Watch The Catered Affair

The Catered Affair is a 1956 drama movie directed by Richard Brooks and starring veteran actress Bette Davis, as well as Ernest Borgnine and Debbie Reynolds. Set in the 1950s, the film is an adaptation of a teleplay by Paddy Chayefsky and revolves around a working-class family in New York City preparing for a lavish wedding for their daughter.

The film focuses on the Hurleys, a close-knit, blue-collar family living in the Bronx. Aggie, played by Davis, is a saloon-keeper who is stubborn and fiercely independent. When she learns that her daughter Jane, played by Reynolds, is engaged to her long-time boyfriend Ralph, played by Rod Taylor, she is determined to give her daughter the wedding of her dreams.

Despite the fact that the Hurleys are not wealthy, Aggie sets her sights on hiring the most expensive catering hall in the city. The family quickly realizes that they can't afford the lavish affair and Aggie must make a series of difficult choices to make the wedding possible.

Meanwhile, Jane's fiancé, Ralph, is frustrated with the extravagance of the wedding plans and becomes increasingly disillusioned with the financial burden it is placing on the family. He attempts to convince Jane to cancel the wedding, which only causes further tension between the couple.

Aggie's husband, Tom, played by Borgnine, tries to balance his wife's desires with the financial realities of their situation. He is a gentle, patient man who is dedicated to his family and struggles to help Aggie see the importance of moderation.

As the wedding preparations continue, the Hurleys are forced to confront their own past as well as their future, including the determination of their children to move away from the tough life of their parents.

The Catered Affair is a poignant drama that explores themes of family, love, and sacrifice. The film is a critique of the expectations of elaborate weddings and the emotional and financial tolls they can take on families. The movie offers a realistic portrayal of a working-class family's struggles with money, parenting, and relationships.

Bette Davis delivers an outstanding performance as Aggie, portraying a woman who is both strong-willed and vulnerable. Ernest Borgnine's Tom is a tender and loving husband who is often overshadowed by his forceful wife. Debbie Reynolds is delightful in the role of Jane, the young bride-to-be who is excited for her big day but also feels the weight of her family's expectations.

The Catered Affair is a beautifully shot film, capturing the essence of New York City in the 1950s. The movie achieves a balance between drama and comedy and offers several memorable moments of tenderness and humor.

Overall, The Catered Affair is a classic movie that showcases strong performances from its talented cast. It is a touching and heartwarming story that remains relevant even today. The film offers an insightful look into the complexities of family relationships and the struggles of everyday life, making it an enduring work of cinema.

The Catered Affair is a 1956 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.