Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

In 1967, Joanna Drayton, a spirited 23-year-old, returns to San Francisco after a blissful Hawaiian vacation, only to be confronted by an unexpected visitor—Dr. John Prentice (/actor/sidney-poitier), a captivating 37-year-old black widower. Their whirlwind romance has led to a stunning 10-day engagement, leaving Joanna’s family in upheaval. Her mother, Christina (/actor/katharine-hepburn), is a progressive art gallery owner, gradually coming to terms with the news, while her father, Matt Drayton (/actor/spencer-tracy), a traditional newspaper editor, struggles to accept the implications of their interracial relationship.

Unbeknownst to Joanna, John has already approached her parents, making it clear that he will withdraw his proposal unless they give their blessing. This revelation propels a series of intense confrontations surrounding John’s upcoming assignment with the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Joanna is left to ponder whether she will follow him to Europe or stay and advocate for their love amidst the growing tensions.

To confront the challenges head-on, Joanna invites John’s family for a dinner, completely unaware that he has omitted her racial background from their discussions. The atmosphere shifts dramatically when Monsignor Mike Ryan, a friend of Matt’s, shows up, offering his unwavering support for the couple. Meanwhile, Christina stands strong in her acceptance of Joanna, even as potential hurdles loom large.

The arrival of John’s parents, the Prentices, amps up the tension within the household. They are taken aback upon discovering Joanna’s ethnicity, struggling at first to grasp their son’s choice. However, after a heartfelt plea from Monsignor Ryan and wise counsel from Christina, they come to a consensus to set aside their preconceptions and back their children’s union.

As the evening progresses, John’s father engages in a candid conversation with his son, realizing they’ve lost sight of the essence of true love. On the flipside, Matt finds himself confronting his biases, eventually acknowledging he has no authority to dictate their relationship. In a moment of deep reflection, he decides to offer his blessing for their marriage.

As the night concludes, both families, joined by Monsignor Ryan, gather around the dinner table, standing united in their endorsement of the young couple. Despite facing daunting challenges ahead, they are resolved to navigate them together, committed to forging a shared future.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 18:22