Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967)

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967) is a landmark American film directed by Stanley Kramer. At its heart, it’s a drama about love, race, and generational perspectives, packaged within the framework of an intimate family story. Released during the height of the civil rights movement, the film became a cultural milestone.

Detailed Summary

The Setup: Joanna’s Big Surprise

Joanna “Joey” Drayton (Katharine Houghton), a young white woman from a wealthy liberal family, returns home to San Francisco after a trip to Hawaii. With her is Dr. John Prentice (Sidney Poitier), a highly accomplished African American doctor whom she has fallen deeply in love with and plans to marry. Their whirlwind romance has moved quickly, and Joanna is eager to introduce John to her parents.

Meeting the Parents: Matt and Christina Drayton

Joanna’s parents, Matt (Spencer Tracy) and Christina Drayton (Katharine Hepburn), are proud progressives. However, their open-mindedness is suddenly tested when their daughter announces her engagement to a Black man. While Christina grows supportive of Joanna’s decision after meeting John, Matt wrestles with his principles versus his protective instincts as a father.

Tensions Rise

John Prentice is not only aware of the challenges he and Joanna will face as an interracial couple in 1967 America but also insists that he will only marry her if both sets of parents give their blessing. This heightens the stakes of the evening, as the dinner becomes a test of ideals, morals, and the real meaning of tolerance.

The tension grows further when John’s own parents, Mr. and Mrs. Prentice, arrive for dinner. His father, in particular, strongly disapproves, creating a mirror conflict between the two families.

The Dinner Table Conversations

As the evening unfolds, each character voices their fears and beliefs. Christina defends Joanna’s choice, John’s mother stresses her son’s independence, and John himself delivers heartfelt speeches about love, respect, and the future he envisions with Joanna. But Matt remains conflicted, stuck between his ideals and the reality of society’s prejudices.

Movie Ending

The climax of the film is Matt Drayton’s long-awaited decision. After hours of debate, arguments, and emotional revelations, Matt delivers a powerful monologue at the dinner table. He admits his deep concerns about the difficulties the couple will face, but ultimately acknowledges that love is what truly matters. He expresses his admiration for John and his unwavering love for his daughter, stating that if Joanna loves John as deeply as she says, then he supports their marriage wholeheartedly.

The speech moves everyone at the table and resolves the tension in the room. Christina beams with pride, Joanna is overjoyed, and John’s parents soften their stance. The film ends with the families sitting down together for dinner, signaling acceptance, unity, and a hopeful step toward progress.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. Like most films of its era, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner does not include a post-credits scene. The story concludes with the final dinner, offering a definitive and emotionally satisfying ending.

Type of Movie

This is a drama/romance film, but it is also a social commentary piece. It mixes intimate family dynamics with larger societal questions, making it both personal and political.

Cast

• Spencer Tracy as Matt Drayton
• Katharine Hepburn as Christina Drayton
• Sidney Poitier as Dr. John Prentice
• Katharine Houghton as Joanna Drayton
• Roy E. Glenn as Mr. Prentice
• Beah Richards as Mrs. Prentice
• Cecil Kellaway as Monsignor Ryan

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Frank De Vol. His music is understated, focusing on warmth and emotion, complementing the film’s dialogue-driven nature. The theme song “Glory of Love” performed by Jacqueline Fontaine, underscores the film’s romantic yet socially challenging premise.

Filming Locations

The movie was shot primarily at Columbia Pictures Studios in Hollywood, Los Angeles. While set in San Francisco, many of the outdoor views are rear-projected shots rather than on-location filming. This was partly due to Spencer Tracy’s declining health, which limited his ability to travel.

Awards and Nominations

• Academy Awards Wins:
  • Best Actress (Katharine Hepburn)
  • Best Original Screenplay (William Rose)
• Nominations:
  • Best Picture
  • Best Director (Stanley Kramer)
  • Best Actor (Spencer Tracy)
  • Best Supporting Actor (Cecil Kellaway)
  • Best Supporting Actress (Beah Richards)
  • Best Film Editing
  • Best Art Direction

Behind the Scenes Insights

• This was Spencer Tracy’s final film, as he passed away just 17 days after filming wrapped. Hepburn never watched the finished movie because it was too painful for her.
• Hepburn’s tears in several scenes were real, as she was deeply emotional about Tracy’s failing health.
• Sidney Poitier often felt immense pressure as one of the few African American leading men of the era, especially given the film’s groundbreaking subject matter.
• Columbia Pictures insured the film heavily due to Tracy’s condition, fearing he wouldn’t complete shooting.

Inspirations and References

The film was inspired by the civil rights movement of the 1960s and the ongoing debate over interracial marriage in the United States. It was especially bold because it was released just months after the Supreme Court’s Loving v. Virginia (1967) decision, which struck down laws banning interracial marriage.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no publicly released alternate endings. Stanley Kramer’s vision was clear: the film needed to conclude with Matt’s monologue as the emotional resolution. Any deleted material primarily involved minor dialogue trims.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The movie is not based on a book, but it has been adapted for the stage in later years. Its story has often been compared to other social drama works but was an original screenplay at the time.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Joanna’s cheerful announcement that she and John are engaged, sparking instant tension.
• Christina firing her gallery employee who insulted Joanna’s relationship.
• John Prentice’s emotional speech to his father: “You think of yourself as a colored man. I think of myself as a man.”
• Matt Drayton’s climactic monologue, bringing resolution to the family conflict.

Iconic Quotes

• Matt Drayton: “You are two wonderful people who happened to fall in love and happen to have a pigmentation problem.”
• John Prentice: “I fell in love with your daughter. But I also fell in love with you.”
• Christina Drayton: “For me, it was never about who he was. It was always about who you are.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film subtly mirrors the actors’ real lives: Hepburn and Tracy’s relationship was a lifelong partnership outside marriage, reflecting unconventional love.
• The film’s final dinner table shot deliberately frames Tracy in the center, emphasizing both his authority and vulnerability.
• Hepburn’s niece, Katharine Houghton, was cast as Joanna, adding a personal family connection to the production.

Trivia

• The film was a massive box office success, despite fears it might alienate audiences with its subject matter.
• Katharine Hepburn’s Oscar win was her second out of a career total of four (a record).
• The film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

Why Watch?

Because it’s not just a film—it’s history. This movie influenced society by challenging racial prejudices during the Civil Rights era. Watching it today still feels both emotionally powerful and historically significant.

Director’s Other Movies

• Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)
• On the Beach (1959)
• The Defiant Ones (1958)
• Inherit the Wind (1960)

Recommended Films for Fans

• In the Heat of the Night (1967)
• To Sir, With Love (1967)
• A Raisin in the Sun (1961)
• Philadelphia (1993)
• Loving (2016)