Original and Remake: Father of the Bride

This month's Original and Remake is all about a big wedding, it's Father of the Bride. There are 2 versions of this the original from 1950 and the remake from 1991.

Father of the Bride (1950)

Directed By: Vincente Minnelli

Starring: Spencer Tracy, Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Bennett

Running Time: 92 Minutes

Father of the Bride (1991)

Directed By: Charles Shyer

Starring: Steve Martin, Kimberly Williams, Diane Keaton

Running Time: 105 Minutes

While the original has an impressive director, Vincente Minnelli and two big stars, Spencer Tracy and Elizabeth Taylor, I really prefer the remake. The original has some humorous moments but the remake is more of a comedy. Obviously, putting a comedian like Steve Martin in the main role makes the role funnier. Spencer Tracy was a good actor but I associate him more with drama than comedy. And while Elizabeth Taylor is lovely to look at I just feel like this role was a little bland compared to her other work. In the remake I feel like the father-daughter relationship is explored more and you get a better sense of just how close George and Annie (Kimberly Williams) are. The supporting cast in the remake is what really makes the movie stand out from the original, particularly Martin Short and B.D. Wong as the wedding planners, Franck and Howard. While I do enjoy Vincente Minnelli's work I just really feel like Charles Shyer pulls at your heartstrings a little more in this remake. I should also point out both of these films have a sequel, Father's Little Dividend is the sequel to the original Father of the Bride and Father of the Bride Part II is the sequel to the 1991 version of Father of the Bride. My pick is the 1991 remake as I feel it's one of those feel-good movies and if you're in the mood for a movie like that I'd recommend it. 

Until Next Time,

Ashley A.