On today's date back in 1964, Cary Grant released his 71st and penultimate film, Father Goose.
Synopsis:
During World War II South Sea beachcomber Walter Eckland (Cary Grant) is persuaded to spy on planes passing over his island.
"The difference between Grant and most other old-line movie stars, who essentially played themselves on the screen, is that he is an extremely accomplished craftsman and also has a highly developed sense of how to choose a script that does well by him and that he can do well by." - Moira Walsh, America
"By now Grant is a major minor American industry, and his vehicles have a slight smell of protective oil-film on them when they are uncrated - intricate mechanisms that have been carefully planned on huge drawing boards and constructed just as carefully all the way down the line..."
"...Grant make a strong effort, partly successful to subdue his usual sleek self in the whiskery curmudgeon; even when the gloss shines through, he is still a very skillful performer."
- Stanley Kauffman, The New Republic
"Grant is excellent as the unshaved, Scotch-drinking misanthrope.."
- Philip T. Hartung, The Commonweal
"I have often played the part of a spiritual bum...But I don't think I have ever looked like one"
- Cary Grant on his role in Father Goose
Did You Know?
One of Cary Grant's favorite projects. He always maintained his role in this film was most like his real personality. He claimed he kept in touch with most of the girls as they grew up and had families of their own.
Production took about eight weeks in Hollywood at Universal Studios and about four weeks on location at a coconut plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Cary Grant was offered the role of Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady (1964) but turned it down to star in this movie. He wanted his Charade (1963) co-star Audrey Hepburn to play Catherine, but she was already committed to My Fair Lady (1964).
The film features the same piece of stock footage of a submarine firing a torpedo that was used in Cary Grant's previous World War II comedy Operation Petticoat (1959).
With Leslie Caron.
Cast:
Cary Grant ... Walter
Leslie Caron ... Catherine
Trevor Howard ... Houghton
Jack Goode ... Stebbings
Sharyl Locke ... Jenny
Pip Sparke ... Anne
Verina Greenlaw ... Christine
Stephanie Berrington ... Elizabeth
Jennifer Berrington ... Harriet
Laurelle Felsette ... Angelique
Nicole Felsette ... Dominique
On set.
Press Kit:
Lobby Cards:
"Father Goose " - Spanish(Mexican)
International Poster:
"The Great Wolf Calls" - Italian
"The Big Wolf Calls" - Danish
Directed by Ralph Nelson.
Distributed by Universal-International.
Running time: 116 minutes.
For even more on Father Goose see my previous blog.