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

The Man Who Came to Dinner

1972Movie73 minEnglish

Lecturer and broadcaster Sheridan Whiteside has been invited to dinner at the home of a pompous small-town bigwig. But he stays rather longer than anyone expects.

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Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: Buzz KulikGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A famously acid-tongued radio personality, Sheridan Whiteside, slips on an icy doorstep and is forced to recuperate in the home of a small-town Ohio family. His demanding, egocentric presence quickly disrupts their lives, turning their quiet existence into a chaotic circus of celebrity, manipulation, and personal revelations.

Critical Reception

This made-for-television adaptation of the classic Broadway play received mixed reviews, with some praising the performances, particularly Orson Welles' portrayal of the larger-than-life Sheridan Whiteside, while others found it to be a somewhat dated and stagey rendition of the material.

What Reviewers Say

  • Orson Welles delivers a commanding performance as the domineering Sheridan Whiteside.
  • The film captures the biting wit of the original play, though some found the pacing slow.
  • The ensemble cast effectively supports the central comedic conflict.

Google audience: Audience reception for this specific television film is not widely documented.

Fun Fact

The character of Sheridan Whiteside was inspired by the critic and radio personality Alexander Woollcott.

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