This movie has an okay plot--a guy wants to buy a cab license and his wife is insistent that they instead use the money on an over-priced wedding. But the movie is more than just a tissue-thin plot. Instead, the real story is that the acting and writing for the characters are so good that these all seem like real-life people--not like people acting. Ernest Borgnine--just coming off his success in MARTY, does a great job as the husband. Bette Davis is also exceptional as the mom. Debbie Reynolds could have been over-shadowed by these two fine actors but she manages to also come across quite well. The story is a bit simple and slow-moving and some may cringe at the painful family squabbling (though it never degenerates to outright cruelty--you know down deep they do care about each other). But, the acting pulls it all together.
Review of The Catered Affair
