We’re stepping into the glittering yet crumbling world of 1930s high society with George Cukor’s Dinner at Eight (1933), a witty screwball comedy featuring an all-star cast: Jean Harlow, Marie Dressler, Billie Burke, Lionel Barrymore, and John Barrymore. In this episode, I explore the film’s themes of social facades, dinner party politics, and the symbolism of an elaborate aspic dish that holds everything together, until it doesn’t.
For our coffee pairing, we’re brewing Allegro’s Moka Java in a French Press, a centuries-old coffee blend with rich notes of chocolate and spice, perfect for savoring over dessert.
We’ll talk about scene-stealing performances, the art of the dinner party, the cultural history of aspic, and how glamour can sometimes be a coping mechanism.
A special thanks to Lindsay Ericson and Kelly Rae Legault for their support.
Where to Buy the Coffee:
Allegro Coffee: https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/product/allegro-coffee-mocha-java
Bodum French Press: https://www.bodum.com/
Amazon French Press Selection: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=french+press+coffee+maker
Where to Watch the Film:
Amazon Prime Video: https://www.amazon.com/Dinner-at-Eight-Lionel-Barrymore/dp/B0026LYP1K
Apple TV: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/dinner-at-eight/umc.cmc.1ds3x6q5z2d3fwk5v7rku33h1
DVD/Blu-ray on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dinner-at-Eight-Lionel-Barrymore/dp/B00006L957
Sources & Further Reading:
Mocha Java Coffee – A Comprehensive Guide (Weaver’s Coffee):
https://weaverscoffee.com/blogs/blog/mocha-java-coffee-a-comprehensive-guide?srsltid=AfmBOopTowzXPj_JTSRj78sazmX2vfLzOqyvmLWt_Hh03wVBSOdvFwES
Dinner at Eight (1933 film) – Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinner_at_Eight_(1933_film)
Mocha Java Coffee – The World’s Oldest Coffee Blend (Volcanica Coffee):
https://volcanicacoffee.com/blogs/news/mocha-java-coffee-the-worlds-oldest-coffee-blend?srsltid=AfmBOorDjXwYkHmUYnmHXOy_JAH9tkv0H-5URCTVf1G6ZkPc7RK1XAvY&utm_source=chatgpt.com
Wikipedia – Aspic: for its origins, definition, and culinary uses.
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