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Features: DVD, Aspect Ratio 1.33:1, English, French, Spanish, Subtitled
Dinner at Eight, a vastly entertaining behind-closed-doors glimpse into the lives of the troubled and troublemaking Who's Who of people invited to a posh Manhattan party, is served with ample helpings of humor and melodrama. Buoyed by the success of the studio's multistarred, multistoried Grand Hotel the year before, producer David O. Selznick aspired for something grander - and found it in this George Cukor-directed adaptation of the George S. Kaufman/Edna Ferber stage hit. Highlights include Jean Harlow and Wallace Beery's bitter battle of the sexes, hostess Billie Burke's tizzy fit and Marie Dressler's grande dame worldliness. Of course, there's only one way to catch all the great moments. Dinner at Eight. Don't be late.
Editor's Note
This poignant 1930s comedy features nearly flawless performances by an all-star cast under the deft direction of George Cukor. Based on the successful play by Edna Ferber and George Kaufman, DINNER AT EIGHT is the tale of a socially scheming Park Avenue hostess (Billie Burke) who performs a series of clever manipulations to bring about a dinner party for an aristocratic English couple. In the process, she largely ignores the troubles facing her ailing husband (Lionel Barrymore); unwittingly, her choice of guests creates a web of intrigue, malice, and romance. Jean Harlow is exceptional as the shrewd wife of Billie's business adversary, as is John Barrymore, in a powerful, somewhat autobiographical turn as a fading star who drinks his future away. Silent-film performer Marie Dressler made a comeback in the role of the aging stage actress Carlotta.
Plot Summary
This wonderful 1930s comedy from George Cukor features brilliant acting from a formidable cast including John and Lionel Barrymore, Jean Harlow, and Billie Burke. A Park Avenue snob performs a series of brilliant manipulations to bring about a dinner party for an English peer. The film is based on the play by Edna Ferber and George Kaufman.
| Features | Audio: English Mono | | Interactive Menus | | Scene Selection | | Subtitles: English, French, Spanish |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Warner |
| Release Date: 3/1/2005 |
| Running Time: 111 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1933 | | Catalog ID: 65078 | | UPC: 00012569507821 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English [CC], English | | Available Subtitles: English, French, Spanish | | Video: B&W |
| Cast & Crew
| Memorable Quotes| "I was reading a book the other day...the guy said machinery is going to take the place of every profession."----Kitty (Jean Harlow) to Carlotta (Marie Dressler)|"Oh my dear, that's something you need never worry about."----Carlotta's reply |
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| | Professional Reviews | Los Angeles Times
"[A] delicious 1933 comedy-drama..." 03/27/2005 p.E13 |
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