Stanley likes it when things are simple and straightforward. The head of the family, he and his wife Ellie (Joan Bennett) share a large, but cozy suburban home with oldest child Kay (Taylor) and sons Ben and Tommy (Tom Irish and Russ Tamblyn). One evening, Stanley is shocked by Kay’s announcement of her plans to marry Buckley Dunstan (Don Taylor). Who is this young man? Stanley doesn’t remember his face among the potential beaus that have graced the Banks doorstep. Immediately, Ellie joins in her daughter’s excitement, determined to give Kay the fancy wedding she never had. Stanley is relegated to observer; expected to pay for everything and be ready when it’s time to walk Kay down the aisle.
Married screenwriters Francis Goodrich and Albert Hackett, fashioned the Stanley T. Banks role specifically for Spencer Tracy, which he portrays perfectly, mixing the humor with the pain of losing a daughter to the heart of her intended. While Elizabeth Taylor looks positively radiant, Father of the Bride is really Spencer Tracy’s film. He doesn’t play Stanley at a highly emotional level, masking it with humor instead. In the scene where his character first learns of his daughter’s engagement, watch how Tracy moves his body around the bed in an agitated manner. He fills Ellie with worry, mentioning all the bad things he can think of regarding their future son-in-law. Now, with his wife all worked up, Stanley is able to sleep soundly.
Other than Tracy, much credit for the success of Father of the Bride belongs to director Vincente Minnelli. Some of the best scenes are those in which Minnelli appears to make a static frame come alive with activity. One such example occurs at the engagement party, where Stanley finds himself trapped in the kitchen, making drinks for an endless stream of guests. This robs him of the chance to make a big speech. Minnelli also adds a few unique touches to the story, such as Stanley’s vivid nightmare the night before the wedding and the memorable scene where the perspective in-laws meet for the first time. As they consume drink after drink, the scene continually shifts with a blur to show the passage of time and indicate that Stanley is getting increasingly drunker.
The story itself isn’t new and feels dated in some ways. However, more than 65 years after its initial theatrical release Father of the Bride offers up a funny, sweet and story about a father coping with his daughter becoming an adult and getting married. Graced with solid performances from Spencer Tracy, Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Bennett, Don Taylor, Maroni Olsen, Billie Burke and Russ Tamblyn, this comedy classic is highly recommended.
Presented in the 1.37:1 aspect ratio, Warner Archive’s 1080p transfer is another fantastic job. Sharpness is superb and the image is concise. I noticed a slight softness inappropriate few wide angle shots, but it doesn’t mar the viewing experience in any way. No digital issues or print flaws are present. There is a light grain that gives the proceedings a pleasing filmic appearance. Blacks are deep and rich, while shadow detail and definition looked appropriate. Skin tones appear realistic.
The DTS-HD MA mono soundtrack works well with the film. Dialogue is accurate and distinct throughout. The minimal score is rich and full when called upon. Effects are similarly modest, but come through well when called upon.
English SDH, Castilian Spanish, Latin Spanish, French, German, Polish and Czech. subtitles are available.
The following extras included.
- Wedding Bells for Star Elizabeth Taylor (SD, 1:24) A short newsreel taken at Taylor’s wedding to Conrad Hilton, Jr. (video, but no audio)
- President Truman Meets the Father of the Bride (SD, 1:12) 12) The cast meet, greet and pose for pictures. (video, but no audio.)
- Trailer (HD)
