Opened: June 14, 1956

Directed by: Richard Brooks

Starring: Bette Davis, Ernest Borgnine, Debbie Reynolds, Barry Fitzgerald, Rod Taylor, Robert Simon, Madge Kennedy, Dorothy Stickney, Carol Veazie, Joan Camden, Ray Stricklyn & Jay Adler

There’s nothing joyful about The Catered Affair, and Richard Brooks’ direction does nothing to make it at least entertaining.

When Jane (Debbie Reynolds) and Ralph (Rod Taylor) decide to get married, Jane’s mother Agnes (Bette Davis) wants her to have a beautiful wedding. Though Jane and Ralph wanted a quick and quiet ceremony, they give in, but the planning puts pressure on Jane’s dad Tom (Ernest Borgnine).

Davis doesn’t do well as the lowly mother as she’s stuck with a script that keeps her character in one place with Borgnine as a stunted scene partner. Meanwhile, Reynolds makes Jane look so unhappy you’ll wonder why she’s getting married in the first place.

The shots are often too tight, and the lighting unbalanced. Brooks loses proper interactions and any development instead making this a melodramatic affair.

Final say: Decline this invitation. ★★☆☆☆