Guys, I’ve tried to Google this, but my combinations of words is bringing nothing up. I believe there is a line in The Philadelphia Story where Grant says something like: “I just woke up this morning and decided to turn gay.”
But I can’t find it. I’ve found a couple pages of quotes from the film, but can’t find that one. Is this the right movie?
I need the exact quote.
Perhaps C. K. Dexter Haven could help… 
Sir Rhosis
It’s in Bringing up Baby… and it’s hard to hear because everyone is always laughing so hard. Cary Grant is in a very flowery, gossamer-type bathrobe (it’s a long story) and, amidst three or four simultaneous conversations (including a barking dog) is asked by the matronly aunt, “Why are you wearing that ridiculous robe?” He cracks under the pressure, leaps in the air and says, “Because I just went gay all of a sudden!”
“Gay” didn’t equal “homosexual” in common 40s slang (The Gay Divorvee), although the two words have an association that goes back to the Renaissance. I suspect you’re misremembering the line.
Nope, that’s the line. And although “gay” wasn’t exclusively “homosexual” in 1938, it clearly has that undertone in this situation.
Mrs. Random: Well, you look perfectly idiotic in those clothes.
David: These aren’t my clothes.
Mrs. Random: Well, where are your clothes?
David: I’ve lost my clothes!
Mrs. Random: But why are you wearing these clothes?
David: Because I just went gay all of a sudden!
As quoted by the IMDB
Wow. I thought “gay” only became associated with “homosexual” much later, like in the 60s. I didn’t know it could mean homosexual as far back as the 30s.
Thanks, y’all.
Sir Rhosis
Sir Rhosis, are you the same Sir Rhosis of Theliver?
Yeah, I figured that out as well. Doesn’t beat “Sue Denym” though!
deliver.
I use this name or variations of it on a number of boards.
Sir Rhosis
All thanks to Warner Bros, of course.
Naturally.
For what the professionals have to say on the subject;
Well, wasn’t Grant bisexual, anyways?
Mmmmm…Cary Grant…
That’s the opening statement over at the Random House article. And it’s true. Hard to prove, one way or the other.
While I haven’t read Ron Butters’ article which evidently suggest that the usage doesn’t mean “homosexual”, I think that the coincidence between Getrude Stein being gay and her use of the term over and over in her 1922 article carries a lot of weight for me. But Ron Butters IS a professional. I’ll have to read that article before I totally disagree.
Guin said
Cite?
Cary Grant rumored to be Bi throughout his life despite 5 wives.E-online site
I am inclined to believe that he was likely bi due to all the rumours. Remember that Liberace was also rumoured to be gay until his death where it was finally confirmed.
Putting “Cary Grant” bisexual into Google brings back roughly 100 sites that mention he was rumoured to be bisexual. However, there is nothing conclusive that I was able to find.
FWIW, Mr Grant passed away in my hometown. He was here to do a performance at the Adler theater…became ill and died at a local hospital.
See here
I thought he lived with Randolph Scott for a while, and everyone knew them as a “couple”.