Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner is a 1967 American romantic comedy-drama film produced and directed by Stanley Kramer, and written by William Rose. The film stars Spencer Tracy, Sidney Poitier, and Katharine Hepburn, and features Hepburn's niece Katharine Houghton. The story revolves around a couple's attitudes being challenged when their daughter introduces them to her African-American fiancé, John Prentice, played by Sidney Poitier. The film explores the challenges of interracial marriage and the changing social dynamics of the 1960s.
Plot
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967) is a romantic comedy-drama film that revolves around a couple's attitudes being challenged when their daughter introduces them to her African-American fiancé, John Prentice, played by Sidney Poitier. The plot unfolds as follows:
- Introduction of John Prentice: The daughter of the couple, Joanna (played by Katharine Houghton), brings John Prentice to their home for dinner, introducing him to her parents, Matt and Millie Doyle (played by Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn).
- Parental Concerns: The parents initially expressed their concerns about the interracial engagement, questioning whether John is "the right kind" for their daughter.
- Dinner Conversation: The tension escalates during dinner, with the parents and John engaging in a heated conversation about various topics, including the civil rights movement and personal experiences.
- Reactions: The film explores the emotional reactions of the characters, particularly John's intense feelings, as he deals with the challenges posed by the parents.
- Resolution: The plot does not provide a clear resolution, leaving the viewer to decide the future of the characters and their relationships.
The film is considered a time capsule of the 1960s, reflecting the social issues and changes during that period. It has received mixed reviews, with some critics appreciating its exploration of interracial marriage and others finding it dated and less insightful.
Trailer
Cast
- Spencer Tracy as Matt Drayton
- Sidney Poitier as John Prentice
- Katharine Hepburn as Christina Drayton
- Katharine Houghton as Joey Drayton
- Cecil Kellaway as Monsignor Ryan
- Beah Richards as Mrs. Prentice
- Roy Glenn as Mr. Prentice
- Isabel Sanford as Tillie
Director: Stanley Kramer.
Writer: William Rose.
Box Office Gross: The film had a production budget of $1 million and grossed $56.7 million at the box office in 1967.
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Genre: Romantic, comedy-drama
Release Date: December 12, 1967.
Theme
The theme of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner revolves around the challenges and conflicts that arise from interracial marriage and the changing social dynamics of the 1960s. The film explores the emotions and concerns of the parents, Joanna, and John as they navigate their relationships and deal with the challenges posed by their differing backgrounds.
Reception
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner has received mixed reviews. Some critics appreciate its exploration of interracial marriage and the social issues of the 1960s, while others find the film dated and less insightful. The film has been praised for its star-studded ensemble and the chemistry between the actors, but some argue that it is not as insightful as it could be in its approach to interracial marriage.
Settings
The film is set in the 1960s, primarily in the United States. The story takes place in the Doyle family's home, where the parents, Joanna, and John gather for dinner and engage in heated conversations about their differing backgrounds and beliefs.
Visual Styles
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner is a black-and-white film, which may have been a stylistic choice to emphasize the emotional intensity of the characters and their interactions. The film's visual style is not particularly innovative, but it effectively conveys the period setting and the emotional dynamics between the characters.
Techniques
The film uses a combination of shot-reverse-shot, close-ups, and medium shots to create a dynamic and engaging visual experience. The editing is smooth and well-paced, allowing the audience to follow the conversation and the emotional development of the characters.
Trivia
- The film was released in 1967 and is considered a time capsule of the 1960s, reflecting the social issues and changes during that period.
- Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner made both the Cheers and Passion lists for AFI's 100 years 100 movies.
- The film's production budget was $1 million, and it grossed $2.5 million at the box office.
Fun Facts
- The film's director, Stanley Kramer, was known for his strong social and political beliefs, which influenced the film's portrayal of interracial marriage and the social issues of the 1960s.
- The film's screenwriter, William Rose, was a prominent figure in the American theater scene, and his work on Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner marked his first foray into filmwriting.
- The film's lead actress, Katharine Hepburn, was a renowned figure in Hollywood, and her role in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner is considered one of her most memorable performances.