Betsy's Wedding is a 1990 American romantic comedy film written and directed by Alan Alda. The film stars Alda, Joey Bishop, Madeline Kahn, Catherine O'Hara, Joe Pesci, Ally Sheedy, Bibi Besch, Burt Young, and Molly Ringwald. It was theatrically released in the United States on June 22, 1990, by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.

Plot

Eddie Hopper is a construction contractor from Long Island, New York, and dad of two daughters. One of them, Betsy, is about to be married. Money is tight in the Hopper household, but Eddie, much to the dismay of his wife, Lola, decides that it is important to throw a lavish wedding to impress the wealthy family of Betsy's fiancé. Everyone in the family is throwing advice Eddie's way, even his father's ghost. A new house Eddie is building is adding to his financial and emotional woes. In desperation, he turns to his corrupt brother-in-law, Oscar, who ends up getting Eddie involved with loan sharks. Stevie Dee is sent to keep an eye on Eddie, but instead turns his gaze to Connie Hopper, who is not only a police officer but the bride's sister. Betsy's wedding ultimately goes ahead as planned, but is disrupted by a torrential downpour of rain.

Cast

Production

The plot was reportedly inspired by the marriage of Alda's youngest daughter.

Reception

Critical response

Betsy's Wedding received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes it has an approval rating of 56% based on reviews from 16 critics. Reviews of the film included comments such as "threadbare concoction", "narcissism flourishing like ragweed" and "unctuous". Betsy's Wedding has been cited as launching the film career of Anthony LaPaglia. Joe Pesci was asked about the film in interviews and declined to discuss it.

Accolades