Dinner at Eight

Dinner at Eight is a pre-Code comedy-drama film directed by George Cukor that was released in 1933. This dazzling feature showcases a galaxy of stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood, with standout performances from Marie Dressler, John Barrymore, and Wallace Beery, among others.

Adapted from the Broadway play of the same name written by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber, the movie is an exquisite blend of comedy and drama. Set in the milieu of New York's upper-crust society during the Great Depression, the plot revolves around complex narratives centered around a posh dinner party planned by affluent New York City socialite Millicent Jordan, played by Billie Burke.

Dressler appears as Carlotta Vance, an aging former silent film star who is now facing financial hardships. Her character is depicted with an amazing mixture of pluck and melancholia, making for a memorable performance.

The film also includes an unforgettable performance by John Barrymore, who portrays Larry Renault, an alcoholic, fading star of the stage who is desperately trying to restart his career. Barrymore's depiction of Renault's character is both charming and tragic, providing a sobering look at the realities of showbiz.

Wallace Beery shines in his role as Dan Packard, a brash tycoon who made his fortune through dubious means. The other talent rounding off the film ensemble include Lionel Barrymore, who plays the ailing, down-on-his-luck shipping magnate Oliver Jordan; Jean Harlow, as Packard’s vulgar wife Kitty; and Madge Evans, who plays the part of Paula Jordan, the Jordans' only daughter.

Director George Cukor masterfully interweaves multiple subplots with sharp, witty dialogue and spot-on character portrayals. The film provides a social critique and a snapshot of the 1930's era society, represented by the characters' desperation to maintain their fading statuses. Dinner at Eight displays the dire consequences of living beyond one’s means, the clash of social classes, the fading of old norms and traditions in the face of newer realities, and the superficiality of appearances in high society.

Just as intriguing as the interplay among the main characters, is the meticulous attention to detail put in the settings - from the grandeur of the Jordan household to Renault's run-down hotel room. Great care is also taken in the costume design, which accurately reflects each character's social standing, as well as their personal circumstances.

Life's pleasures and pains, successes and failures are depicted with a blend of compassion, comedy, and pathos throughout the movie. Despite the challenges and tragedies facing these characters, there is also a generous sprinkling of humor, much of it arising from striking contrasts - social, economical, and personal - among the different personalities.

One of the iconic sequences that stands out in the film is the dramatic confrontation scene between Dressler and Beery, which has gone down in cinema history as a classic. The film also ends on a high note with Dressler delivering the final line, which closes the film perfectly with a twist of humor and irony.

Produced by David O. Selznick at MGM, the high production values and a stellar cast all lead to its unanimous critical and box office success at its release. The film was also selected by the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

In summary, Dinner at Eight presents a sparkling ensemble of characters on a collision course at a not-to-be-missed dinner party. It's a film that offers a satirical reflection on the price of status and the underlying human dramas within high society. The beautifully interwoven sub-plots and a tapestry of unforgettable characters that have long been remembered as proof of Hollywood's golden age make Dinner at Eight a must-watch classic movie. With its delicious mix of humor, drama, and social commentary, it's no wonder that Dinner at Eight is considered one of the finest films of the 1930s.