If Stanley Banks had not been ready to see his daughter get married in the 1950 comedy Father of the Bride, he certainly was unprepared to become a grandfather.
This cute 1951 sequel would later be adapted for Steve Martin as Father of the Bride II, but here Spencer Tracy once again portrays grumpy Stanley Banks as he comes to terms with his newfound status.
The material is episodic and relatively cosy but strong performances from Tracy, Elizabeth Taylor and Joan Bennett give the film sufficient charm to be quite entertaining, if not a riot.
The film was directed by Vincente Minnelli who handles the material well, particularly the chaotic scenes with hoardes of well-wishers. Unfortunately however the film is in poor condition, looking washed out and with high levels of background noise.
That said, for fans of the first movie or the remakes this is a diverting eighty minutes that manages never to outstay its welcome.