In the movie “The Philadelphia Story” the character of Macaulay Conner personifies the prejudices of those not in the upper class. Three of his opinions were changed in the course of this movie.
Connors first changed opinion was the idea that all those in the upper class are snobbish, rude, and unlikable. We know this was his opinion because he came right out and said so. We know that he changed his mind because he later proposed to the wealthy socialite, Tracy Lord. This is obviously something he would not do is she was snobbish, rude, and unlikable.
Connors second changed opinion was the idea that the rich care only for themselves. Again we know this because he said so in the movie. We know that he changed is opinion by the way his attitude towards the rich changed. He probably changed his mind when someone rich genuinely offered to help him.
Connor’s third changed opinion is the idea that the every action of a rich person is motivated by a desire to improve his or her own status. We know that this was an opinion of his by his words, actions, and behavior. This opinion is shown in one way by the way he treats wealthy people. We know that he changed his mind when the wealthy Tracy Lord went back to her old husband, which would certainly not improve her social status.
Through the examples above it is obvious that Macaulay Conner was originally prejudiced against the upper class. It is also clear that Conner changed his mind about many of these prejudices. It is also made clear why.
Exposition of prejudices against those in the upper class covered in the movie, The Philadelphia Story
By SarahAF - Posted on December 9th, 2008


