The Man Who Came to Dinner
The Man Who Came to Dinner

Movie spotlight

The Man Who Came to Dinner

1941
Movie
112 min
English

An acerbic critic wreaks havoc when a hip injury forces him to move in indefinitely with a Midwestern family.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes89%
Google Users88%
Director: William A. WellmanGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

When radio personality Sheridan Whiteside injures his hip, he is forced to recuperate at the home of the unsuspecting Stanley family in Mesalia, Ohio. Whiteside, a pompous and demanding individual, quickly overstays his welcome, turning the lives of the Stanleys upside down with his eccentricities and entourage. His presence disrupts the lives of everyone around him, leading to a series of hilarious and chaotic events as he manipulates those in his orbit.

Critical Reception

The film was a critical and commercial success, praised for its sharp wit, fast-paced dialogue, and excellent performances, particularly from Monty Woolley reprising his stage role. It captured the essence of the original Kaufman and Hart play, offering a biting satire of celebrity and the entertainment industry.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its witty and biting satire.

  • Monty Woolley's performance as Sheridan Whiteside is a standout.

  • Captures the chaotic and comedic spirit of its stage origins.

Google audience: Viewers enjoyed the film's humor, sharp dialogue, and the memorable performance of Monty Woolley. It's often cited as a classic screwball comedy with a clever script.

Fun Fact

The character of Sheridan Whiteside was inspired by the famously difficult and opinionated critic Alexander Woollcott.

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