First I need to point out that this movie isn't much like the later TV series. It stars Glenn Ford as a widower raising a young child, played by Ron Howard. While their relationship is loving and sweet, they are both looking for a new wife/mother. And Ron Howard is a little devil trying to set up Dad! I like the kid's taste, though, as he sets his sights first on Stella Stevens and then on Shirley Jones--that kid had great taste! Even though you can easily predict where the movie will end up, the acting and writing and direction are so good that you don't really mind at all. That's because it is sentimental but avoids schmaltzy, gooey over-sentimentalism that could have easily ruined this film--thanks in part to a decent use of comedy.
43 Reviews
117 Minutes of Pleasure
lovesandie111 September 2006
My wife and I watched this film last night on TCM (all hail) and we both enjoyed it. I get so tired of hearing comments about this and other films being "dated". What do you expect? I consider what other people call "dated" as direct links into what society was like at the time the film(s) was(were) written, kind of a celluloid sociology course. Lighten up! A movie that is forty-three years old isn't going to be a modern example of people, places, and things. Sheesh! Anyway, what I'll take from this film is that Ronny Howard WAS the finest child actor in films and television. Consider that, in 1963, at 9 years old, he was already doing the Opie-thing for 3 years. In this film, he acts nothing like Opie, he turns into a whole different child: Eddie Corbitt. The under-used Shirley Jones (big crush) was marvelous again, and Glenn Ford was supremely good at his self-styled "non-acting". Stella Stevens's drum solo scene is an excellent highlight. Also, did anyone recognize Clint Howard as a toddler at Eddie's birthday party scene? Or Rance Howard as a camp counselor?
Getting Through The Hurt
bkoganbing6 December 2007
Glenn Ford did two films with director Vincente Minnelli, the incredibly bad sound remake of The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse and this very good family film about a widower and his young son trying to get on with life after the wife and mother has passed away.
The Courtship of Eddie's Father in addition to being made into a long running television series with Bill Bixby, Miyoshi Umeki, and Brandon Cruz, still holds up very well after 44 years.
What makes the film is the very real chemistry between Glenn Ford and Ron Howard who was on hiatus from the Andy Griffith show to make this film. The Courtship of Eddie's Father is about two very real individuals trying to work through the hurt that's surrounding a very big hole in their lives.
Ford plays the manager of a radio station and Jerry Van Dyke has a nice role as Ford's best friend and one of the disc jockeys. Roberta Sherwood has the part of the housekeeper who's trying to learn Spanish, the part that Miyoshi Umeki did for television. As you can imagine it was rewritten somewhat.
There are three women interested in Ford at one time or another. Shirley Jones is the best friend of the deceased, living in the apartment across the way. Dina Merrill is the society lady that she is in real life. And Stella Stevens is the beauty queen from Montana who's got some hidden talents. One guess who Ford looks like he'll wind up with in the end. Give you a hint, it's the one Ron Howard wishes it is.
After the disaster of The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse, Minnelli owed Glenn Ford a good picture and he certainly delivered.
The Courtship of Eddie's Father in addition to being made into a long running television series with Bill Bixby, Miyoshi Umeki, and Brandon Cruz, still holds up very well after 44 years.
What makes the film is the very real chemistry between Glenn Ford and Ron Howard who was on hiatus from the Andy Griffith show to make this film. The Courtship of Eddie's Father is about two very real individuals trying to work through the hurt that's surrounding a very big hole in their lives.
Ford plays the manager of a radio station and Jerry Van Dyke has a nice role as Ford's best friend and one of the disc jockeys. Roberta Sherwood has the part of the housekeeper who's trying to learn Spanish, the part that Miyoshi Umeki did for television. As you can imagine it was rewritten somewhat.
There are three women interested in Ford at one time or another. Shirley Jones is the best friend of the deceased, living in the apartment across the way. Dina Merrill is the society lady that she is in real life. And Stella Stevens is the beauty queen from Montana who's got some hidden talents. One guess who Ford looks like he'll wind up with in the end. Give you a hint, it's the one Ron Howard wishes it is.
