‘HOUSEBOAT’ IS ONE OF THE HILARIOUS 1950s COMEDIES
Any time you sit in, and with an open mind, give one of the classic old movies a chance, by the end you are usually in stitches. This holds true with Houseboat, a charming family comedy that has more than one laugh-out-loud moment.
Houseboat (1958) Film Review
A curious conundrum is before Tom Winters (Cary Grant). He’s a father of three children whom he hasn’t seen in three years, and the wife he was separated from, has recently died. This brings the frequent business traveler home where his wife’s family has decided on who will be taking in what child. Thing is, even though his children don’t like him and he is unsure of how to be a father, Tom decides they all belong with him.
The foursome leaves for his tiny city apartment and then, during a concert, Tom loses young Robert. Into their orbit, this brings them Cinzia (Sophia Loren), an Italian beauty who is tired of her father controlling her life and is just looking for an adventure. Naturally, Robert decides she is the perfect person to be their nanny and through a series of mishappen events, the five of them end up living in a dilapidated houseboat where mishaps await them all!
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‘HOUSEBOAT’ IS ONE OF THE HILARIOUS 1950s COMEDIES. #CaryGrant stars in funny 50s comedy. #SophiaLoren #Comedy #ClassicComedy #Vintage Share on XThis is one of those films that is just, well, darling. Its supporting cast is good and while I don’t think I’ve seen them in a lot of other things, the kids Paul Peterson (who did go on to star in the sitcom The Donna Reed Show), Mimi Gibson and Charles Herbert are all really good as is Martha Hyer. A familiar face to the viewers of the 50s, Cary Grant is a popular actor of his time and of course, Sophia Loren also a familiar name.
Houseboat is probably one of my favorite old movies. It’s one of those genuine comedies’ that is actually, well a comedy. Today so many films are billed as a comedy, but they tend to morph into things that really don’t feel like a straight comedy. If you don’t mind outlandish comedy or any comedy from this cinematic era, you are likely to enjoy this. So, all that to say, rent Houseboat on your next family night. It’s a rare classic that I hope you will enjoy as much as my family did.
Stream, at publication, Houseboat with Pluto TV; or find or find to digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
Photos: Alamy
Content: there is some cheeky innuendo (all very 1950s) which by today’s standard probably wouldn’t require more than a PG rating. Someone slaps a woman on the behind and has some unkind things to say. Women gossip about affairs and who is having them. There may be some other minor comments.
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Another new to me movie. Thanks for introducing me to so many new (old) movies.