The Philadelphia Story |
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Tracy Lord Haven (Katharine Hepburn) is set to marry George Kittredge (John Howard) in one day's time. Tracy, a wealthy, opinionated, and very private young woman, has no interest in publicizing her marriage. Unfortunately, she has no choice but to let a reporter and photographer from Spy Magazine into her home; the magazine's editor, Sidney Kidd, intends to publish a rather damaging piece about Tracy's father, Seth Lord, if she does not comply.
There is an interesting scene in which the reporter from Spy, Mike Connor (Jimmy Stewart), goes to the local public library for the "Banker's Annual Directory of Director's," which the magazine's research department says has information on Tracy's father. The scene is brief, but the stereotypes are obvious.
In the end, after an amusing scene by the pool, Tracy dumps the uptight George and re-marries her ex, C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant). The film was re-made in 1956 as a musical, starring Bing Crosby as Dexter Haven, Grace Kelly as Tracy Lord, and Frank Sinatra as Mike Connor. Alas, although there is an interesting song in Uncle Willy's library with Bing and Frank, there is no librarian, spinster or otherwise.
| Cast List
C. K. Dexter Haven ... (Cary Grant) |
The Librarian Scene Librarian: What is thy wish? Macaulay Connor: I'm looking for some local b - what'd you say? Librarian: What is thy wish? Macaulay Connor: Um, local biography or history. Librarian: If thee will consult with my colleague in there. Macaulay Connor: Mm-hm. Dost thou have a washroom? [the librarian points] Macaulay Connor: Thank thee.
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The librarian in The Philadelphia Story certainly fits the popular stereotype of "spinster librarian." She is middle-aged, perhaps in her mid forties, with upswept hair and an efficient manner. She has no wedding ring, confirming that she is unmarried. This makes a certain amount of sense; it is doubtful she would still be working if she were married. She is not, however, a stern spinster librarian. She does "shush" Tracy and Mike, but it is a friendly sort of shush. It is the sort of shush one might expect from a grandmother, coming with a smile instead of a harsh frown. (And yes, that is a stereotype of grandmothers.)
The main stereotype does not actually seem to be that of the spinster librarian, however. If you look above at the dialogue for the scene, you will notice many "thees", "thys", and "thous." The stereotype the movie seems to be using is that of the Quakers, not librarians. In fact, Dexter Haven says earlier in the film to his former mother-in-law, Margaret Lord, "That's the old Quaker spirit, Mother Lord." I suppose this would be the more obvious stereotype to expect, being that the film is set in Philadelphia.