After the disaster of The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse, Minnelli owed Glenn Ford a good picture and he certainly delivered.
A heartwarming movie...
wikkedladi15 December 2000
I disagree that this movie is sexist at all. In fact, I believe that the character of Tom Corbett is quite different (in a good way) from the fathers of that time. I continue to find this movie extremely entertaining (while ertainly more "fluff" than depth) and nostalgic, due in most part to Ron Howard's superb and engaging performance. The parts where Eddie tells his dad at summer camp that he is in love, and the end of the movie, where Eddie is "practicing" with this dad on what to say to the neighbor to ask her out on a date, are absolutely priceless. Watching Ron Howard in this movie makes you realize why he was sought after as a child actor.
Minnelli's Surprising Mix of Melodrama and Domestic Comedy With an Impressive Turn by Ron Howard
EUyeshima30 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I used to love the early 1970's TV series which took its premise from this 1963 movie, so it was with some trepidation that I finally saw the original film directed by Vincente Minnelli. For such a family-oriented vehicle, his sometimes excessive film-making style shows up in subtle ways throughout the picture, and that's what primarily makes it interesting viewing now. The film starts out as an amusing domestic comedy, periodically hints toward deeper issues of grief and single parenthood, and then dives headlong into melodrama in the last half-hour. The result is pure Minnelli.
The other memorable aspect is eight-year old Ron Howard, sixth-billed and then known as Ronny, who delivers the central performance of Eddie without resorting to precociousness. More than his adult co-stars, he brings all the elements of the film together on an emotional level that resonates. Written by Tom Gay, the plot focuses on Eddie's attempts to reinvigorate the love life of his recently widowed father Tom. The likely candidate appears to be the pretty, recently divorced nurse next door, Elizabeth, but Tom and she start off on the wrong foot despite the fact that Eddie adores her. Efforts get refocused on Dolly, a vacuous, curvaceous girl they meet at the arcade, but Tom redirects her to womanizing disc jockey Norman. Tom then meets socialite Rita, whose glaring lack of a maternal instinct alienates Eddie to the point of running away.
All ends inevitably but not before some startling scenes like Eddie traumatized by the sight of his dead fish and Tom careening recklessly in his car to find Eddie (it looks like a similarly hair-raising scene on an Italian hillside road in Minnelli's "Two Weeks in Another Town"). In fact, the climactic argument between Tom and Elizabeth is surprisingly vitriolic for a family picture. Not the most charismatic of actors, Glenn Ford is solid as Tom, while a non-singing Shirley Jones plays Elizabeth with dexterity. The other performances are a bit more on the pat side - Stella Stevens lovably dim as Dolly, Jerry Van Dyke his recognizably unctuous self as Norman and Dina Merrill all slithery glamour as Rita. There are no extras with the 2004 DVD.
The other memorable aspect is eight-year old Ron Howard, sixth-billed and then known as Ronny, who delivers the central performance of Eddie without resorting to precociousness. More than his adult co-stars, he brings all the elements of the film together on an emotional level that resonates. Written by Tom Gay, the plot focuses on Eddie's attempts to reinvigorate the love life of his recently widowed father Tom. The likely candidate appears to be the pretty, recently divorced nurse next door, Elizabeth, but Tom and she start off on the wrong foot despite the fact that Eddie adores her. Efforts get refocused on Dolly, a vacuous, curvaceous girl they meet at the arcade, but Tom redirects her to womanizing disc jockey Norman. Tom then meets socialite Rita, whose glaring lack of a maternal instinct alienates Eddie to the point of running away.
