In which the Mister and I check out THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER (1954), which we caught on the TCM app but you can catch on Max and to buy/rent on Amazon Prime Video.  From director William Keighley and from George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart’s stage play, the screenplay credit for the film goes to Julius J. and Philip G. Epstein.  The film follows Sheridan Whiteside (a MAGNIFICENT Monty Woolley), a very popular and revered critic who is making a quick stop with his assistant, Maggie (Bette Davis in a comedic turn), in a Midwestern town to have dinner with the Stanleys (Billie Burke and Grant Mitchell).  While entering the Stanley home, Monty slips on some ice and hurts his hip.  In a huff, he takes over the Stanley house and proceeds to terrorize the Stanley family (although later he eases up and even befriends the Stanley children, June and Richard, played by Elizabeth Fraser and Russell Arms).  However, when Bert Jefferson (Richard Travis) enters the picture and Maggie decides she’s in love with him and willing to resign her employment with Sheridan, he goes on the offensive quickly with a crazy scheme to break up the 2 lovebirds.  Will love prevail?  Will Christmas be ruined?  You’ll have to watch but we don’t think the film disappoints and HIGHLY RECOMMEND.  The film clocks in at 1 h 52 m and is not rated on IMDB but think it’s definitely a G for general audiences.  Please note there are SPOILERS in this review.

This episode of the pod is dedicated to my husband, father of my children, partner in crime and better half – happy happy on your special day my love! I love my life with you!

Opening intro music: GOAT by Wayne Jones, courtesy of YouTube Audio Library