Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A white lady brings home a Black doctor, and everyone argues about it over dinner, proving that even rich liberals have problems when it comes to putting their money where their mouth is.

🍿 Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Joanna and John

Joanna ‘Joey’ Drayton, a young white woman, returns from a Hawaiian vacation with Dr. John Prentice, a Black widower. They arrive at her parents’ San Francisco home, announcing their intention to marry. This revelation immediately challenges the liberal values of her parents, Christina and Matt Drayton.

Initial Reactions and Family Dynamics

Christina, a progressive art gallery owner, is initially more accepting than Matt, a newspaper editor grappling with his own latent prejudices. The situation is further complicated by the arrival of John’s parents, who harbor their own reservations about the interracial relationship. Monsignor Ryan, a family friend, provides a contrasting, more accepting viewpoint, sparking further debate.

Confrontations and Shifting Perspectives

Throughout the day, various characters voice their concerns and biases, leading to heated discussions about race, acceptance, and societal expectations. John confronts his own father, challenging his outdated views. Christina confronts a prejudiced employee, demonstrating her commitment to equality. These confrontations force each character to re-evaluate their beliefs.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Matt Drayton (Spencer Tracy): The initially hesitant father of Joanna, a newspaper publisher who grapples with his own liberal beliefs when faced with his daughter’s interracial relationship.
• John Prentice (Sidney Poitier): A highly accomplished and respected Black doctor who is engaged to Joanna and seeks acceptance from her parents.
• Christina Drayton (Katharine Hepburn): The mother of Joanna, an art gallery owner who is supportive of her daughter’s interracial relationship from the start.
• Joey Drayton (Katharine Houghton): A young, free-thinking woman who brings her Black fiancé home to meet her parents, challenging their liberal values.
• Mrs. Prentice (Beah Richards): John’s mother, who is a strong and compassionate woman who helps Matt understand the meaning of love.
• Mr. Prentice (Roy Glenn): John’s father, a retired postal worker who initially objects to his son’s interracial marriage due to societal challenges.
• Monsignor Ryan (Cecil Kellaway): A liberal and understanding Catholic priest, who is a friend of the Drayton family and provides moral guidance during the challenging day.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Matt Drayton: “I guess what I feel is that there are 3 billion people on this planet, and I can’t tell you how many billions more there are bouncing around in space, but of all those people, the only two that I give a damn about are standing right here.” – Matt Drayton delivers this emotional soliloquy at the end of the film, finally accepting his daughter’s relationship.
• John Prentice: “You see yourself as a colored man. I see myself as a man.” – John confronts his father about his disapproval, emphasizing his view of himself beyond racial identity.
• Christina Drayton: “You behave as if there was some kind of monopoly on love, or affection, or compassion.” – Christina passionately argues against prejudice and challenges her husband’s reservations.
• Tillie: “Black is beautiful, but it ain’t everything.” – The Drayton’s maid expresses her conflicted views about the interracial relationship, showing a different perspective.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $56,666,667
• Worldwide Gross: $56,666,797

💥 Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Reviews

Personal Review

I watched ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ with a friend recently, and it sparked such an interesting conversation. While some parts feel a bit dated, the core of the story about love conquering prejudice is still incredibly powerful. I especially loved Spencer Tracy’s final speech; it really got to me. It’s a classic for a reason.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood dramas”
  • “Those interested in films addressing social issues”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong performances from legendary actors”
  • “People looking for thought-provoking and engaging stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Discussions of racial prejudice”
  • “Outdated language and stereotypes (reflective of the time period)”
  • “Some mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A courageous and beautifully acted film that tackles a controversial subject with intelligence and sensitivity. Tracy and Hepburn are at their finest, delivering powerful performances that resonate long after the credits roll.
• The New York Times: “A landmark film that sparks important conversations about race and prejudice. While somewhat dated, the core message of love and acceptance remains relevant and impactful. The cast’s commitment to the story is undeniable.
• Chicago Tribune: “A thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to examine their own biases. While some aspects may feel contrived, the powerful performances and timely message make it a worthwhile watch.

Audience Reactions

The performances by Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy are absolutely stellar, making the film a true cinematic treasure.: The film’s exploration of complex issues surrounding race and relationships resonated deeply with audiences.

Sidney Poitier’s portrayal of Dr. John Prentice is both dignified and compelling, leaving a lasting impression.: Viewers were moved by the emotional depth and thought-provoking themes, cementing the film’s status as a classic.

Overall Consensus: A thought-provoking and well-acted film that continues to spark important conversations about race, prejudice, and the power of love.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actress)- 1968
2. Academy Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 1968

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Spencer Tracy was very ill during filming, and his failing health is subtly visible in some scenes. Katharine Hepburn’s tears during his final speech were genuine, knowing this was likely one of his last performances.”
• “Katharine Houghton, who plays Joey Drayton, is Katharine Hepburn’s niece in real life.”
• “To ensure the film could be completed despite Spencer Tracy’s health issues, his entire salary was put in escrow.”
• “The scene at Mel’s Drive-In was filmed at a real location in San Francisco, adding authenticity to the setting.”

🖥️ How to Watch Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?

Currently, ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ is available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other major digital distributors. Check your local listings for potential streaming availability on services like Hulu or Paramount+ that may offer it as part of their rotating movie selections.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, you might like these similar films:

• In the Heat of the Night (1967): Deals with racial tensions and prejudice in a powerful, thought-provoking way, featuring Sidney Poitier in another iconic role.
• A Patch of Blue (1965): Explores an interracial romance with sensitivity, focusing on the characters’ connection despite societal barriers.
• Loving (2016): A modern, fact-based drama about an interracial couple fighting for their right to marry in the 1960s, echoing the themes of ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’.
• Jungle Fever (1991): Spike Lee’s film tackles the complexities and taboos surrounding interracial relationships with a more contemporary and confrontational approach.

🛒 Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Related Products

• Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: High-definition digital restoration with insightful commentary and special features.
• Stanley Kramer: Film Maker [Book]: A biography covering Stanley Kramer’s life, work and his contribution to film as a medium
• Katherine Hepburn: A Life [Book]: A biography covering Katherine Hepburn’s life, work and her contribution to film as a medium
• Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner – Movie Poster Print: A high-quality reproduction of the original theatrical poster.

🎧 Soundtrack

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Glory of Love” – performed by Jacqueline Fontaine
• “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” – performed by Frank De Vol (score)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Katharine Hepburn – Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

Katharine Hepburn’s performance in this movie is iconic! This clip showcases her amazing talent and a memorable quote that perfectly captures the film’s essence. You HAVE to see it!

7 deceased Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner actors (part 1)

Ever wondered what happened to the actors from ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’? This video pays tribute to the cast members we’ve sadly lost. It’s a short but sweet reminder of their contributions!

Sidney Poitier on making GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER

Want to hear directly from Sidney Poitier about making this groundbreaking film? This short interview gives you some amazing insight into the movie’s impact and his personal experience. Trust me, it’s worth the watch!

Isabel Sanford on working with Tracey and Hepburn on “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?”

Isabel Sanford shares some awesome stories about working with Hollywood legends Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn! This is a unique perspective on the set and the dynamics between the actors. So cool!

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