The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942)

When acerbic critic Sheridan Whiteside slips on the front steps of a provincial Ohio businessman's home and breaks his hip, he and his entourage take over the house indefinitely.

Director:

William Keighley

Writers:

Julius J. Epstein (screen play), Philip G. Epstein (screen play),

Stars:

Bette Davis, Ann Sheridan, Monty Woolley

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bette Davis	...	Maggie Cutler
Ann Sheridan	...	Lorraine Sheldon
Monty Woolley	...	Sheridan Whiteside
Richard Travis	...	Bert Jefferson
Jimmy Durante	...	Banjo
Billie Burke	...	Mrs. Ernest Stanley
Reginald Gardiner	...	Beverly Carlton
Elisabeth Fraser	...	June Stanley
Grant Mitchell	...	Mr. Ernest Stanley
George Barbier	...	Dr. Bradley
Mary Wickes	...	Miss Preen
Russell Arms	...	Richard Stanley
Ruth Vivian	...	Harriet
Edwin Stanley	...	John
Betty Roadman	...	Sarah

Storyline

Lecturer Sheridan Whiteside slips on the ice on his way into the home of a prominent Ohio family. The Dr. says Whiteside must remain confined having broken his leg. He begins to meddle with the lives of everyone in the household and, once his plots are underway, learns there is nothing wrong with his leg. He bribes the doctor. The owner discovers the fraud, but Whiteside blackmails him (he finds out that the owner's sister is an axe murderer) and resumes control.

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Plot Keywords:

doctor | critic | radio | lecturer | newspaper | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 January 1942 (USA)

Also Known As:

El hombre que vino a cenar

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros

Technical Specs

Runtime:

112 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Mary Wickes, one of only two members of the original Broadway cast in the film version (with Monty Woolley), makes her screen debut. She also carried the role in the 1972 TV version.

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Goofs

At one point in the film, Maggie Cutler goes to the window and comments on the snow falling outside. The falling snow is clearly visible outside the window. Then the camera goes to a medium shot, with all the windows visible, but from this angle, no snow is seen to be falling whatsoever.

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Quotes

Sheriden Whiteside: Will you take your clammy hand off my chair? You have the touch of a love-starved cobra.

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Connections

Referenced in The Simpsons: The Ziff Who Came to Dinner (2004)

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Soundtracks

"Did You Ever Have the Feeling That You Wanted to Go?"
(uncredited)
Written and Performed by Jimmy Durante

User Reviews

one of the best movies of all time

This movie never fails to lift my spirits, giving me so many laughs I have lost count. Everyone in this movie is absolutely delightful! There are never enough good things to say about Monty Wooley, & Bette Davis is great, as always. Good to see her comedic side. I believe this is one of the very best comedies I have ever seen - - actually probably the best. I was so happy to find it out on DVD. If you are a lover of good comedy, this is a do not miss! Even the lesser known players are superb. Too bad Hollywood does not make this kind of movie anymore. Ann Sheridan is the perfect glamour girl, Reginald Gardiner is one of a kind, & Jimmy Durante is so funny. I read this was Mary Wickes's first film. She is a gem! I certainly miss all of these stars.