Houseboat
(1958)
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When Tom Winston's (Cary Grant) estranged wife dies in a sudden accident, he's left alone to raise their three children. Problem is, Elizabeth, David and Robert Winston haven't seen hide nor hair of their father in ages, and they aren't about to let him play the perfect parent now. Tom has to win his bratty brood's respect first. Along comes Cinzia Zaccardi (Sophia Loren), a lovely long-legged lady who's willing to do anything to escape her strict father. So, she poses as a maid and goes to work for Tom as a live-in nanny. Before they know it, Tom, Cinzia and the kids will be living as one big, crazy family. |
This delightfully played, relatively unsophisticated comedy is based on a slim but oh-so-romantic premise, as lovely Sophia Loren takes charge of lawyer Cary Grant's three children and, eventually of course, Grant himself. It's the kind of movie where Loren's knees become a plot pivot, and there's the bonus of her singing and dancing, too. Look out for a fabulous supporting performance from Harry Guardino as a handyman in wolf's clothing. Needless to say, Grant sails through the movie with accomplished ease. This easy-on-the-eye glamfest is beautifully photographed by Ray June (who did a similarly fabulous job of Funny Face).