All ends inevitably but not before some startling scenes like Eddie traumatized by the sight of his dead fish and Tom careening recklessly in his car to find Eddie (it looks like a similarly hair-raising scene on an Italian hillside road in Minnelli's "Two Weeks in Another Town"). In fact, the climactic argument between Tom and Elizabeth is surprisingly vitriolic for a family picture. Not the most charismatic of actors, Glenn Ford is solid as Tom, while a non-singing Shirley Jones plays Elizabeth with dexterity. The other performances are a bit more on the pat side - Stella Stevens lovably dim as Dolly, Jerry Van Dyke his recognizably unctuous self as Norman and Dina Merrill all slithery glamour as Rita. There are no extras with the 2004 DVD.
a delightful trip back to sixties boy meets girl,girl girl..
parrothead_dad30 December 2003
I saw most of this film again for the first time in years the other day.I then purchased the DVD to catch the ending..and was glad i did. being a fan of Glenn Ford and Shirley Jones as well as "Ronny" Howard i couldn't pass this one up. Glenn Ford's Eddie's Father isn't the same laid back Eddie's Father that Bill Bixby was in the TV series that was based on this movie.His is a bit quirkier and introspective and maybe not as funny and warm but still worth getting to know. The matchmaking that goes on is strictly sixties through and through a formula we have seen time and time again but the hint of Eddie's Father having himself a time while he is out "courting" is as subtle as a man in a chicken suit in church. Ron Howard is as good as ever and although Brandon Cruz who was Eddie in the TV series was a bit warmer Ron Howard's Eddie is a more honest to god kid most of the time,with all the faults that come with being an 8 yr old boy The women in the film..all beautiful all talented all out for Eddie"s father are as you would expect in an early sixties film kind of cardboard cutouts but good on the eyes
The best thing Ron Howard's ever done.
MOscarbradley25 January 2021
An eight year old Ron, or as he's called here 'Ronny', Howard gives a phenomenal performance as Eddie, (it's easily the best thing he's ever done, either as an actor or as a director), while Glenn Ford gives what is almost certainly a career-best performance as his father in Vincente Minnelli's late masterpiece "The Courtship of Eddie's Father". It's a comedy, and often a very funny one, but with a dramatic edge to it and a large dollop of sentimentality which Minnelli carries off beautifully.
Ford's a widower with a young son and it's the son who decides it's time his unhappy dad found a new wife. The potential candidates are Stella Stevens, (wonderful), Dina Merrill and Shirley Jones as the next-door neighbour and since it's Jones who gets star billing it isn't too difficult to work out who the new Mrs. Ford is likely to be. There's a housekeeper, too, splendidly played by Roberta Sherwood and a nice supporting turn by Jerry Van Dyke as an associate of Ford's and they are all helped along by John Gay's superb screenplay adapted from Mark Toby's novel. The film was sufficiently successful to spawn a television series which lacked the ingredients that made this a classic of its kind and the last truly great film Minnelli would ever direct.
Ford's a widower with a young son and it's the son who decides it's time his unhappy dad found a new wife. The potential candidates are Stella Stevens, (wonderful), Dina Merrill and Shirley Jones as the next-door neighbour and since it's Jones who gets star billing it isn't too difficult to work out who the new Mrs. Ford is likely to be. There's a housekeeper, too, splendidly played by Roberta Sherwood and a nice supporting turn by Jerry Van Dyke as an associate of Ford's and they are all helped along by John Gay's superb screenplay adapted from Mark Toby's novel. The film was sufficiently successful to spawn a television series which lacked the ingredients that made this a classic of its kind and the last truly great film Minnelli would ever direct.
worth a see
rupie19 June 2013
I tuned in to this one because I'm becoming a real Glenn Ford fan. I think he's a superb and underrated actor with a wide range, and he indeed shines in this charming and unpretentious flick. As far as all the comments about being dated and politically incorrect, I recall the admonition of my college history professor that we cannot judge past eras by the standards of the culture we live in. And this film is not that ancient. I and many viewers grew up in the era in which this movie was made, and considering things nowadays I wouldn't mind going back. Anyway, the film does have its flaws, primarily the speed with which Eddie goes from mourning to trying to get his Dad hitched again. It's a bit unnatural, but we should just suspend disbelief. The chemistry between father and son is what makes the film shine, and in this age of broken families and parents willing to discard their children, it's sadly nostalgic to see such devotion. The film never overplays Tom's relationship with his two paramours. Character development is well done, including the housemaid Mrs. Livngstone, who finally learns Spanish, only to find out she studied the wrong language. It's a charming and tender movie, and the production values are great. The color technology in films of that era was so superior to today's.
