The Man Who Came to Dinner is a classic comedy that revolves around a notoriously opinionated and arrogant radio personality who becomes an unexpected and highly disruptive houseguest after an unfortunate accident.
An Unexpected and Unwelcome Guest
The story centers on Sheridan Whiteside, a renowned and highly opinionated radio personality (portrayed by Monty Woolley in the film adaptation). While on a speaking tour in Ohio, Whiteside suffers a mishap, injuring himself when he slips on ice. This incident leads to him becoming an unexpected and prolonged houseguest for the prominent Stanley family, whose home he proceeds to dominate.
A Master of Disruption
Confined to the Stanley household during his recovery, Whiteside makes himself thoroughly at home, much to the increasing dismay of his hosts. Known for his abrasive personality, he continuously makes brash proclamations and offers unsolicited, often cutting, advice to every member of the family. His presence turns the once-peaceful Stanley residence into a whirlwind of chaos and eccentricity.
Key Characters
To better understand the dynamics, here are the central figures in this comedic ordeal:
| Character | Role | Key Trait(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Sheridan Whiteside | The incapacitated radio personality | Arrogant, opinionated, domineering |
| The Stanley Family | His unwilling hosts | Initially hospitable, gradually exasperated |
| Maggie Cutler | Whiteside's devoted assistant (Bette Davis) | Loyal, but seeks personal happiness |
| Bert Jefferson | Local reporter | Falls in love with Maggie Cutler |
Interfering with Romance
Adding to the domestic pandemonium, Whiteside also meddles directly in the personal lives of those around him. A significant plotline involves his assistant, Maggie Cutler (played by Bette Davis), who begins a romance with Bert Jefferson, a local reporter. True to his meddlesome nature, Whiteside actively interferes with their budding relationship, creating further complications and humorous situations within the already strained household.
The narrative unfolds as the Stanleys attempt to cope with Whiteside's overbearing presence, while he, in turn, orchestrates various schemes and pronouncements from his wheelchair, ultimately leaving a lasting, albeit chaotic, impression on everyone he encounters. For more information about the film, you can visit its IMDb page.
