High Society

High Society

Year: 1956

Runtime: 111 min

Director: Charles Walters

ComedyRomanceMusical

In this sparkling comedy, former flames Tracy Lord and C.K. Dexter Haven rekindle their romance amidst a whirlwind of weddings, scandals, and social climbing. As Tracy prepares to walk down the aisle once more, old feelings resurface and secrets threaten to upend her high-society life.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – High Society (1956)
Trace every key event in High Society (1956) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Tracy's Wedding Plans

As Tracy Lord prepares for her wedding to George Kittredge at her Newport estate, she is excited but conflicted about the upcoming nuptials. The preparations are underway, and the atmosphere is charged with high-society expectations.

Newport, Rhode Island
2

C. K. Dexter-Haven's Jazz Festival

Tracy's ex-husband, C. K. Dexter-Haven, organizes a jazz festival at his neighboring home during the same weekend as her wedding. This event creates tension as Tracy believes it is an attempt to disrupt her big day.

Newport, Rhode Island
3

A Family Secret

On the eve of her wedding, Tracy confides in her sister Caroline about not inviting their father, Seth, due to his recent affair with a chorus girl. Their conversation underscores the strain within the family as they grapple with personal grievances.

4

Confrontation with Dexter

Tracy accuses Dexter of trying to sabotage her wedding with the jazz festival. Dexter professes his enduring love, pointing out that Tracy left him due to her lofty expectations, highlighting the complexities of their past relationship.

Dexter's home
5

Spy Magazine's Interference

Tracy's family receives a call from Uncle Willie, informing them of Spy magazine's plan to blackmail the family in exchange for not publishing a scandalous article about Seth. This forces Tracy to accommodate the reporters for the sake of her family's reputation.

6

The Arrival of Reporters

The reporters Mike Connor and Liz Imbrie arrive, and Tracy and Caroline greet them with exaggerated behavior to deflect attention from their father. The tension is palpable as they navigate the absurdity of their situation amidst the looming wedding.

Lords' estate
7

Family Dynamics and Lies

Annoyed by the reporters' inquiries about their father, Tracy introduces Uncle Willie as 'papa', drawing the family into a web of deception. This moment illustrates the lengths they will go to maintain a facade of normalcy.

Lords' estate
8

Tracy's Reflection

Later, Tracy unwraps a wedding gift from Dexter, which is a model of their honeymoon yacht. This moment triggers nostalgic reflections on their early romance, revealing Tracy's lingering feelings for her ex-husband.

9

Confrontation with Seth

During a tense conversation, Tracy confronts her father about his infidelity. Seth's response suggests that he is trying to hang onto his youth, indicating a complicated and strained relationship between father and daughter.

Lords' estate
10

A Night of Confessions

In a drunken state, Tracy takes Mike for a drive, where they bond over their differing perspectives on wealth and happiness. Their conversation reveals Tracy's sheltered upbringing, marking the beginning of a deepening emotional connection.

11

The Bachelor Ball

At the bachelor ball hosted by Uncle Willie, Dexter entertains guests with jazz music. Meanwhile, George insists Tracy sleep alone due to her drunkenness, further heightening the emotional tumult surrounding the wedding.

Uncle Willie's house
12

The Pool Incident

After a night of heartfelt exchanges, Tracy jumps into the pool fully clothed, ecstatic about her newfound freedom. This impulsive moment symbolizes her struggle with societal expectations and her quest for authenticity.

Lords' estate
13

George's Jealousy

When George discovers Tracy missing and finds her with Mike, he misinterprets the situation as infidelity. This confrontation leads to a physical altercation, showcasing the tensions of jealousy and miscommunication between the characters.

Lords' estate
14

Morning After Revelations

The next morning, a hungover Tracy reflects on the previous night's events but cannot fully recall what happened. This moment of uncertainty sets the stage for the unfolding drama as she navigates her feelings for both Dexter and Mike.

15

The Wedding Day Decision

As wedding guests arrive, Tracy realizes she cannot go through with marrying George, acknowledging her true feelings for Dexter. After a moment of reflection and encouragement from Dexter, she makes a bold decision to marry him instead, shifting the course of their lives.

Lords' estate

Last Updated: January 19, 2025 at 18:49

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