Movie Monday: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967)

In our modern world, films like Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner might seem out of date. However, that does not take away from this 1967’s classic qualities. It also does not take away the boldness that was necessary to create a film like this at that time.

This is the final Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn film, and at this point they certainly have crafted a relationship that would be considered one of a longtime married couple. Unfortunately for Hepburn and Tracy, their relationship at the time was considered taboo so they had to keep their relationship a secret from the public. So, when Spencer Tracy passed away suddenly just before this movie was released in theaters, it must have been crushing for Katherine Hepburn to keep it all together.

Sidney Poitier was already in several films by the time Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner came out. However, 1967 proved to be a very important year for Poitier’s career considering several of his most notable movies were all released that year. In my opinion, I think Sidney Poitier was the perfect match for the Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn duo. Each of them had a specific way of acting and it all balanced one another out really well.

Looking from a more modern perspective, it sure seems strange to have a film where an interracial couple is shocking. But I can understand from a historical standpoint that in 1967 things with diversity were not all where they are today. In 1967 the desegregation movement was nearing an end despite racial relations in the United States being still a rather strenuous situation.

I like to think films like Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner helped to normalize the idea that all races can coexist within a family and even more the broader society. There are several events throughout history that have been much more impactful than this film, there is no doubt about that. However, I do not think we can discount the power film has to push the cultural dial in certain directions.

Overall, I am glad I watch this movie for several reasons. It has a lot to say about a society that I did not live in, and it also has a lot to say about the issues facing that society. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner is also relevant in our modern United States because there are still some people who might act the way Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn’s characters do. In addition, I think this film also is a solid final showing of Tracy and Hepburn working together. You really get to see their relationship in the final years, and you can appreciate their dynamic qualities for one last movie.

Much Love,

Sarah