Product: Father of the Bride [VHS] (1950)
Rating: 5.0
The original "Father of the Bride"
A buoyant, big-hearted MGM comedy featuring the wry comedic talent of Spencer Tracy, Minnelli's romp provided the original template for an idea that's been imitated countless times (as in 2000's "Meet the Parents"), but never done quite so charmingly. Tracy is side-splitting as the aggrieved, helpless Dad, even when he's just making a face. Taylor makes a radiant, effervescent bride-to-be (wasn't she always?), and Bennett is marvelous too, as are supporting players Moroni Olsen and Billie Burke, as Buckley's prominent, well-to-do parents. Minnelli keeps the whole affair--hilariously solemn heart-to-heart talks, a disastrous engagement party, lovers' spats--from derailing into broad farce. If you have to choose a "Bride," make it the original.