I had high hopes with the cast including Bette Davis, Debbie Reynolds, and Ernest Borgnine. What follows is a wedding that spirals out of control that neither the Bride nor the groom want, with the mother of the bride expecting the father to take their life savings and spend it on a wedding rather than purchasing a stake in a new cab. Ugh. Good acting, but I hate the premise.

I can't think of many films off hand in which every member of the cast excels. But, "The Catered Affair" of 1956 is one such movie. Billed as a comedy, drama and romance, this film is a wonderful slice of life of a mid-20th century family living in the Bronx of New York City. Better Davis is superb as Mrs. Agnes Hurley, mother of three adult children, including a son who was killed in Korea. Ernest Borgnine is excellent as her husband, Tom Hurley, who drives a hack for a living. Indeed, the word for taxicab used in the film is indicative of the time and place. Davis plays a different role from her usual caustic, conniving and crass character. According to the trivia section of her bio on IMDb, her role in this film was her favorite part, because of its challenge. From Davis's acknowledgment of her being a difficult actress with whom to work, one wonders if the challenge in the part was showing signs of care and love, through a hardened character. Her IMDb bio has some of her quotes. In one she says, "Until you're known in my profession as a monster, you're not a star." That may reflect more her personal character than it does Hollywood or Broadway in general. There surely have been some tough cookies that casts and crews have had to endure, but the list of Hollywood stars include at least as many women of admirable traits and beloved character. Greer Garson, Deborah Kerr, Claudette Colbert, Audrey Hepburn, Loretta Young, Olivia de Havilland, and Irene Dunne are just a few who come immediately to mind. The rest of the cast are very good as well. Debbie Reynolds is the Hurley's daughter, Jane. Rod Taylor plays her fiancé, Ralph Halloran. Robert Simon is superb as Ralph's father, and Madge Kennedy is very good as his mother. Dorothy Stickney is wonderful as Mrs. Rafferty, and Barry Fitzgerald is excellent as Uncle Jack Conlon.

Very good drama about a poor husband and wife (Ernest Borgnine and Bette Davis) who live in a cheap apartment in the Bronx and learn that their only daughter (Debbie Reynolds) is going to be getting married and wants only a very small wedding. Borgnine is all for going the cheap route, as he is a struggling cab driver who's recently trying to scrape together enough cash to buy his own cab and can't see the point in throwing away all his savings on one dinner for strangers; but Davis wants her girl to have a large affair, but mostly to make up for her own miserable wedding and lousy marriage. There are some powerfully charged emotional scenes, and both Davis and Borgnine are very good. Anyone who has ever prepared for a wedding will still be able to relate to much of the craziness that goes on. This is well directed by Richard Brooks, who keeps things moving nicely. Barry Fitzgerald is also a plus as Bette's older bachelor brother who lives in the apartment and might not even be invited to the wedding. ***1/2 out of ****

Although this is a bit dated, the actors make this film a must see. It is realistic and well-done. Bette Davis gives her all, and is sympathetic as an Irish immigrant who wants the best (and biggest) wedding for her only daughter (well-portrayed by a very young Debbie Reynolds).Written by Paddy Chayefsky, this film covers the subject of weddings so much better than for example "Father of the Bride" (unnecessary rantings and fussing over nothing). In this family a wedding is a big deal, because they have little money.Ernest Borgnine is effectual as the blue collar cab driver, worried about his wife's increasing expenses, reception hall, limousines even (!.) Borgnine is sympathetic and believable as your average Joe, wanting the best for his daughter but unable to afford it. The focus is not even on the young couple, more so on the parents and what wishes and hopes they have had for their children.A supreme performance by Davis as a disappointed woman, who ultimately conveys the story of a mothers love and concern for her daughter. The wedding was more for her, Borgnine points out; think about me I am your husband. She eventually relents and uses funds to help him buy his own taxi service. A relevant and touching story. 9/10.