Watch The Man Who Came To Dinner

The Man Who Came to Dinner is a classic comedy film released in 1942, based on the play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. The movie is directed by William Keighley, and the star cast includes Bette Davis, Ann Sheridan, and Monty Woolley in lead roles. The plot revolves around the egotistical and pompous radio personality Sheridan Whiteside (Monty Woolley), who is invited to dine at the house of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Stanley (played by Grant Mitchell and Billie Burke). He falls on their doorstep and breaks his hip. Due to his incapacitation and the subsequent prescription of a lengthy recovery period, he ends up staying at the Stanley residence for several weeks. The Stanley's family, including their son Richard (Russell Arms) and daughter June (Elisabeth Fraser), are mystified and initially not amused at his overbearing behavior.

Sheridan Whiteside turns the house upside down with his demands and orders, and as his stay prolongs, he makes himself at home, treating the Stanley house like his own. He sees to it that all his requests and demands are met, from lavish meals to dictating his own entertainment. He also turns his stay into an opportunity to meddle in the Stanley's already troubled family affairs, complicating the already tangled mess.

Despite his histrionics and overbearing personality, there is a backstory to his character that is worth exploring. In the initial few minutes of the movie, we see how Sheridan, on his way to Hollywood to attend the screening of a film, injures himself in a small town in Ohio. The movie director Lionel Barrymore (playing himself) sends the cast of the movie to visit Sheridan for his speedy recovery, which he sees as damaging to his public persona. Thus, we get a glimpse of his past and the reason for his ego and pomposity.

The Man Who Came To Dinner is a well-crafted tale, full of witty one-liners, and hilarious repartee. Bette Davis plays the role of Maggie Cutler, the secretary to Whiteside. Her character is smart, fiesty, and teases Whiteside with an attractiveness that he cannot ignore. Ann Sheridan, who plays the role of Lorraine Sheldon, a Hollywood actress, is also a standout in the film with her performance. The romantic subplot between Russell Arms (Richard Stanley) and Elisabeth Fraser (June Stanley) is played out particularly well and with incredible charm.

The production value of the film is impressive, and the sets, costumes, and overall attention to detail add significantly to the enjoyment of the movie. The script is well-crafted, and the pace of the film moves quickly, making it an enjoyable watch.

The movie builds tension with Whiteside's stay at the Stanley's, and the subsequent comedic set pieces that play out along with the many visitors that arrive at the house, including a famous columnist and a famous chef with a short fuse.

The Man Who Came to Dinner is an enjoyable watch and remains relevant even after all these years. The movie's themes of unexpected company, family dysfunction, and the struggle to retain one's own identity are evergreen and relatable to audiences even today.

In conclusion, The Man Who Came to Dinner is a movie that stands the test of time, and its humor and storyline still resonate with audiences today. With its fine cast, witty dialogue, and strong comedic premise, this classic comedy is a must-watch for lovers of quality film.