A Delight!
fullquiver-347829 March 2020
Charming family story
vincentlynch-moonoi19 June 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Little Ronny Howard gives a remarkable performance in this film, which is so much better than the television series it spawned. Howard was only 9 when he made this film, and I can't say that I have ever seen as wonderful a performance by a child of that age in any film.
Glen Ford is superb as the father, recovering (as is Eddie) from his wife's (mother's) death. In fact, this may be Ford's most ingratiating role. Shirley Jones is equally as wonderful as the woman next door. Dina Merrill is fine as the stuffy country-club-type Eddie's father almost marries, but right from the first few minutes of the film, we all know he'll end up marrying Shirley Jones. Jerry VanDyke -- the more talented of the two brothers -- has a different role here...as a sort of playboy; he does it well. Stella Stevens' role as a ditsy but bright unattached woman is a distraction from the main story, but quite entertaining...particularly her drum solo.
There's humor, some drama, and lots of sentimentality, but this strikes me as a film that is not too far from the reality of how a child would feel when his mother dies.
Excellent family film, well worth watching. Perhaps the best of its genre.
Glen Ford is superb as the father, recovering (as is Eddie) from his wife's (mother's) death. In fact, this may be Ford's most ingratiating role. Shirley Jones is equally as wonderful as the woman next door. Dina Merrill is fine as the stuffy country-club-type Eddie's father almost marries, but right from the first few minutes of the film, we all know he'll end up marrying Shirley Jones. Jerry VanDyke -- the more talented of the two brothers -- has a different role here...as a sort of playboy; he does it well. Stella Stevens' role as a ditsy but bright unattached woman is a distraction from the main story, but quite entertaining...particularly her drum solo.
There's humor, some drama, and lots of sentimentality, but this strikes me as a film that is not too far from the reality of how a child would feel when his mother dies.
Excellent family film, well worth watching. Perhaps the best of its genre.
Too much Jerry Van Dyke
Drimble_Wedge20 June 2022
And not enough Shirley Jones. Seriously, Jerry brings down anything he's in. Always playing the same overbearing, unlikable characters. Although in this one he adds "sleazy" to his resume.
Glenn Ford is hard to like in this as well. His character is unsympathetic, even at the end.
I don't know how a such a beloved TV series was created from this joyless movie.
Glenn Ford is hard to like in this as well. His character is unsympathetic, even at the end.
I don't know how a such a beloved TV series was created from this joyless movie.
charming comedy
lunstr5 July 2001
charming comedy about a handsome widower whose precouious six-year-old son who vets all his potential dates. Glenn Ford is playing tom corbet very convincing and Shirley Jones is wonderful as elizabeth marten. this movie is smooth and wonderful. 8 of 10
Comfy outing for families
moonspinner5530 May 2005
Plushly-produced fluff stars Glenn Ford as a widower father dating different women, unaware that the divorcée next-door might just be the perfect gal for both Dad and his precocious young son. Vincente Minnelli's direction isn't as detailed or full-bodied as one might hope--and the picture doesn't flourish as a result. John Gay's screenplay, based on the novel by Mark Toby, trades off comedy with sentiment, though there's also a curious undercurrent of cynicism in the mix (with a penchant for events to happen off-screen). Nevertheless, the lead performances by Glenn Ford, Shirley Jones and Ronny Howard are first-rate, while Stella Stevens is colorful in a stop-and-start supporting role (one that isn't allowed to take off). Later a popular TV series. **1/2 from ****
Not too good...
hemisphere65-130 December 2021
Glenn Ford seems completely out of place here, but Ronny Howard hams it up in most scenes, you hardly notice.
Jerry Van Dyke is awful, as is Stella Stevens. The time wasted on them seems interminable!
Not an interesting movie, and full of dated stereotypes, but quite a bit of cool early 60s pop culture items.
I almost forgot; the music throughout is horrible!
Jerry Van Dyke is awful, as is Stella Stevens. The time wasted on them seems interminable!
Not an interesting movie, and full of dated stereotypes, but quite a bit of cool early 60s pop culture items.
I almost forgot; the music throughout is horrible!
