Some supposed great films of their time (in this case, the late 30s/early 40s) find fame and reputation. It might even last a decade or two, but in this case this appalling unfunny film should be put into the window seat cavity in (the genuinely funny) ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. The main character Sheridan Whiteside, as played by blustering queen Monty Woolley is utterly tiresome by the third 'hilarious blistering insult', all of which are over worded and each of which are just ridiculous and stupid. If this film is written to be a farce then it succeeds. But it is also just plain mean spirited. Yes Whiteside is supposed to be that but he is so repulsive and abrasive for 100 minutes that had I lived in that house I would have gladly tossed him into the street and happily paid the consequences. THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER has not dated well and the film now would provoke curiosity only in bewilderment as audiences ask 'is this supposed to be funny? This guy is a prick'.
Review of The Man Who Came to Dinner
