The Catered Affair
Performance & Direction: The Catered Affair Review
Last updated: February 19, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Catered Affair (1956) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Catered Affair features a noteworthy lineup led by Bette Davis . Supported by the likes of Ernest Borgnine and Debbie Reynolds , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: The Catered Affair
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1956, The Catered Affair is a Drama, Comedy, Romance film directed by Richard Brooks. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Bette Davis.
Ending Explained: The Catered Affair
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Richard Brooks, The Catered Affair resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Bette Davis, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Catered Affair reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Catered Affair?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Bette Davis or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Top Cast: The Catered Affair
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Where to Watch The Catered Affair Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeThe Catered Affair Parents Guide & Age Rating
1956 AdvisoryWondering about The Catered Affair age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Catered Affair is 94 minutes (1h 34m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, The Catered Affair is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1956 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Catered Affair worth watching?
The Catered Affair is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Catered Affair parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Catered Affair identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Catered Affair?
The total duration of The Catered Affair is 94 minutes, which is approximately 1h 34m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Catered Affair
Bette Davis and Ernest Borgnine are cracking in this really rather agonising drama of a couple who must reconcile their own (differing) aspirations for their daughter's forthcoming wedding with their reputations and their pocket books - and the peer pressures of neighbours and their soon-to-be in-laws alike. Initially, the young couple "Jane" (Debbie Reynolds) and "Ralph" (Rod Taylor) just want a simple ceremony to save everyone fuss, hassle and money. When his father offers them an apartment, and her neighbours start to wonder about the "haste" of it all, Davis ("Aggie") convinces thrifty husband "Tom" (Borgnine) that they must go all out on the wedding of the century. At times funny, with plenty of pathos and some super character parts from Barry Fitzgerald as "Uncle Jack" and cutie brother Ray Stricklyn as army-bound brother "Eddie" the story moves along at one hell of a pace. The star looks every inch the dreary housewife, Borgnine is super as the beleaguered cabbie husband who has saved all his life so as he can go into business on his own - and the kids all combine to convey the frustrations and expectations of this "big day" in a way that must make any impending nuptials scare the heck out of anyone. Great entertainment.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
