The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942)

This was a very cute comedy. Sheridan Whiteside (Monty Woolley) is on his way to Ohio for one of his popular lectures. While there he and his assistant, Maggie (Bette Davis), are going to have dinner at the home of Ernest and Daisy Stanley (Grant Mitchell and Billie Burke). On his way into their home he slips on a patch of ice and breaks his hip. He forces the Stanley's to let him stay at the house by saying that he is going to sue them for his accident. The Stanley's reluctantly agree to allow Sheridan to stay at their house and he bulldozes over them. He takes total control of their household and inspires their children to follow their dreams of being a photographer and marrying the wrong man. However, Sheridan's problem begins when Maggie falls in love with the owner of the local paper, Bert Jefferson. She wants to get married and move to Ohio with Bert. Sheridan decides to make sure she does not have her happy ending. He invites an actress friend of his, Lorraine Sheldon (Ann Sheridan), to visit in hopes that she can steal Bert away from Maggie. Now will Sheridan get his way like a spoiled child or will Maggie get her fairytale ending?

This movie was very cute. Monty Woolley was wonderful as the gruff Sheridan Whiteside. Bette Davis was superb like she always was. Jimmy Durante was also terrific in his small role. This movie has been remade three times. The latest remake was a made for TV movie in 2000 starring Nathan Lane and Jean Smart. However, the original is a gem worth seeking out.