Tedious and rather predictable for the first few minutes, this classic finally matures into a satisfying comedy. Without Spencer Tracy in the title role it would be extremely dull, and his belligerent, bewildered, but ultimately touching and endearing character injects real-life sentiment. Scope of film effectively embraces almost-slapstick scenarios with poignant insights. Its close portrayal of mid-century, middle-class American family life now make it fascinating for reasons beyond the original idea. Funniest scenes - Tracy's nightmare on the night before the wedding and his dumbfounded reaction as the quarrelling couple make up.
Review of Father of the Bride
