Room for One More (1952) User Reviews

Heartwarming family film

[fgoodwin · 8/10 · 6 December 2005]

I loved this film. It is the story of a family (Cary Grant and Betsy Drake starring as "Poppy" and Anna Rose) who take in a couple of orphaned children, and the various mi-adventures and calamities that result.

I enjoyed the way the film dealt with some real-life issues, like how the financially-strapped couple would deal with the added costs of taking in another child, how "natural" children deal with adopted children, and how "normal" children deal with disabled children. Some of the scenes aren't pretty; in the current era of political-correctness, we sometimes forget how mean children could be to one another back in those days.

There are several scenes in the movie that involve the Boy Scouts. As a Scouter myself, these were my favorite parts. I especially liked the Eagle ceremony, and I really noticed how the Pledge of Allegiance, as said in 1952, omits "under God", which wasn't added until 1954! Another thing I noticed: George Winslow, who played "Teenie" in this movie, later played a Cub Scout in "Mister Scoutmaster" (1953) starring Clifton Webb and Frances Dee.

Scouting played a prominent role in both films, which evidenced the place of Scouting in American society of the 1950s. For those of us currently involved in Scouting, we can only look with nostalgia at how Scouting was viewed at that time: as a wholesome activity for boys, unburdened with all the baggage of the political-correctness of our times.

Whether you're a Scouter or not, I think (unless you're totally jaded) that you and your children will really enjoy this heartwarming story of Scouting in an extended family.

"I Love Cary"

[wes-connors · 6/10 · 19 December 2010]

Pushover engineer Cary Grant (as George "Poppy" Rose) and pretty housewife Betsy Drake (as Anna Perrott Rose) live comfortably with their three kids, dog, and pregnant cat. Then, the couple decide to become foster parents to a couple of needy children. First, they take in disagreeable, neglected Iris Mann (as Jane Miller). Next, they bring in sullen, crippled Clifford Tatum Jr. (as James "Jimmy John" Wilson). Prepare to get your heart tugged as the kids learn to fit in with their new family, and visa versa...

If you've ever wondered how a TV situation comedy series starring Cary Grant would have played, this is your chance. Looking like a pilot for a series planned for Mr. Grant and Ms. Drake, who was his wife at the time, it's like "My Three Sons" and "Father Knows Best" meets "The Brady Bunch". In fact, "Room for One More" finally did become a series, in 1962. But, since Grant was a perennial box office attraction in theaters, there was no reason for him to do television. Watch it for the kids, they're terrific.

****** Room for One More (1/10/52) Norman Taurog ~ Cary Grant, Betsy Drake, Clifford Tatum Jr., Iris Mann

Very good movie!

[srmccarthy · 8/10 · 13 September 2000]

The summary tells enough of the story, so I will only say that I found this movie to be very enjoyable and entertaining!

It might draw some tears (both of joy and compassion). If you love children, or if you can simply understand the situations that concern blended family, you will most likely enjoy this movie.

a look at what might have been...

[indy-39 · 31 December 2002]

Of all Cary Grant's films "Room For One More" shows what might have been had Grant taken a different road with his career and done a television show. The film plays like a well written sitcom and is very entertaining and touching in its own way. Of course, arguably the greatest movie star of all time would never have condescended to do TV...and that's how it should have been... but IF he had chosen to, here is work to show he would have become perhaps one of the greatest television stars of all time. Would you rather be remembered for being the "perfect" male or as a befuddled and decidedly overmatched father? As for myself , I would choose the former... though I am much closer to the latter.

Dated but sweet

[jjnxn-1 · 7/10 · 1 June 2014]

Lesser known Grant comedy is a sweet-natured look at the challenges of adopting older children and blending them into an already existing family.

Cary Grant could have played his part as an exasperated father in his sleep but he does his usual charming job of it and at 48 displays a body that people half his age would be proud of.

Betsy Drake, Grant's wife at the time of filming, is all warm understanding perhaps a shade too calm for all the situations she finds herself in but very right for the part.

The focus is on them and the two challenging children they take in, whose problems honestly are resolved a bit too quickly but this being a 50's movie that such a situation is being addressed at all is rather remarkable.

Grant, Drake and the two young actors playing the adoptees are fine but a shortcoming of the picture is that it wastes two very good performers, Lurene Tuttle and George "Foghorn" Winslow, in throwaway parts.

A nice film rather than a laugh out loud comedy.

