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Dinner at Eight (1933)

Dinner at Eight (1933)
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Based on the Broadway hit by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber, Dinner at Eight is a near-flawless comedy/drama with an all-star cast at the peak of their talents. Social butterfly Mrs. Oliver Jordan (Billie Burke) arranges a dinner party that will benefit the busines of her husband (Lionel Barrymore). Among the invited are a crooked executive (Wallace Beery), who is in the process of ruining Jordan; his wife (Jean Harlow), who is carrying on an affair with a doctor (Edmund Lowe); a fading matinee idol (John Barrymore), who has squandered his fortune on liquor and is romantically involved with the Jordan daughter (Madge Evans); and a venerable stage actress (Marie Dressler), who since losing all her money has become a "professional guest." Nothing goes as planned, due to various suicides, double-crosses, compromises, fatal illness, and servant problems. But dinner is served precisely at eight. The script by Herman Mankiewicz, Frances Marion, and Donald Ogden Stewart is a virtual enclyopedia of witty lines and scenes, right down to the unforgettable closing gag. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Marie Dressler, John Barrymore, (more)
Director(s):
George Cukor
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Dinner at Eight

Based on the Broadway hit by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber, Dinner at Eight is a near-flawless comedy/drama with an all-star cast at the peak of their talents. Social butterfly Mrs. Oliver Jordan (Billie Burke) arranges a dinner party that will benefit the busines of her husband (Lionel Barrymore). Among the invited are a crooked executive (Wallace Beery), who is in the process of ruining Jordan; his wife (Jean Harlow), who is carrying on an affair with a doctor (Edmund Lowe); a fading matinee idol (John Barrymore), who has squandered his fortune on liquor and is romantically involved with the Jordan daughter (Madge Evans); and a venerable stage actress (Marie Dressler), who since losing all her money has become a "professional guest." Nothing goes as planned, due to various suicides, double-crosses, compromises, fatal illness, and servant problems. But dinner is served precisely at eight. The script by Herman Mankiewicz, Frances Marion, and Donald Ogden Stewart is a virtual enclyopedia of witty lines and scenes, right down to the unforgettable closing gag. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
111 mins

Complete Cast of Dinner at Eight


Director(s):
George Cukor
Writer(s):
Frances Marion, Herman Mankiewicz, Donald Ogden Stewart
Producer(s):
David O. Selznick
Dinner at Eight Awards:
  • 1933 - Film Daily - 10 Best Films
  • 1933 - New York Times - 10 Best Films
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    Member Reviews
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    Sherron R.

    What a cast, what a script, what a comedy classic! Don't think of Lionel Barrymore as the crouchy, Mr. Potter in "It's a Wonderful Life" or Billy Burke as the good witch of the North in "The Wizard of Oz," they aren't in this film. Lionel is a meek, rational, caring businessman and except for Burke's voice, she's completely believable as a businessman's wife who just wants to host a dinner party for some rich, titled Brits. Marie Dressler is fabulous. Her timing and acting, her way of moving, and her costuming for the film all contribute to a one of a kind, commanding commedic performance. Add in Beery and Harlow who are nothing short of brillant in their performances and you've got a 5 star movie. John Barrymore's performance as the alcoholic has-been, once great vaudevillian star was both touching and sad. His denial lends a sense of pathos to the film and underpins the lessons to be realized by the other characters.

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    Kathleen M.

    One of the BEST classic comedies with so much talent it's a pure joy to watch!!

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    Lyle M.

    A complex but intriguing and entertaining plot; a star-studded cast. A most enjoyable evening.

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