“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” a classic movie from 1967, remains as relevant today as it was over half a century ago. This timeless film continues to draw in new fans, surprising many with its popularity, concerning others with the relevance of its central theme: systematic racism. Written by William Rose and directed by Stanley Kramer, the film tackles the then-controversial topic of interracial relationships, a subject still sensitive in many parts – and households – of the world.
The story focuses on the charming Joey (Katharine Houghton), who meets the handsome, sensitive, and renowned doctor John (Sidney Poitier) during a trip to Hawaii. They fall in love instantly and decide to marry. However, they wish to seek permission from Joey’s parents first (Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy). The twist? John is a black man, and this “minor detail” becomes the crux of the film. Joey’s parents, who pride themselves on their liberal values—her father runs a newspaper and her mother manages a modern art gallery—are put to the test when faced with their daughter’s new relationship.
Director Stanley Kramer had legendary battles with Columbia Pictures, who tried multiple times to pull the plug on the project. The opening scenes at the San Francisco airport were already shot when the studio made a final attempt to cancel the project, citing concerns over insuring the seriously ill Spencer Tracy. Kramer, along with Tracy and Katharine Hepburn, resolved the issue overnight by deciding to pay for the insurance themselves, leaving the studio with no choice but to proceed.
The film became an immediate hit, the highest-grossing film for Columbia Pictures until that time. Sidney Poitier’s star power also helped to draw audiences in, and his humility on set was evident as he deferred top billing to the veteran actors, often referred to as the “old owls,” Hepburn and Tracy.
Hepburn’s beloved niece, Katharine Houghton, who played Joey, initially struggled with her character, believing that an accomplished, intelligent man like John would not settle for a young, optimistic girl with no significant achievements. Kramer, however, sharply disagreed by saying “you don’t understand American society”.
Source: IMDB
A looming shadow over the production was Spencer Tracy’s grave illness. Tracy, battling health issues exacerbated by his addictions, could only manage two to three hours of shooting per day. Hepburn, his partner of many years, took a five-year break from her career to care for him. Tracy’s final grand speech had to be shot in numerous segments because he could not stand for long periods. Tragically, he passed away just 17 days after filming wrapped due to a heart attack in his kitchen. He never lived to see the film’s success. Hepburn, who won an Oscar for her role, reportedly never watched the movie, finding it too painful to see Tracy on screen. This sentiment was echoed by her niece at a 2016 festival in Texas, where she participated in interviews but refused to watch the film, citing the same reason.
Though working with Hepburn during Spencer Tracy’s illness and her own growing fears was challenging, nobody could blame her. Their relationship was truly legendary, often sparking questions about whether it was a romance or the friendship of two sensitive souls. Only they knew the truth. More importantly, it was a strong alliance and partnership. Hepburn once said she “would have done anything for Spencer,” and she proved it by taking years off from her career to care for the seriously ill Tracy. One thing is for sure, their bond must have been very special.
The script by William Rose is exceptional, addressing a significant and serious subject with grace and kindness. This dramedy, filled with humanism, uses sweet jokes to ease the tension inherent to the topic. This technique shows that serious subject matters can be addressed with humor and love, making the medicine go down easier.
While the movie’s moral teachings are sometimes overt, the straightforward approach might have been necessary here. Kramer’s direction, known for his focus on social issues, is a perfect match for the material. His camera work, especially the scene where Tracy scolds Hepburn and she walks out of the house, folding her scarf, getting to the terrace, watching the many shades of orange pouring down on her from the setting sun, captures the emotional depth magically. Hepburn’s powerful presence shines through, despite the challenges she faced due to Tracy’s illness and her own fears.
The cast delivers fantastic performances across the board. Poitier brings charm, depth, and a dose of sorrow and anger to his portrayal of John. Houghton’s Joey, though initially underestimated, proves to be a strong, decisive character (she wears the pants in all her relationships), adding a fresh dynamic even by today’s standards. Their characters, though archetypical and fairy tale-esque, are made compelling by these stellar actors.
“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” is a true gem, ideal for a summer evening. It invites viewers to relax, perhaps with a cold lemonade, and be entertained while pondering on changes in society and personal attitudes. The film serves as a time capsule, taking us back to an era where everyday people with their dilemmas, fights, and stories of love were the real superheroes.
“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” is available on Prime Video and Apple TV. Trust me, it is worth your money.
~ by Dora Endre ~
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