Terrific Family Fare

[joesorce · 9/10 · 16 January 2004]

If you're family enjoyed "Yours, Mine & Ours", "Father Goose", "With six You Get Eggroll", "Cheaper by the Dozen" and "The Trouble With Angels", seek this movie out on late-late night TV. It is sometimes listed under its original title "The Easy Way".

This movie has some weaknesses but they are made up for by Cary Grant's likeable character.

[thomasherlihy · 7/10 · 1 November 2020]

The movie does have an unrealistic way of resolving problems that would not be so easily solved in real life. Yet, Cary Grant compensates for these downsides by his likeable character. He comes across as a very good yet a very human person. His occasional frustrations are sympathetic and at the end of the day you know that he is never selfish but he only wants to do what is prudent for his family. Of all Cary Grant's movies, he is most the likeable as the character he played in this movie.

Room for One More- I Adore! ****

[edwagreen · 10/10 · 22 November 2010]

Heartwarming tale which proves that environment is a great factor than heredity with regard to placement of children.

Cary Grant and Betsy Drake are absolutely fabulous as the couple with 3 children and limited finances; despite this, they take in two difficult foster children.

With patience and a firm hand, they are able to succeed beyond the expectation of what many would feel.

They did a wonderful job raising their own three children as well. The three knew when to help out.

The film excellently pointed out the problems of coping with a foster children; one who comes into your home with an array of problems looking for love and understanding.

This is definitely a film that will tug at your heart. It is so nostalgic yet it represents the best of human kindness and dignity. You'll have a tear in your eye, but you will certainly come away with that good feeling of accomplishment.

Bless those who take in foster children and are able to work with them.

Admirable theme, terrible dialog and screenplay, and a great Grant

[secondtake · 6/10 · 2 December 2017]

Room for One More (1952)

Cary Grant is in his everyman, humorous, relaxed form here, and is great. His counterpart, Betsy Drake (playing his wife) is no Irene Dunne, and as "good" as she is (in every sense of the word), she's just filler. And so that leaves the children, who all play important roles if bit parts overall, filling out the family.

If you can't tell, this is a story about adoption and foster care. It's about having a family of three and finding room for one (or two) more, no matter what the troubled past and difficulties. Everyone's heart is in the right place, and it almost reads like a wonderful public service announcement.

And that's a lot of the trouble here. There is little realism to the troubles the family might face (or even the depths of love they will find, frankly). It's all a bit superficial and glib, and you want to overlook this to give credit to the good intentions, but it's not a way to make a great movie. Add the ongoing theme of the husband feeling neglected (sexually) by his wife, which loses it's humor quickly, and you see a very 1950s movie in scope and depth.

On the other hand, the acting and production are really good overall, and if you just skip the writing on almost every level you can enjoy a lot of what is happening here. It happens to be very well filmed (by the cinematographer favored by Hitchcock in these years, Robert Burks) and the score is a Max Steiner staple (which means very good).

So I laughed, I cried, and I liked Cary Grant a lot (and he has a huge number of great little quips, so many that I wonder if he added many of them). That's not so bad for this kind of movie.

Melted my icy heart, dammit.

[kenwest · 8/10 · 21 August 2011]

I have been a grouchy, childless, curmudgeon for the last 30 years. OK, 40. I especially get cranky with movies of easy sentimentality and clumsy "messages", eg., about patriotism or religion or love or whatever.

So, I have no idea why I bothered to tune into this movie, (other than it featuring Cary Grant), since the listing told me everything I needed to not watch it: children, family, adoption, disabilities, etc. Once into it, however, I just had to keep watching. It surely has all sorts of sentimentality, and blatant messages about adoption and the Boy Scouts; however the writing is so wonderfully deft, and the performances (including those of the children) so perfectly understated that I was fully engaged and easily able to forgive the more obvious "message moments" such as Jane being the belle of the ball, and Jimmy-John's predictable physical and emotional transformation into an Eagle Scout.

Perhaps being a boy scout, and perhaps remembering a sister's first big dance helps to suck you in, but there are eye-stinging moments enough for anyone, such as Jane refusing her (foster)mother's kiss, and the kids in the orphanage playground stopping their noisy play to watch anxiously the visitors looking at them from the balcony.

Next Sunday I'm going to watch the golf, dammit.

sentimental tear jerker

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 9 December 2014]

Anne (Betsy Drake) and Poppy Rose (Cary Grant) are a loving couple with three kids after losing the fourth. On a PTA tour of an orphanage, the selfless Anne is taken with the children. When the group is shown the older unwanted kids, everybody walks away except Anne. Jane is a troubled child who tried to kill herself. She's bitter with trust issues. They win her over and then Anne picks angry handicapped orphan Jimmy-John.

