Dinner for Eight Released in 1933, Dinner for Eight is a classic Hollywood film that has stood the test of time. Directed by George Cukor and based on the stage play by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber, the film is a comedy of manners that explores the lives of a group of wealthy and influential people in the midst of the Great Depression.
With an all-star cast that includes Jean Harlow, Wallace Beery, Lionel Barrymore, and Marie Dressler, Dinner for Eight is a must-see for fans of classic cinema. In this article, we will take a closer look at the film, its themes, and its enduring legacy.
Plot Summary
The film revolves around a dinner party hosted by socialite Millicent Jordan (Billie Burke) in honor of Lord and Lady Ferncliffe, a wealthy British couple visiting New York City. Millicent has invited a group of her friends and acquaintances, including a fading movie star named Carlotta Vance (Marie Dressler), a boorish businessman named Dan Packard (Wallace Beery), and a doctor named Wayne Talbot (Edmund Lowe), who is secretly in love with Millicent.
As the guests arrive and mingle, it becomes clear that each of them has their own set of problems and issues. Carlotta is struggling to remain relevant in Hollywood, Dan is desperate to secure a business deal that will make him even richer, and Wayne is struggling to win Millicent’s affections. Meanwhile, Millicent’s husband, Oliver (Lionel Barrymore), is grappling with financial ruin and the impending collapse of his business empire.
As the evening wears on, tensions rise and secrets are revealed. Carlotta confides in Millicent that she is dying of a mysterious illness, while Dan discovers that his wife is having an affair with a lowly office clerk. In the end, the dinner party ends in chaos, with Millicent and Oliver’s marriage on the rocks and the other guests all facing their own uncertain futures.
Themes and Analysis
At its core, Dinner for Eight is a commentary on the social mores and class structures of the time. The film portrays a world where the wealthy and influential live in a bubble of privilege and extravagance, insulated from the struggles of the common people. The characters are all deeply flawed and self-absorbed, more concerned with their own problems and desires than with the larger issues facing society.
One of the key themes of the film is the tension between old money and new money. The British Lord and Lady Ferncliffe represent the old guard of aristocracy, with their refined manners and aristocratic bearing. In contrast, Dan Packard is a self-made millionaire who has clawed his way to the top through sheer force of will. His brashness and lack of social graces are seen as a threat to the established order, and he is shunned by the other guests.
Another major theme of the film is the transience of fame and fortune. Carlotta Vance, the fading movie star, is a tragic figure who is struggling to come to terms with the fact that her time in the limelight is over. She is no longer the object of adoration that she once was, and her attempts to remain relevant only serve to highlight her desperation.
The film also explores the idea of marriage as a transactional arrangement. Millicent and Oliver Jordan’s marriage is portrayed as a loveless union based on social and financial considerations. Oliver is a wealthy businessman who has built his empire on the backs of the working class, while Millicent is a socialite who is more concerned with maintaining appearances than with genuine human connection. Their marriage is a reflection of the hollow values of the time, where marriages were often viewed as business arrangements rather than expressions of love.
Dinner for Eight is also notable for its strong female characters. While the male characters in the film are largely defined by their wealth and status, the women are much more complex and nuanced. Carlotta Vance, in particular, is a fascinating character who defies the conventions of the time. She is a strong-willed and independent woman who refuses to be defined by her age or her declining career.
The film’s examination of the lives of the wealthy and influential also has contemporary relevance. In a world where income inequality continues to be a major issue, Dinner for Eight offers a critique of the excesses of the rich and powerful. The film suggests that the pursuit of wealth and status can come at a cost and that those who are most privileged are often the blindest to the struggles of others.
Features of Dinner for Eight
One of the most notable features of Dinner for Eight is its all-star cast. The film features some of the biggest names in Hollywood at the time, including Jean Harlow, Wallace Beery, Lionel Barrymore, and Marie Dressler. Each of the actors brings a unique energy and charisma to their role, making for a memorable ensemble performance.
Another feature of the film is its fast-paced and witty dialogue. The script, written by Kaufman and Ferber, is full of clever one-liners and sharp observations about the human condition. The characters’ interactions are often biting and acerbic, reflecting the tensions and anxieties of the era.
Dinner for Eight also features some stunning art direction and set design. The film’s lavish dinner party scenes are filled with opulent decor and luxurious furnishings, emphasizing the excesses of the wealthy elite. The costumes, too, are a visual feast, with each character’s wardrobe reflecting their personality and social status.
Finally, Dinner for Eight is notable for its lasting impact on Hollywood cinema. The film’s themes and style have influenced countless other movies and television shows over the years, and its legacy continues to be felt today. In many ways, Dinner for Eight set the standard for modern ensemble comedy, with its large cast of characters and intricate plotlines.
Conclusion
Dinner for Eight is a classic Hollywood film that continues to captivate audiences over 80 years after its release. With its all-star cast, sharp dialogue, and incisive commentary on the social issues of the time, the film remains a touchstone of the era. Whether viewed as a historical artifact or as a timeless work of art, Dinner for Eight is a must-see for fans of classic cinema.