How did I miss this one ?
audubon-114 January 2004
First time I've ever seen this forty year old movie, and I loved it.Was that really Ron Howard ? (Well we didn't get Andy Griffith Show so I'm not used to him being so young). I always find Glenn Ford to be a tru pro, and was happy to see Stella Stevens in it.I think she starred in Girls Girls Girls around the same period.I used to have a huge poster of her and Elvis on my wall when I was a kid(from Girls Girls Girls). I prefer this kind of movie to many on the screen today. At least men and women drressed well then.
Delightfully Dated
dxnntbktfz16 December 2020
It is true the film is quite dated and no longer relevant go the times for live in now. However, for me this is what I enjoyed about this film. It's like a time capsule of the past. From the way it was shot, the dialogue and even the overall theme is a quaint reminder of where we were.
Another example of the under-usage of Dina Merrill
1726811 September 2006
Dina Merrill should have had a much more successful screen career. She is a beautiful, intelligent, warm, extremely credible actress. Perhaps her very strong resemblance to Grace Kelly worked against her. In this film, "The Courtship of Eddie's Father," someone had the dumb idea to make her a brunette, probably because the lead actress, Shirley Jones, was also a blonde. For Merrill, this is a nothing role which she brings a great deal more to than it deserves. The rest of the cast is good, especially Ron(nie) Howard, although Glenn Ford is, as usual, low-key to the point of monotony; and Jerry Van Dyke proves that the same genes don't necessarily produce comic geniuses in a family.
Wonderful movie
sherrym-364-153801 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Didn't even know there was a movie before the TV version of The Courtship of Eddie's Father. Hubby & I caught this a couple weekends ago on TV - loved it! Sometimes these old movies are the best things to watch on TV. Amazing how you pay over $100 a month for TV and then find a gem like this because there is nothing else on. Ron Howard is as cute as can be - looked up info later on this movie, can't believe he was 8 years old. Shirley Jones is wonderful in this - I miss these kind of movies. So much crap out there today, fun to find something like this on TV to view! Always love it when the nice girl gets the guy! Thank goodness for TCM and AMC - we are always discovering "new to us" movies out there!
Life with father
jotix10024 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Having only seen the sitcom that was made for television, we decided to take a look at the 1963 original film directed by none other than Vincente Minnelli, a man that almost always delivered. It's sad to see that neither Mr. Minnelli, nor the screen adapter, John Gay, had any clear ideas about what to make of the material. The movie could have done much more, but ends up as a typical comedy of that period.
Tom Corbett, a widower with a young son, Eddie, is at the center of the story. Being still relatively young, Tom is the object of desire by women that are looking for a husband. The problem is that it's obvious the girl next door, Elizabeth, is really the one for him from the moment we set our eyes on her. Eddie, who is going through some bereavement pains, has a problem, accepting his mother's death.
Tom and Elizabeth irritate one another when they are together. This is part of what will become a match made in heaven, or so we think, but no, Tom decides to pursue someone else, Rita, who is into fashion, and clearly the wrong woman to bring home to Eddie. That becomes quite clear when Rita suggests to send Eddie to be with relatives for a while when they get married. This suggestion is what triggers Tom to realize how wonderful Elizabeth is after all.
Glenn Ford was good as Tom. Mr. Ford always gave an honest performance, as he does here. The lovely Shirley Jones is perfect as Elizabeth. It is however Dina Merrill who makes is a joy to watch her as Rita. Ms. Merrill is an actress that deserved much better parts. She was radiantly beautiful and projects such an elegant figure in the movie. Ron Howard, was at a cute stage of his career. Roberta Sherwood is fun as the housekeeper.
This is a film to watch as a curiosity. Vincente Minnelli's direction doesn't go anywhere.
Tom Corbett, a widower with a young son, Eddie, is at the center of the story. Being still relatively young, Tom is the object of desire by women that are looking for a husband. The problem is that it's obvious the girl next door, Elizabeth, is really the one for him from the moment we set our eyes on her. Eddie, who is going through some bereavement pains, has a problem, accepting his mother's death.