This starts like a sentimental hurricane. Jane is a real tear jerker. They do switch to Jimmy-John who is a more difficult battle. I wonder if the movie loses a bit of steam by sidelining Jane's story. The characters are compelling and heart-wrenching. It has a few fun scenes mostly with Grant pulling off gags. It's just a very touching movie.

This movie warms the heart!

[collinsdaphne · 10/10 · 1 June 2005]

I haven't seen this movie since I was a child. I wish I knew where and when this would be seen again - or, if I can get it on VHS or DVD. I used to watch it on local television with my sisters and this one was always a favorite. I especially loved watching movies about families and how everyone got along. Because this movie was about troubled kids, I found it very entertaining. One of my favorite scenes in this movie, and one that made me shed a tear, was the one about the Eagle Scout award for Jimmy John and when he gave the rose to his mother. It was so good! If you want to watch a feel good movie, this is a great one. It shows the closeness of family and how they can overcome obstacles.

Cary Grant shines...as always

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 7/10 · 29 November 2021]

Is there a movie that Cary Grant's presence didn't elevate to a higher level? I don't think so, and I've seen all but a handful of Cary Grant's films, excepting for some of those before 1936. He was just special.

This film is a bit unique because his co-star was his wife at the time -- Betsy Drake. It's not exactly a Cary Grant premise; perhaps he did it for her. But he, nevertheless, shines in it.

The story involves a family that is modest financially, but rich in love. They have their own children, but then take in two foster children -- a frumpy girl who (of course) blossoms, and a boy who wears leg braces (although we don't know why, and who eventually walks without them when he earns his Eagle Scout badge.

It's charming. But I did have one criticism -- a boy with leg braces is allowed to hike several miles in a snow storm??? Downright dumb.

Aside from that, just sit back and emjoy.

Fun for the Family

[jawhite60409 · 16 September 2001]

I have always loved Cary Grant. I think he is wonderful with children.

Father Goose was truly enjoyable. I remember seeing Room for One More when I was child. I get nostalgic thinking about it. I haven't seen it for years. It's not on video and I haven't seen it listed. If you ever get chance to see it, I recommend that you do! Good family

Watchable,dated family comedy

[mush-2 · 7/10 · 6 August 2012]

This movie is watchable and engaging despite its flaws.its the sort of movie I wish I had seen as a child , I would have liked it a lot more then. The real life Mr. And Mrs. Cary Grant are the parents of three children plus two foster children. Both foster kids come to them as sullen, angry and disturbed , but in a short time, after being loved, mostly by the patient and kind Mother(Betsy Drake) , they transform into nice sitcom kids. Once Mom succeeds with Jane , there isn't much doubt or tension that orphan #2 will end up a conformist Eagle Scout.

The good stuff-the child actors are all good. Norman Taurog elicits good performances out of children. We hope he didn't need to threaten to kill the dog, this time, in order to motivate the kids(famous story told many times by Jackie Cooper). The not so good stuff- WB and Max Steiners decision to telegraph every emotion with the heavy score. I know it's a feature of its time, but really do we need another tinkly version of Row your boat,after we heard Grant and the family sing it ad nauseum.

Another possible negative-Cary Grant casting, in general..yes his performance is fine, but seeing him with his great tan ,great hair,Cary Grant voice playing a struggling municipal employee,just not real believable in this role. And this is not to say,Grant can't be great playing struggling, real people,just not in this movie..

There is a running gag that I did enjoy,that Grant is constantly sexually frustrated,with all of the kiddie interruptions. And there is one eye popping sight gag, that will go over every kids head, I am sure . Mom and Poppy are about to get it on, he has planned a romantic night with a bottle of champagne .They are interrupted again by crises de child. Grant accepts it as the bottle of champagne explodes and foams all over the bed.Probably the best moment in the movie. Some other strange bits-why did orphan #2,jimmy John sport a real New York-ese Brooklyn accent, when no one else did?

What about the extended scene of Grant in his white trunks and nothing else.? He looks trim and good for 50's standards,but why is he still clad in the trunks for the next ten minute scene? Over all, worth watching and engaging, but definitely dated and of its time.

