The 1933 film, Dinner at Eight, was directed by George Cukor and boasted an all-star cast, including Marie Dressler, John Barrymore, Jean Harlow, and Wallace Beery. The movie was based on a play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber.
The plot revolves around a lavish dinner party that is being thrown by Millicent Jordan (played by Dressler), a wealthy socialite who wants to impress her guests and prove that despite her husband's financial woes, they are still well-respected members of high society.
Her husband, Oliver Jordan (played by Lionel Barrymore), is struggling to keep his business afloat and is relying on a potential merger with another company to save him from ruin. Meanwhile, Millicent's longtime friend, Carlotta Vance (played by Billie Burke), is a fading actress who is struggling to come to terms with her age and limited career opportunities.
As the guests start to arrive, tensions begin to rise between the couples. Dan Packard (played by Beery), a brusque businessman, is furious when he hears that his wife Kitty (played by Harlow) has been having an affair with another man. Meanwhile, Dr. Wayne Talbot (played by Edmund Lowe) is desperately trying to convince Millicent's daughter, Paula (played by Madge Evans), to marry him despite her engagement to another man.
As the evening progresses, the characters' secrets and vulnerabilities are exposed, leading to dramatic confrontations and unexpected revelations. The film offers a scathing commentary on the decadence and superficiality of the upper classes during the Great Depression, while also showcasing the talents of some of Hollywood's most legendary actors.
