Review of Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967) by Dc E — 07 Feb 2012

Sometimes when we say that a movie doesn't stand the test of time we mean it as a slight ... but that isn't always the case.

Take this movie, for example. Well-written with superb acting, but isn't as gripping and poignant here in 2010 as it was in 1967. The subject matter just isn't all that shocking anymore and in some ways takes away from the movie. Sure, had I seen it as a child in the 80s, it probably would have had more of an impact even then. However, I see interracial couples every day and I barely even notice.

Having said that, you have to respect this movie regardless. Creating a movie like this, with this sort of subject matter, was bold and went against everything that was acceptable at the time ... I have to admire that.

As far as the movie itself goes, Hepburn, Tracy (in his final role before passing away), and Poitier were all excellent and supported by a stellar script. A movie so dialog driven can only be pulled off with exceptional acting and this aspect carries the movie.

Having said that, Katherine Houghton's character grated on me and actually took away from the movie. Headstrong and naive, she seemed to make stupid comment after another and made most of the awkward situation worse than it already was.

Lastly, after building up this dramatic and powerful scenario, Stanley Kramer sort of cops out in the end.

Anyway, it wasn't an instant classic to me, but as I stated earlier ... that may be because I am from an entirely different era. It was, however, a good movie that I don't regret watching.