Tom and Elizabeth irritate one another when they are together. This is part of what will become a match made in heaven, or so we think, but no, Tom decides to pursue someone else, Rita, who is into fashion, and clearly the wrong woman to bring home to Eddie. That becomes quite clear when Rita suggests to send Eddie to be with relatives for a while when they get married. This suggestion is what triggers Tom to realize how wonderful Elizabeth is after all.
Glenn Ford was good as Tom. Mr. Ford always gave an honest performance, as he does here. The lovely Shirley Jones is perfect as Elizabeth. It is however Dina Merrill who makes is a joy to watch her as Rita. Ms. Merrill is an actress that deserved much better parts. She was radiantly beautiful and projects such an elegant figure in the movie. Ron Howard, was at a cute stage of his career. Roberta Sherwood is fun as the housekeeper.
This is a film to watch as a curiosity. Vincente Minnelli's direction doesn't go anywhere.
Move over, Sandy Nelson, let there be Stella drums!
trz195122 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Nice, wholesome movie on Father's Day. Glenn, Shirley, Dina, Opie and whole cast did a great job.
I've seen this a few times, but I didn't appreciate Stella Stevens' drumming before! She was for real! What a woman! A charlatan is soon found out; Stella was no phony.
But I thought the subplot, Van Dyke and Stevens, was contrived so that Stella could sit in with the combo (Vito Scotti on flute!)
If so, fine with me.
Not crazy about Eddie hopping on a truck to NYC, though. Kinda unbelievable. Who cares?
Interesting: Ronnie Howard, Mr. Van Dyke are Andy Griffith Show guys. And Glenn Ford's name is mentioned at least twice on same show.
I've seen this a few times, but I didn't appreciate Stella Stevens' drumming before! She was for real! What a woman! A charlatan is soon found out; Stella was no phony.
But I thought the subplot, Van Dyke and Stevens, was contrived so that Stella could sit in with the combo (Vito Scotti on flute!)
If so, fine with me.
Not crazy about Eddie hopping on a truck to NYC, though. Kinda unbelievable. Who cares?
Interesting: Ronnie Howard, Mr. Van Dyke are Andy Griffith Show guys. And Glenn Ford's name is mentioned at least twice on same show.
little Ronny Howard
SnoopyStyle26 November 2020
Eddie Corbett (Ronny Howard) lives with his father Tom (Glenn Ford) in Manhattan as they try to recover from his mother's recent death. There is the next door neighbor friend Elizabeth Marten (Shirley Jones). The father and son encounter Dollye Daly (Stella Stevens) at a fair. She ends up marrying Tom's co-worker friend Norman Jones (Jerry Van Dyke). Tom starts dating snotty socialite Rita Behrens (Dina Merrill).
There are some overly dramatic acting early on. I can excuse the over the top crying from little Ronny Howard but the adults go too far. When they dial it up to eleven so early, the actors have nowhere else to go. It would be better for little Ronny to break down during the climax allowing her to come in and save the family. The problem with the initial breakup is that the separation keeps them from building any chemistry. As for the Dollye and Norman relationship, I don't really care that much about it unless they can make it funnier. It's a waste of screen time. I still like the premise and the actors. This is a functional family story. Mostly, I find the father son struggles intriguing. I like the conflict.
There are some overly dramatic acting early on. I can excuse the over the top crying from little Ronny Howard but the adults go too far. When they dial it up to eleven so early, the actors have nowhere else to go. It would be better for little Ronny to break down during the climax allowing her to come in and save the family. The problem with the initial breakup is that the separation keeps them from building any chemistry. As for the Dollye and Norman relationship, I don't really care that much about it unless they can make it funnier. It's a waste of screen time. I still like the premise and the actors. This is a functional family story. Mostly, I find the father son struggles intriguing. I like the conflict.
It's charming...TOO charming...