Super Fantastic Classic

[LoveNvrFails13 · 10/10 · 16 January 2006]

I watched this movie when I was much younger and the last time I viewed it on television was in 1987 -- this is the kind of movie you track down, because it is a truly a classic -- Cary Grant's and Betsy Drake's performances in this film are so outstanding and so real-life -- He is one comical guy, but sexy too! This movie takes one back to their life in their early years long ago, when living and even being short on funds was as brittle as it is today! I really enjoyed this movie so much, that I hunted it down and finally found it and I watch it all the time now -- I just love Cary Grant -- one of Hollywood's finest! This movie proves that, so watch and enjoy viewing the kind of lives people used to live and life was honestly worth living!

"I've been trying to figure out who her parents might've been. Was John Dillinger ever married?"

[utgard14 · 6/10 · 14 August 2014]

The loving, even-tempered parents of three kids decide to adopt two more: a troubled teenage girl and a handicapped boy. Pleasant family dramedy that plays like a '50s TV sitcom. Grant is likable and charming as ever. I disagree with reviewers who say he seems out of his element. He seems to be having fun and has good chemistry with the child actors, as well as real-life wife at the time, Betsy Drake. I don't see the problem unless you only want to see Grant in certain types of roles. The kids are all good, especially George Winslow as Teenie. He has many of the movie's best lines. Sentimental and funny, it's a real heart-warmer.

There's Always Room At Cary and Betsy's House

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 20 July 2010]

Although Cary Grant is first billed and narrates the story, the central character of Room For One More is Grant's then wife Betsy Drake. The film is based on the memoirs and true story of Anna Rose who after having three children of her own, goes out and takes in more for foster care. In real life the Roses had four foster children, here we only see presumably the first two.

Drake is one of those people who just can't resist taking in a stray anything. In addition to kids, she and Grant take in dogs, and cats, and even a rabbit which does its multiplying thing in short order. The two foster kids are Iris Mann an unloved and unlovely teenager who with a real home blossoms like Cinderella.

Clifford Tatum, Jr. is more of a problem, he's a sullen kid equipped with Forrest Gump like braces. Grant and Drake achieve something of a miracle with him as well.

Room For One More is one of a series of films where the married and domesticated Cary Grant is more in evidence. You could also include Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House and Houseboat as that same type of film. It was a new dimension for an older star and Grant handled it very well. Highlight has to be his talk with young Tatum about the facts of life after Tatum is caught trying to satisfy his own curiosity.

The climax is young Tatum becoming an Eagle Scout and overcoming his physical handicaps. The film seems to be almost a commercial for the Foster Care system and for the Boy Scouts. Since the time Room For One More Was Made, both institutions have come in for their share of criticism from various sources.

In 1962 Room For One More was made into a television series by Warner Brothers starring Andrew Duggan and Peggy McCay, but it only lasted for one season.

But the film has endured as a family classic and likely to remain so. The leads are in fine form and they get good support from the adult and child supporting cast.

Had 5 long weepings during the 100 minutes, and not a single one was about pain. A few more people like Mr. & Mrs. Rose, and this world will be heaven

[SAMTHEBESTEST · 7/10 · 7 May 2023]

Room For One More (1952) : Brief Review -

Had 5 long weepings during the 100 minutes, and not a single one was about pain. A few more people like Mr. & Mrs. Rose, and this world will be heaven. Room For One More is a family comedy drama with no dramatic story, but everything that's true. Based on Anna Perrott Rose's autobiography, Room For One More is about Mr. & Mrs. Rose, who have 3 children, but still adopt 2 more. There is a dog and some kittens, too. Let me tell you about those 5 weeping scenes since this film is all about shedding tears of joy. The first one is when temporarily adopted Jane is about to leave the house. Trot, Tim, and Teenie say goodbye with a heavy heart, and then Jane cries and pleads with her mother, Mrs. Rose, to keep her. Before anyone can notice, Mr. Rose picks up her bag, and she hugs and kisses him with tears in her eyes. The second is about the second child they adopt, Jimmy-John. A handicapped boy who starts off on a bad note but eventually starts liking the place. He asks other 4 kids whether they want him to stay or not, and they ask for votes. First, they vote for him to leave, but when he tells them that he couldn't go to school, suddenly those "leave" votes are changed to "stay". The third one is Christmas Day, when those four children give up their gifts so that Jane can have her evening dress. The fourth is, of course, Mrs. Rose's speech about her husband in front of her husband, and the fifth is the scout medal and felicitation ceremony. Room For One More a sweet and simple tale of goodwill and emotional bonding. I just wish there were more people like Mr. And Mrs. Rose, and this world would have been such a good place to live. Cary Grant and Betsy Drake are so adorable as parents. I wish every orphan had parents like them. Another heart-tugging film by Norman Taurog after "Boys Town" (1938) and "If I Had A Million" (1932).

