This poignant 1930s comedy features nearly flawless performances by an all-star cast under the deft direction of George Cukor. Based on the successful play by Edna Ferber and George Kaufman, DINNER AT EIGHT is the tale of a socially scheming Park Avenue hostess (Billie Burke) who performs a series of clever manipulations to bring about a dinner party for an aristocratic English couple. In the process, she largely ignores the troubles facing her ailing husband (Lionel Barrymore); unwittingly, her choice of guests creates a web of intrigue, malice, and romance. Jean Harlow is exceptional as the shrewd wife of Billie's business adversary, as is John Barrymore, in a powerful, somewhat autobiographical turn as a fading star who drinks his future away. Silent-film performer Marie Dressler made a comeback in the role of the aging stage actress Carlotta.

This wonderful 1930s comedy from George Cukor features brilliant acting from a formidable cast including John and Lionel Barrymore, Jean Harlow, and Billie Burke. A Park Avenue snob performs a series of brilliant manipulations to bring about a dinner party for an English peer. The film is based on the play by Edna Ferber and George Kaufman.

Theatrical Release: January 12, 1933.

Produced originally on the stage by Sam H. Harris.

Many of the stars of DINNER AT EIGHT first became known in the silent cinema, including John and Lionel Barrymore, and Marie Dressler, who was a veteran of Mack Sennet's comedy mill.

There is a popular opinion that John Barrymore, who in real-life had problems with alcoholism, was playing a character similiar to himself.

DINNER AT EIGHT was one of producer David O. Selznick's favorite films.

Excerpt: "I was reading a book the other day...the guy said machinery is going to take the place of every profession."--Kitty (Jean Harlow) to Carlotta (Marie Dressler)
"Oh my dear, that's something you need never worry about."--Carlotta's reply

DVD Features:

Region (unknown)
Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.37
Audio:
Mono 1.0 English

Distributor Notes: Dinner at Eight, a vastly entertaining behind-closed-doors glimpse into the lives of the troubled and troublemaking Who's Who of people invited to a posh Manhattan party, is served with ample helpings of humor and melodrama. Buoyed by the success of the studio's multistarred, multistoried Grand Hotel the year before, producer David O. Selznick aspired for something grander - and found it in this George Cukor-directed adaptation of the George S. Kaufman/Edna Ferber stage hit. Highlights include Jean Harlow and Wallace Beery's bitter battle of the sexes, hostess Billie Burke's tizzy fit and Marie Dressler's grande dame worldliness. Of course, there's only one way to catch all the great moments. Dinner at Eight. Don't be late.

Source: Warner Home Video

Marie Dressler: Early character actress
John Barrymore: American actor, GRAND HOTEL (1932)
Jean Harlow: American actress, HELL'S ANGELS, PLATINUM BLONDE
Wallace Beery: American Actor, THE CHAMP (1931)
Lionel Barrymore: Actor/Director/Screenwriter
Lee Tracy: American Actor
Edmund Lowe: American Actor
Billie Burke: American actress, THE WIZARD OF OZ, MERRILY WE LIVE
Madge Evans: American Actress
Jean Hersholt: Danish Actor
Karen Morley: American Actress/Blacklisted
Louise Closser Hale: American Character Actress
Phillips Holmes: American Actor/Juveniles
May Robson: Australian actress, LADY FOR A DAY
Grant Mitchell: American Actor
Elizabeth Patterson: American Character Actress

George Cukor: Oscar winning American director; MY FAIR LADY

David O. Selznick: Legendary Hollywood Producer, GONE WITH THE WIND, KING KONG

Frances Marion: Female screenwriter of the '30s
Herman J. Mankiewicz: Amreican Screenwriter/Producer, CITIZEN KANE, HORSE FEATHERS
Donald Ogden Stewart: American Screenwriter, THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940)

Hobe Erwin: Art Director\1930s
Fred Hope: Art Director\1930s

Ben Lewis: Editor\1940s-950s

"[A] delicious 1933 comedy-drama..."