The original is so much better than the remake - Father of the Bride (1950) Discussion

[–] carmex 19 years ago

Katharine Hepburn was not in this movie. It was Elizabeth Taylor.

You spelling, grammar, and general speech is atrocious.

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[–] jkinoz 19 years ago

Elizabeth Taylor played the daughter. It was JOAN BENNETT who played Tracy's wife. Bennett and Tracy also had great chemistry and made four films together.

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[–] jtpaladin 19 years ago

What is it about the original that makes you like it better than the remake? Can you be specific?

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[–] Lobo305 18 years ago

The original has actors and is fun without being mean. I'd have no problem letting my future kids watch, the remake is boorish and oafish.

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[–] jersey-3 17 years ago

Personally, I think the remake had more heart, sincerity, and emotion to it.

The original, granted it was a different time, seems cold and "wooden-acted"

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[–] Erica152 17 years ago

I vote for the remake!

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[–] k-gage 8 years ago

I DIDN'T NOTICE any wooden acting at all. the acting was superb. i have never seen spencer acting wooden. the rest of the cast were great as well.

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[–] taylorje 17 years ago

The wedding etiquette of yesteryear is why I like it better. Elaborate trousseau, those dorky hats the bridesmaids wore, a huge elaborate reception at the Banks home. Kay's elaborate wedding dress that covers her from head to toe, a far cry from today's strapless, slinky gowns.

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[–] mrplankton 17 years ago

i liked both the original and remake alot. cant get better than spencer tracy and elizabeth taylor who was absolutely gorgeous. but martin short was brilliant in the remake.

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[–] Erica152 16 years ago

I think the remake is better!

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[–] TobyTyler10 15 years ago

The original is the superior film by far. The remake has its charms but went for laughs with too many cheap jokes and sight gags.

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[–] MissMargoChanning 17 years ago

I will always love this original more. Spencer Tracy IS the perfect father. I also love the times in which this was made. All of that 1950`s wedding etiquette.... Meeting the parents, the engagement party...etc...
I`m sure that it`s all still done today in some circles.
While I don`t actually hate the remake, I just feel that it lacks the charm that the original holds.

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[–] critical-escapist 17 years ago

I liked both but the original is slightly better. I think it's because I liked Spencer Tracy's portrayal of the father more than I liked Steve Martin's.

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[–] SeisCinemaSeis 15 years ago

I saw the remake first, enjoyed it mildly. Later I watched the original film and let me tell you the original is MUCH better.
Spencer Tracy steals the show, he was one of the greatest actors of Hollywood's Golden Age.

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[–] ObstinateAnnette 14 years ago

I agree with you 100%. There are several reasons that make the original better than the remake (all stated in previous comments above). But by far the biggest reason is Spencer Tracy. Period.

Si Hoc Legere Scis Nimium Eruditionis Habes

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[–] SirArvin 14 years ago

Keep in mind the title of the movie "Father of the Bride" Hence, Spence Tracy IS the better father over Steve Martin. The problem I have with the remake is that, as mentioned previously, it went for laughs. In the original, it showed more of the fathers insight and made as feel what Spencer Tracy was feeling - simply because of his superior acting.

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[–] Flight_of_Fantasy 13 years ago

I like the remake, but the original is far, FAR superior, owing largely to Spencer Tracy, although his performance is not the only reason.

"He's already attracted to her. Time and monotony will do the rest."

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[–] 13 years ago

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[–] LukeLovesFilm28 9 years ago

I have to go with the original. Don't get me wrong. I love Steve Martin. I love Diane Keaton. They're both great actors in their own right. BUT, Spencer Tracy is the perfect model of a father / husband. He is not perfect-looking. He's dumpy. He's not Cary Grant. But, the man has the pride, dignity and heart that Steve Martin's George was not given in the remake.

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[–] Cosmonican 9 years ago

I have to agree with you. Considering possible casting choices they might have made at the time: Cary Grant would have been a bad fit — would carry on into slapstick; Gary Cooper could have been good — it would have been an interesting difference; Clark Gable would have been scary. William Powell or Clifton Webb could both have walked away with this script and tricked it out, but Spenser Tracy as the gruff old dad was the best. Steve Martin? Phooey.

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