RATING - 7.5/10*

By - #samthebestest.

Sweet movie

[reggiebeck · 9/10 · 26 October 2005]

I love this movie. Sure, it's full of 50's idealism, but it still has some things to say. This is a movie about parenting. I particularly enjoyed Grant as "Poppy" explaining to one of his foster kids how babies get born. It's idealized because unlike real life, all of the kids turn out as good citizens and grateful children.

This is not one of Grant's best films, but it is worth viewing. I'm waiting for this one to get released to DVD. I have a copy on VHS that I recorded from AMC (before commercials) or TCM but it's getting worn out. I would prefer a pristine, professionally produced copy of this film on DVD, but if it doesn't get released, I'll be forced to talk to a friend of mine with a VHS-to-DVD setup.

It needs to be on TV or DVD now

[mattisworld · 10/10 · 18 December 2007]

I have loved this Cary Grant movie since the very first time I saw it on TV as a child growing up in Brooklyn. I can honestly say I watched it every single time I saw it was listed in the TV Guide. It is a sweet honest tale filled with humor and humanity. It is a family movie but it is also very adult. I love all the characters and it touches on so many human values for such a rather simple story that it is very much like real life. I felt then, as I do now, that I was richer for having seen it. It evokes the same kind of emotion that I would get from watching "It's a Wonderful Life" although... if memory serves... I believe I saw this movie long before I first saw that Christmas classic. If I were programming for a local TV station or a network I would purchase the rights to this movie (it's probably in public domain anyway) and show it all night on Christmas eve cause it not only has a beautifully poignant and funny Christmas scene but it more importantly embodies all of the values that the holiday season is suppose to be about. I would probably still watch it every single time. I loved it.

awfully bland fare from Cary Grant

[planktonrules · 5/10 · 16 July 2005]

Cary Grant made a few movies with his wife at the time, Betsy Drake. My overall impression of the movies is that they were a bit bland, though I think this is more bland than most of them. To me, this looks less like a Cary Grant film and more a pilot episode of some bland family series (sort of like a less interesting version of the Waltons but NOT set in the hills).

Betsy Drake is actually the primary star of this film and she does a pretty good job playing a mother-to-be with a heart of gold. However, Grant looks so out of place (even more than he did in Father Goose) in the role of a new dad. Interestingly enough, this reportedly mirrored their real-life marriage.

Overall, a weak script and not exactly terrific casting sink this movie to the mediocre level.

Great Movie!

[lissiemd · 7 January 2004]

This was one of my favorite movies as a kid, and I can still watch it today with that same warm feeling. What I liked most about it was the interaction between Cary and his real life wife Betsy Drake on screen. They made another movie together, Every Girl Should be Married, which is also a charm and a must see for a Cary Grant fan. Anyhow, you will not be wasting your time if you sit down and watch this very heartwarming film. If you do watch it and feel nothing, then you may be headed towards Grinch-dom.

My Favorite Movie Of All

[barryethridge · 10/10 · 16 June 2003]

This is my favorite movie, I have one worn VHS copy I made from a TV late night showing. I would love to have this on DVD. This movie will make you laugh with all the funny family events. It will also make you cry, and it is noteworthy to find our that Cary Grant's female costar would become his real wife! The relationship shows in the movie. See this with your family, call the friends, and get together and be heart warmed.

There's Always Room for One More!

[JLRMovieReviews · 9/10 · 19 December 2012]

Cary Grant and Betsy Drake star in this film about a family, who's always got room for one more. Based on a true story and the book written by the wife, the film is about their adjustment to a young girl they adopted, who is a trouble child, supposedly, and her adjustment to life with the Roses. To add even more spice to it, they take in a polio-stricken boy with an attitude problem. This film is so inspiring with its simplicity and love, that's it's infectious and certainly makes a very satisfying movie. Even the crankiest of people should find this film a real winner, with Cary's charm and constant struggle to be alone with his wife. But he never is taken for granted and neither is anyone else. There is so much love and respect for each other in this family, that this should be a lesson for all people seeing it, to know how to treat each other. This may not be an altogether important film in the long scheme of filmdom, but its message is. Love each other everyday, and accept others as they are.