JasparLamarCrabb5 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
It's certainly charming, but it's also just a tad too sweet. Vincente Minnelli's direction is possibly his glossiest...there's not an inkling of reality allowed to seep in...Glenn Ford's wife dies and he and son Ronny Howard a left at sea trying to make it without a woman in their lives. WHO will they get to take her place? Neighbor Shirley Jones seems an ideal fit as does potential beauty pageant entrant Stella Stevens...not so much fashion maven Dina Merrill. The three leading ladies are all fine, but Ford is just awful...he's way too cold for this material. Howard is just as bad (clearly taking cues from someone off camera) and particularly grating when he's supposed to be distressed (running a fever, melting down after discovering one of his goldfish has died). Ford and Howard are supposed to be emotional zombies, but their acting just clashes with the overall light feel of the rest of the movie. And what genius decided to cast Jerry Van Dyke(!) as Ford's comic foil (a caddish DJ at the radio station Ford works at)? When compared to brother Dick, it's clear that Jerry came from the shallow end of the comic gene pool.
Fun Family Movie!
mls41826 March 2021
Cute comedy
signlady4 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Just caught this on TCM - probably saw it when I was a kid - but that's been a number of undisclosed decades ago . . . :D
Ron Howard is adorable here. Glenn Ford is just Glen Ford. I like him, but he always seems to be brooding.
Simple plot - widowed dad sad, son wants to fix him up with a new lady. Dad is aloof to the perfect match just across the hall, instead engages a self absorbed dame. Son takes exception. Everything works out.
I like the fun notion of a redhead, a blonde, & a brunette. I wanted to like the brunette - but it was on/off obvious she didn't really want a stepson around. I think that could've been made more clear.
As with all old movies, (& some new ones too) there's a lot of unecessary scenes that don't really move the story along - but overall this is a pretty fun old movie that'll take you back right to the early 60s styles of everything from clothes to home interiors & home accessories.
Ron Howard is adorable here. Glenn Ford is just Glen Ford. I like him, but he always seems to be brooding.
Simple plot - widowed dad sad, son wants to fix him up with a new lady. Dad is aloof to the perfect match just across the hall, instead engages a self absorbed dame. Son takes exception. Everything works out.
I like the fun notion of a redhead, a blonde, & a brunette. I wanted to like the brunette - but it was on/off obvious she didn't really want a stepson around. I think that could've been made more clear.
As with all old movies, (& some new ones too) there's a lot of unecessary scenes that don't really move the story along - but overall this is a pretty fun old movie that'll take you back right to the early 60s styles of everything from clothes to home interiors & home accessories.
Forgettable Drama ***Spoilers***
gmc1399-747-69169222 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
After seeing Glenn Ford in "The Mating of Millie" I was looking forward to watching this movie. In the "MOM" Ford played a witty, confident man full of personality and humor. I thought I would see this type of character in "The Courtship of Eddie's Father." Unfortunately, however, I discovered, that instead of a fun romantic comedy I got a bland, forgettable drama. Ford plays Tom Corbett, a widower, and Ron Howard plays Eddie, his son. I was somewhat surprised at some of the "adult" lines they gave Ron Howard to say, which I thought were unnecessary and inappropriate. There were also some pretty dramatic scenes (e.g., Eddie screaming bloody murder after finding one of his goldfish had died, etc.) that I hadn't expected, which just didn't seem to fit too well in this movie. Ford's character was somewhat likable, but too detached and dull. He really didn't have much personality at all.
I was expecting some humor, but there were hardly any funny parts and the whole story involving Norman Jones (Jerry Van Dyke-his employee at the radio station he and Corbett worked at) and Dolly Daily (a woman Corbett met in town who was working on her "self-esteem" so she could fulfill her aspiration of becoming a beauty queen) was boring and superfluous to the story. I found both Norman and Dolly to be wooden and vapid characters. If you want to see a clean, witty, funny romance I highly recommend "The Mating of Millie" over this disappointment.
I was expecting some humor, but there were hardly any funny parts and the whole story involving Norman Jones (Jerry Van Dyke-his employee at the radio station he and Corbett worked at) and Dolly Daily (a woman Corbett met in town who was working on her "self-esteem" so she could fulfill her aspiration of becoming a beauty queen) was boring and superfluous to the story. I found both Norman and Dolly to be wooden and vapid characters. If you want to see a clean, witty, funny romance I highly recommend "The Mating of Millie" over this disappointment.
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