I’ve never had an opinion on Spencer Tracy before. Now I see his greatness. Previously I’ve only seen him in films with Katharine Hepburn, who overshadows pretty much anyone else on the screen. In this film, Tracy is front and center as Stanley T. Banks, a man who is wrapped up in his only daughter’s wedding plans.
One night during dinner, Bank’s daughter Kay (Elizabeth Taylor, A PLACE IN THE SUN) tells him and his wife, Ellie (Joan Bennett, SUSPIRIA), that she is marrying Buckley Dunstan (Don Taylor, DAMIEN: OMEN II), who her parents don’t even know. The film chronicles the many trials and tribulations that Stanley goes through in the preparation for the big day from concerns about Buckley to an ever-expanding budget to the bride’s last minute doubts to coordinating all the people involved in the event.
Throughout, Tracy’s delivery of his lines is so natural that you feel he is the character he is playing. His commenting voice over adds a wonderful dose of sarcasm as well. Stanley’s character is the perfect loving father without being painted that way obviously. In an honest way, the story deals with the pangs of seeing your daughter get married and realizing she isn't your little girl anymore. Stanley has a hard time being told that his "only function is to pay the bills." As for the rest of the cast, they support Tracy perfectly. One can easily see why Taylor is considered one of the most beautiful actresses of all time and why her character is the apple of her father's eye.
Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett truly deserved their nominations for best writing, screenplay. The dialogue seems effortless and is timed wonderfully. Wedding conventions are tackled with wonderful wit, which balances the frank sentiment. Director Vincent Minnelli keeps the pace of the film moving and choreographs some very funny episodes, especially Stanley talking with Ellie about Buckley at bedtime, the wedding rehearsal, and the reception.
I’ve seen the Steve Martin remake, which is also a fine film, but it lacks the original's dry wit and an irreplaceable Oscar-nominated performance by Tracy. This is a witty, well-acted and natural comedy that is pure entertainment. Stanley's closing line sums it up the best — You know what they say: 'My son's my son until he gets him a wife, but my daughter's my daughter all of her life.' Don’t miss this one – it’s a gem.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
