The Catered Affair

Lightning did not strike twice for legendary writer Paddy Chayefsky, who fails to recapture the warmth and hard-earned uplift of his triumphant Marty in this 1956 slice-of-life drama set in the Bronx, directed by Richard Brooks. Agnes Hurley (Bette Davis) “goes off her rocker” when daughter Jane (Debbie Reynolds) announces she's going to get married—in a week. Agnes insists that Jane be given a lavish wedding (caviar instead of corned beef) despite the fact that the bride most definitely doesn't want it and Agnes's cab driver husband, Tom (Ernest Borgnine)—saving to buy his own taxi—can't afford it. The performances are solid and Chayefsky's play (adapted for the big screen by Gore Vidal) affords these great actors juicy set pieces, ranging from kitchen table confrontations to bedroom breakdowns. But Catered is a grim affair that not even Barry Fitzgerald getting his Irish up as Agnes's brother, Jack, can alleviate. With no bonus features save for the original theatrical preview, this DVD-R has a price tag that, like Agnes's dream celebration, seems a little steep. Still, the combination of Chayefsky's writing and the fine cast makes this a strong optional purchase. (D. Liebenson)