Group of socialites trying to organize a dinner? Kind of a less trippy Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie The pre-code stuff is always fun because there’s so much they sneak into this film (like all the sleeping around) that wouldn’t fly a couple years later.John Barrymore as a washed silent movie star was so on the nose, it was quite bold of him to do. He’s extremely charismatic and enjoyable in this part. His final scene is the most intense of the film.BUT JEAN HARLOW THO! Her performance didn’t particularly impress me in Public Enemy but here she is electric, delivering the biggest laughs of the films.Slower than a lot of the pre-code comedies I’m used to (Trouble in Paradise and the Busbee Berkeley musicals) though it isn’t a straight up comedy. Not my favorite of the era but certainly quite enjoyable.
An ambitious New York socialite plans an extravagant dinner party as her businessman husband, Oliver, contends with financial woes, causing a lot of tension between the couple. Meanwhile, their high-society friends and associates, including the gruff Dan Packard and his sultry spouse, Kitty, contend with their own entanglements, leading to revelations at the much-anticipated dinner.
Where to watch
2Dinner at Eight is showing in 1 cinema in Los Angeles — next screening Monday 20 July at 22:15 at New Beverly Cinema.
Monday, 20 July
Tuesday, 21 July
Cast & crew
6What people say
"Get into this uniform to meet a bunch of fatheads I don't want to know and miss that Greta Garbo picture I've been waiting for for two months?"ME
I usually eat dinner around 6
What is Dinner at Eight about?+
It depicts the interconnected lives of various high-society figures in New York City during the Great Depression as they struggle with personal and financial crises while preparing for an elegant dinner party.
Who directed Dinner at Eight?+
George Cukor directed the 1933 film, a prominent Hollywood filmmaker known for his work in the classic studio era and for his deep attention to acting performances.
Is Dinner at Eight a comedy?+
It is a pre-Code comedy-drama that balances witty, sharp dialogue with dark, dramatic themes reflective of the economic hardships of the 1930s.














