An ambitious New York socialite plans an extravagant dinner party as her businessman husband, Oliver, contends with financial woes, causing a lot of tension between the couple. Meanwhile, their high-society friends and associates, including the gruff Dan Packard and his sultry spouse, Kitty, contend with their own entanglements, leading to revelations at the much-anticipated dinner.
A wealthy socialite, Millicent Jordan, plans an elaborate dinner party, but the event unravels as various guests face personal crises. From a fading actor contemplating suicide to a bankrupt industrialist and a dying matriarch, the film weaves together their interconnected lives and struggles against the backdrop of impending social and financial ruin during the Great Depression. The seemingly trivial gathering becomes a poignant reflection of societal anxieties and individual vulnerabilities.
Dinner at Eight was a critical and commercial success upon its release, lauded for its sophisticated script, sharp dialogue, and exceptional ensemble cast, particularly Marie Dressler in one of her final roles. It is widely regarded as a classic of pre-Code Hollywood cinema, praised for its insightful portrayal of class and its darkly humorous take on the lives of the wealthy.
Google audience: Audience reviews frequently praise the film's sophisticated writing and the performances of its legendary cast, highlighting its enduring relevance and insightful depiction of human struggles amidst hardship.
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.
The film was one of Marie Dressler's last appearances before her death, and her performance as the terminally ill Mrs. Jordan was particularly praised for its strength and pathos.
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