still topical. We're all still just slaves to the corporate system as you mentioned. We are not free. Johnny is espousing a very powerful way of life--and of course the sister can't handle it--but the Katherine H. character can.

[jengkiesville]

I hate julia

[jnmklo9]

Cary Grant a great Englishman

[klyana130]

@macemcguire I know that he was an acrobat but looking at the body of the person doing the handstand and the back of Cary walking out into that scene it's clearly cut takes, Cary is much bulkier in shoulders and his face is never shown until coming up to kiss Kate. Cary was capable of doing it but for the multiple filming takes I think they got a professional tumbler than risk Cary injury if there's a mistake. IMHO and all are dead who were there. They tell no tales.

[macemcguire]

@klyana130 That was him. He began his show biz career as part of Pender's acrobatsin England.A most versatile actor.

[detectmendacity]

:O ... I want to hear more! Is there a part 2? Gosh I need to find a copy of this movie.

[bill3murr]

just a thought: just because one grows older doesn't mean they grow. dementia and other brain debilatating diseases often take the edge from being able to see clearly.....it should be apparent from the state of the country just what has happened to that old bilge about old and wise. and what group is most responsible for this i wonder? could it be the party that has driven us to the brink that ruled this government most recently? please! older and wiser....ha.

[ERS86]

i love that as people grow older and wiser they come to their senses and finally become republicans. 8o) better late than never