The Catered Affair (1956)

Really Surprised!

best movie i've ever seen.

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

I have watched this movie many times and it always makes me cry. Coming from a working class family, I can sympathize with all of the characters. I discussed this movie with a young person in their 20s and they were aghast at how the father and mother acted and how it ended with the mother giving in at the end to make her husband happy. Times and the culture have changed so much since the fifties. When you watch this movie, you must watch it with the understanding of the times. One of my favorites. On a lighter note, what was with Leo the lion in the opening MGM title? His mane looked funny, like he was wearing a toupee on top of his head between his ears.

These wonderful users reviewers are in telling contrast to those of the contemporary reviewers from the established "papers of record" by the poo-bahs: Crowther, Kael, etc. The users see the realism in scenes, diction, and especially the social and emotional restrictions of lower middle class life. Not to mention the sympathy for the real heroes who struggled through working class limitations in the American 50s. No, all the poo-bahs could see was lack of "character development." Crowther is especially asinine, deciding for himself that David, for ex., disliked "coming down in the world." Or that Borgnine, after Marty, was detached from his role.

This is a very poignant and impressive movie, which stands the test of time.And glad to see some of the main performers are still with us despite the fact the picture is over 50 years old. The film is about a family struggling financially and the head of the household has to decide whether to forgo getting a share in his own taxi cab or use what limited resources he has for his daughter's wedding. In my view the gnawing hardship and consequences of lack of money has rarely ever been so honestly portrayed as it is here; the writing in the film is super and there are first class performances from every single player. The actress in the part of the one to be the maid of honor is sensational. 8/10.

Although this is a bit dated, the actors make this film a must see. It is realistic and well-done. Bette Davis gives her all, and is sympathetic as an Irish immigrant who wants the best (and biggest) wedding for her only daughter (well-portrayed by a very young Debbie Reynolds).Written by Paddy Chayefsky, this film covers the subject of weddings so much better than for example "Father of the Bride" (unnecessary rantings and fussing over nothing). In this family a wedding is a big deal, because they have little money.Ernest Borgnine is effectual as the blue collar cab driver, worried about his wife's increasing expenses, reception hall, limousines even (!.) Borgnine is sympathetic and believable as your average Joe, wanting the best for his daughter but unable to afford it. The focus is not even on the young couple, more so on the parents and what wishes and hopes they have had for their children.A supreme performance by Davis as a disappointed woman, who ultimately conveys the story of a mothers love and concern for her daughter. The wedding was more for her, Borgnine points out; think about me I am your husband. She eventually relents and uses funds to help him buy his own taxi service. A relevant and touching story. 9/10.