Guess Who's Coming to Dinner facts for kids
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner is a 1967 American comedy-drama movie. It takes place in San Francisco, California. The film stars Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Sidney Poitier, and Katharine Houghton. The story is about a young white woman who falls in love with a black man. The movie then shows what happens when she introduces him to her parents.
The Story of the Film
The movie begins when Joanna Drayton, a young white woman, returns home to San Francisco. She surprises her parents, Matt and Christina Drayton. Joanna brings her new fiancé, Dr. John Prentice, with her. John is a respected doctor and a kind man. However, he is Black, and Joanna's parents are white. This creates a big surprise for them.
Meeting the Parents
Matt and Christina Drayton are known for being open-minded. They believe in equality and justice. But they are still shocked by Joanna's news. They did not expect their daughter to marry a Black man. The film shows their struggle to accept this new situation. They have to face their own hidden feelings and beliefs.
Family Reactions
Joanna's parents have different reactions. Christina, her mother, tries to be supportive. She wants her daughter to be happy. Matt, her father, finds it harder to accept. He worries about the challenges an interracial couple might face. He thinks about how society might treat them.
The Parents of Dr. Prentice
Dr. Prentice's parents also come to San Francisco. They meet the Draytons for dinner. This meeting adds more tension to the story. Both sets of parents have to deal with their feelings. They discuss their hopes and fears for their children.
A Day of Decisions
The entire movie takes place over one day. During this day, everyone has to make important decisions. Joanna and John are determined to marry. They want their parents' blessing. The parents must decide if they can overcome their own prejudices. They need to decide if they can truly support their children's love.
Important Themes in the Movie
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner explores several important ideas. It looks at race and racism. It also talks about love, family, and acceptance.
Race and Society
The movie was made in 1967. This was a time when interracial marriage was still illegal in many parts of the United States. Just a few months before the film's release, the Supreme Court made interracial marriage legal across the country. The film helped people think about these issues. It showed the challenges faced by couples from different racial backgrounds.
Challenging Prejudices
The film challenges people to look at their own prejudices. It shows that even people who think they are open-minded can have hidden biases. The Draytons believe they are progressive. But they still struggle with the idea of their daughter marrying a Black man. This makes the audience think about their own views.
Love and Family Bonds
Despite the serious topics, the movie is also about love. It shows the strong bond between Joanna and John. It also shows the love within the Drayton family. The parents want what is best for their daughter. They learn that love can overcome many obstacles.
The Power of Acceptance
A key message of the film is acceptance. It shows that true love means accepting people for who they are. It means looking past differences like race. The movie encourages understanding and open-mindedness.
The Cast and Crew
The movie features a talented group of actors. It was directed by Stanley Kramer.
Main Actors
- Spencer Tracy plays Matt Drayton. This was his last film role.
- Katharine Hepburn plays Christina Drayton. She won an Academy Award for her performance.
- Sidney Poitier plays Dr. John Prentice. He was a very famous actor at the time.
- Katharine Houghton plays Joanna Drayton. She is Katharine Hepburn's niece.
Director and Production
Stanley Kramer directed and produced the film. He was known for making movies that dealt with important social issues. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner was one of his most famous works. The film was a big success. It helped start conversations about race in America.
Legacy of the Film
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner is still an important film today. It is remembered for its brave look at race relations.
Cultural Impact
The movie was very popular when it came out. It helped change how people thought about interracial relationships. It showed a positive image of an interracial couple. This was new for many viewers.
A Timeless Message
Even though it was made a long time ago, the film's message is still relevant. It reminds us to be open-minded. It teaches us to challenge our own biases. It shows that love and understanding are very powerful.
