Film Synopsis"The Man Who Came to Dinner" (1942) is a traditional American comedy movie directed by William Keighley. The story is based upon the popular play by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman and stars Bette Davis, Ann Sheridan, and Monty Woolley in leading functions. The film unwinds the chaos and comic misadventures caused by an unforeseen, prolonged go to by a notorious and demanding radio personality, Sheridan Whiteside, to the Ohio home of the popular Stanley household throughout the Christmas season.
Main Characters and PlotMonty Woolley plays the function of the acerbic, irritable Sheridan Whiteside, a well-known radio personality who, during a lecture trip, slips and fractures his hip at the Stanley's doorstep. As a result, he is restricted to their home while he recuperates. Bette Davis plays Whiteside's loyal, long-suffering secretary, Maggie Cutler, who falls in love with local reporter Bert Jefferson, played by Richard Travis.
As Whiteside's convalescence stretches over a number of weeks, the Stanleys' organized home progressively descends into turmoil. Whiteside monopolizes the whole house, gets unique presents including an octopus and a mummy-case, and amuses strange visitors such as paroled convicts and picketing nurses, efficiently turning daily life for the Stanleys into pandemonium.
Sub-Plot and TwistsBette Davis's character, Maggie, announces her intents to wed Bert Jefferson. Whiteside, fearing he will lose a highly skilled secretary, tries to sabotage this budding romance. As part of his plan, he invites femme-fatale starlet Lorraine Sheldon, played by Ann Sheridan, to appeal Bert and break up the couple.
Unexpectedly, Maggie discovers Whiteside's plot and devises a strategy to outmaneuver him, exposing the true nature of Lorraine's interest in Bert. She incorrectly tells Lorraine that Bert's play is a disguised, cruel exposé of a notorious British noblewoman whom Lorraine understands.
Climax and ResolutionThinking that a claim and scandal would destroy her career, Lorraine quickly leaves Ohio to follow the noblewoman on a cruise, pretending to desire Whiteside's company. Meanwhile, Whiteside persuades the Stanleys' child to elope with her boyfriend, additional unsettling the home.
As Whiteside lastly prepares to leave, he slips on the same patch of ice and breaks his hip again. The movie ends with Whiteside once again taking control of your house, much to the discouragement of the Stanley household, and Maggie finally getting her possibility at happiness with Bert.
Total ImpactThe film "The Man Who Came to Dinner" is well-remembered for its creative dialogues, slapstick comedy, and remarkable performances. Monty Woolley's representation of Sheridan Whiteside is vital to the film's impact, rendering a character as exasperatingly hilarious as he is endearingly human. Bette Davis shines as the loyal yet individualistic secretary, whereas Ann Sheridan successfully analyzes the role of the hot, manipulative starlet. The movie skillfully explores styles of love, deception, disruption of order, and the subtle egoism of the elite, offering a delightfully amusing comedy that holds long-lasting appeal for audiences.
Top Cast
