Having already seen both movie versions and being cast in the play by the same name, I had to find a copy of the book and find out where all the delightful wit and humor had originated. I was also seeking to see if I could glean anything from the novel to use while acting in the play. I really enjoyed the movies and love the play. However, the book is more humorous than all three.

FATHER OF THE BRIDE is told from the vantage point of Stanley Banks, the title character but in an omniscient way. There are tons of witty, one-liners throughout the novel, and though there is some dated material, the Mr. Banks of the novel seems more real and down-to-Earth than any the films are theatre have produced. The book is full of observations on life; from women and men to children and business, but told in a humorous, yet enlightening way. The book isn't very long and makes for a very entertaining read. "How. . . How".

This humorous play is based on the novel and has been successfully made into two different movies. The movie starring Spencer Tracy is more similar to the play than the Steve Martin film. However, the Steve Martin movie has one very important character that the Spencer Tracy film does not, Massoula (played by Martin Short); who is the funniest character in the script. Anyway, the play is a charming comedy that examines the horrors of the rituals we call weddings from the perspective of the father of the bride.

Mr. Banks is a happily married man with three children who doesn't have any major problems in life. Then his daughter announces out of the blue that she is engaged to a man the family barely knows. Chaos begins and continues throughout the play until the last scene when we see the true character of the father of the bride.

A delightful play that's not only a blast to watch, but is a joy to read as well.

I read this book a couple of months ago. It's very funny and sad at the same time. i feel bad for the dad because he's going through a hard time. But it has a happy ending.