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Sheridan does have his charming side, which he uses to win over Stanley's hottie daughter June (Elisabeth Fraser), grown son Richard (Russell Arms), and Burke's eccentric sister Harriet (Ruth Vivian). Sheridan also has any number of actor friends who visit, chief among these Beverly (Reginald Gardiner), a convivial comedian, Banjo (Jimmy Durante), an irascible manic comic, and Lorraine (Ann Sheridan), a hottie actress. Sheridan's secretary is Warner Bros. megastar Bette Davis, who is technically the female lead but can't be particularly pleased with the relatively small role.
Davis promptly falls in love with Perfect Man local newspaperman (and unheralded but talented playwright) Bert Jefferson (Richard Travis). Davis gives Sheridan notice to wed Travis. Ever the wicked schemer, Sheridan convinces Lorraine to seduce Bert, to secure the lead in Bert's play and keep Davis at Sheridan's side.
Other supporting players include one octopus, four penguins, four murderer convicts, a dozen polite Asian tourists, and a clueless elderly country doctor (George Barber).
How others will see it. The Man Who Came to Dinner is a little-known classic comedy masterpiece. Woolley has the role of his life, knows it, and positively revels in it. His cause is aided by innumerable clever bon mots, such as "Dr. Bradley is the greatest living argument for mercy killing." These are written by three of the most talented 20th century playwrights and screenwriters, Julius J. Epstein, Moss Hart, and George S. Kaufman. Oh yes, and Julius' twin brother, Philip.
Fans of Jimmy Durante get to see him in one of his very few A-list roles. Durante kicks the bucket in It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, and narrates (if that's the word for it) the Christmas special "Frosty the Snowman". He's little-known outside of these three roles. But The Man Who Came to Dinner shows him in his relative prime, an unpredictable bundle of politically incorrect zaniness.
How I felt about it. The key to the film is the personality of Sheridan Whiteside. He is but one man, but some people despise him, others fear him, and still others adore him. All find him memorable. Whiteside enjoys insulting and ordering about those whom he considers to be humbugs. If they put up resistance, like Earnest Stanley, so much the better, since he is given an excuse to rachet up the verbal abuse and insolence.
On the other hand, if Whiteside considers you charming or interesting, he will give you his courtesy and respect. But whether he likes you or not, his guileful nature may double cross you if it suits his purposes. If it's loyalty you insist upon, get a dog. But don't expect him to be as entertaining.