Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967) Review

Title: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
Year: 1967
Director: Stanley Kramer
Country: US
Language: English

Filming was completed just seventeen days before the death of film legend Spencer Tracy. He received a post-humous Oscar nomination for this role because of how difficult acting would have been considering his failing health. Thankfully he had his longtime lover Katherine Hepburn monitoring him and deciding when he was too tired to work. In order for the studios to be confident enough to let Tracy act in this film, Hepburn had to use her salary as backing. 

A couple's attitudes (Spencer Tracy & Katherine Hepburn) are challenged when their daughter (Katharine Houghton) introduces them to her African American fiancé (Sidney Poitier).

The subject matter highlighted in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner may not be shocking in 2018, but in 1967 it was groundbreaking in its depiction of interracial romance. At the time it was a rarity to see a picture discuss interracial relations positively and free of exploitation, mainly because it was still illegal in 17 states. The film also expands outwardly to be about the rise of the youth generation and their ability to eradicate social barriers far better than their parents. 

Spencer Tracy, performing his role in such a dire time in his life, was quite brave. Sidney Poitier is the true scene stealer however; he brings grace, elegance and charm to this role and during an intense speech with his father, you truly believe everything Poitier says. He has a subtle comedic timing that improves the atmosphere of every scene he is in. 

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner is greatly helped by veteran director Stanley Kramer (It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World) and the remarkable screenwriting of William Rose. The film's controversial premise could have only had legs if it had impeccable writing alongside legendary actors like Hepburn and Tracy. Overall it's quite an enticing picture that, while dated, is still thoroughly entertaining.