What a timeless classic! I don't usually like Spencer Tracy, but Father of the Bride is a must-see classic nonetheless.Every parent, but fathers in particular, needs to watch this movie. If you'd rather see the remake with Steve Martin, go ahead, but the original has Elizabeth Taylor, and you really can't compete with that. In Father of the Bride, a man has to adjust to, accept, and bless his daughter's engagement. She's the apple of his eye, and all of a sudden, another man becomes the sun in her universe. It's heartbreaking for all parents, especially those who treasure their little girls. But how can you stay mad at sweet Elizabeth Taylor? The original novel is absolutely delightful and hilarious. The tone is hilarious and borderline tongue-in-cheek, which is perfectly reflected in Spencer Tracy's narration throughout the film. If you like Spence even a fraction more than I do, you'll like the film that much more. I don't usually like him, but he emanates gruff and grumpy, which is exactly what the part calls for! In the remake, Steve Martin isn't as grumpy, and if you read the original book, you'll see the father character has to be that way for the story to truly work. And no one can say the name "Buckley" with such disdain as Spence; it never fails to amuse me.The iconic scene: Liz is getting ready to go out on a date with her fiancé, and Spence suggests she put on a coat since it's cold outside. She refuses. Her fiancé makes the same suggestion as he picks her up at the house and she looks up at him adoringly before selecting a coat. If that makes you smile, you'll probably like the rest of the movie. For a bonus, watch this movie with your parents!

This is Spencer Tracy's movie all the way, and that was a good choice. He is excellent as the eponymous, point-of-view character and narrator. He is a bit past his prime as a romantic lead, so being the father character fit him well. Elizabeth Taylor's part was not really all that large, but her beauty was undeniable.This film's release date is 1950, which brings to mind (to me) that it was only five years removed from the war, tough times for everyone, but this goes unmentioned in the film. Perhaps audiences then did not care to be reminded too much of wounds so fresh.So, while not at all an uproarious comedy, it carried a wry wit throughout. Pretty good film.

For a while now, I have loved this movie. One or two scenes may feel unrealistic by today's standards, but so much compensates. The film does look very quaint and charming, I loved the style of the cinematography especially. The script is deliciously witty with Tracy getting the best lines, the story is immensely engaging and snappily paced and Vincente Minelli directs impeccably. The acting is also very good. Spencer Tracy is brilliant and gives one of the best performances of his career, while I have only seen one or two other films as of where Elizabeth Taylor looks as lovely as she is here. Overall, Father of the Bride is timeless. When it comes to the 1991 remake, it isn't as good but as far as remakes go it is not bad at all, quite the contrary. 9/10 Bethany Cox

TCM is showing this movie for Father's Day and they are so right. I wish I had the kind of father's love Spencer Tracy had for his daughter. Joan Bennett is so beautiful she could have been Elizabeth Taylor's real mother. This is about the very rich family Banks in the 1950's giving their daughter a wedding (the wedding the mother always wanted but never had). The love expressed by this family and the family of the groom is beautiful. The groom's mother the wonderful Billie Burke the Good Witch of OZ is great!! It's in Black and White and you know I think it is better this way because you see the people not the sets not the glamour of the places and costumes but the reality of their emotions. The funnest part is the dream Spencer has before the wedding, then his sweet little talk with Elizabeth before the big day. I have always thought "Father of Bride" should be co-billed with "A Catered Affair" with Bette Davis and Ernest Borgnine It's also about the daughter getting married (Debbie Reynolds as the girl) but this family are working class. Also great acting and a great story more true to real life of the 1950's. I submit Father of the Bride a 10 because when I come across this movie on TV either in the beginning or the middle or near the end I always stop and watch it. Every scene is a gem.