“Father’s Little Dividend” is a comedy film released in 1951 and directed by Vincente Minnelli. It is a sequel to the popular film “Father of the Bride” (1950) and stars Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett, and Elizabeth Taylor.
The story follows Stanley Banks (Spencer Tracy), a father who is now a grandfather. His daughter Kay (Elizabeth Taylor) is pregnant and engaged to Buckley Dunstan (Don Taylor). Stanley is not thrilled about the prospect of becoming a grandfather and worries about the cost of raising a child. He is also concerned about losing his daughter to Buckley and the Dunstan family.
When Kay and Buckley return from their honeymoon, they bring a surprise announcement – they have bought a house and want to move in with the Banks family until they can afford to move into their own place. Stanley is hesitant at first, but ultimately agrees to let them stay.
As the days go by, Stanley becomes more and more frustrated with the constant noise and chaos of having a new baby in the house. He also clashes with Buckley’s father (Moroni Olsen) over their differing parenting styles. Eventually, Stanley has had enough and decides to move out of the house to escape the chaos.
However, after a heart-to-heart with his wife Ellie (Joan Bennett), Stanley realizes how much he loves his family and decides to return home. The film ends with Stanley and Ellie watching their granddaughter take her first steps, surrounded by their family.
Overall, “Father’s Little Dividend” is a heartwarming comedy that explores the challenges of family life and the joys of parenthood and grandparenthood.
Directors:
Vincente Minnelli
Writer:
Albert Hackett, Frances Goodrich, Edward Streeter
Stars:
Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett, Elizabeth Taylor
