Review of Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967) by Deb S — 27 Oct 2009

This film was beautifully done and thought provoking. This is a movie about forbidden love; it's about loving someone no matter what society thinks, or what the rules are. All in all, I feel this movie has a very touching look on how people are forced to question their views on race when their children bring home potential spouses of different races because even in today's era, many couples still have to face the same hurdles. It shows us that all men are created equal in a way that no one can tear down. When this movie was released, mixed-race relationships were illegal in like 13 southern states up until recent years. (People still have a hard time accepting interracial couples now. Just this week a Louisiana justice of the peace refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple. Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish, says it is his experience that most interracial marriages do not last long!!!go figure!!!.).

The film is worth watching with excellent performances by the leads. Katharine Hepburn is wonderful, and Spencer Tracy who was dying at the time is poignant and Poitier is simply superb and brilliant as well. The power in this film comes from the parents, particularly Tracy and Hepburn. Their comfort on-screen with each other is palpable and you know you really are watching an old couple deal with what life has thrown their way. The drama of the final few scenes is just unparalleled and Tracy's final speech, about his love for Hepburn can drive even the most twisted soul to tears. (It was fairly well-known this would be the final picture with Hepburn and Tracey, so the emotion in Hepburn's face undoubtedly was a true one.).