Father of the Bride (1950)

This superb domestic comedy brilliantly illustrates a fond father’s reactions to the many problems – mostly financial – which arise during preparations for his only daughter’s wedding.

Middle-class lawyer Stanley T. Banks (Spencer Tracy) has two sons, Tommy (Russ Tamblyn) and Ben (Tom Irish), and one daughter, Kay (Elizabeth Taylor). When Kay suddenly announces that she is going to marry Buckley Dunstan (Don Taylor), a youth whom Stanley has never seen, Stanley nearly has a fit.

Kay’s mother, Ellie (Joan Bennett), quietens Stanley and, after he meets Buckley’s parents, he gives his consent. Then come the preparations and these, involving much expense, continually cause Stanley to panic.

In the excitement of the wedding breakfast, Kay goes off without wishing her father goodbye, but she rings up in time to soothe his aching heart. Stanley finds consolation in the thought that it will be his turn to laugh when Tommy gets spliced.

The crowded chapter of incidents, delightfully handled by Spencer Tracy, Elizabeth Taylor and an attractive supporting cast and faultlessly directed by Vincente Minnelli, never flags.

A hilarious 1991 remake starred Steve Martin, Diane Keaton and Martin Short.

Stanley T. Banks
Spencer Tracy
Ellie Banks
Joan Bennett
Kay Banks
Elizabeth Taylor
Buckley Dunstan
Don Taylor
Doris Dunstan
Billie Burke
Mr Massoula
Leo G. Carroll
Herbert Dunstan
Moroni Olsen
Mr Tringle
Melville Cooper
Warner
Taylor Holmes
Rev. Galsworthy
Paul Harvey
Joe
Frank Orth
Tommy Banks
Russ Tamblyn
Ben Banks
Tom Irish
Delilah
Marietta Canty

Director
Vincente Minnelli