My review...
I'm sure you've heard the term, "Talk the Talk & Walk the Walk". Well, this movie is a perfect example of putting that attitude into action.
Released in 1967, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? is a timely portrayal of families coming to terms with an upcoming interracial marriage. Directed by Stanley Kramer (Best Director), the film is the story of Dr. John Prentice (Sydney Poitier), his fiancee Joey Drayton (Katharine Houghton) and the challenges that arise after showing up unexpectedly to the parents of Drayton and announce their engagement. In addition to being caught off-guard by the visit, Joey's parents, Matt Drayton (Spencer Tracy) and Christina Drayton (Katharine Hepburn, Best Actress) were forced to re-examine, and live up to, the color-blind values that they raised their daughter with (because Prentice is black and Drayton is white). Even though Dr Prentice is the ideal man for their daughter to marry --- an accomplished, world-renowned physician with an impeccable reputation--- the Drayton's are concerned about the obstacles that the couple will be forced to endure in that day and age. (There is even a reference to the fact that in 1967 interracial marriages were against the law in a number of states). The movie, which happens in one busy day, takes place at the San Francisco home of the Drayton family. After the marriage announcement, the story is mostly about different conversations between the many number of people who happen to visit the Drayton home that day, and the different viewpoints expressed by each character. With varying levels of acceptance throughout the household, each character is examined thoroughly, even the crusty house staffer Tillie (Isabel Sanford), who takes Prentice to task, even calling him a niggar. What was supposed to be a small get-acquainted dinner turns into a very testy affair when the parents of Dr Prentice (Roy Glenn, Beah Richards) decide to fly north from Los Angeles to meet their sons wife-to-be. Everyone congregates at the Drayton home for dinner and what follows is a series of brilliantly scripted and acted scenes...the best of which is Tracy's incredible speech in the final scene. (Ironically, this was Spencer Tracy's final movies as well. He passed away in 1967 after suffering a heart attack. His career spanned over 40 years with 78 films, two Oscars and many more awards to his credit.) Along with Hepburn and Tracy, Poitier gives a stirring performance. A timeless, must-see movie.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
What is it about the speech that makes it incredible? Remember, a movie review is written for an audience that hasn't seen the movie. Don't just retell the basic story, engage our interest.
Hello...I DID engage the readers interest. I used an appropriate lead, identified the main characters (with proper credits) & described enough of the plot so that the reader would have an idea as to what the movie is about....without giving away the ending!!!! I also gave my opinion regarding the movie, as well as some interesting facts about Spencer Tracy & his career. I apologize if I'm not Roger Ebert...I did my best to follow the guidelines while writing the first movie review I've ever written! It's obvious that you have trouble giving praise to your students...I now it goes A LONG WAY in inspiring them. Something (for you)to think about...IF you ever read this.
Post a Comment