Reviews (67)

HENRILU
Based on the true story of the Beardsley family who lived in Monterey County, California, this is one of Lucy's finer latter-day performances (her drunk scene is a delight). Essentially, the story is a movie version of how the Brady Bunch got together and although a little dated it's a most enjoyable family film (for some reason, entertainment from the period 1967-1972 dates badly (especially TV shows, i.e. "Room 222", "Courtship of Eddie's Father", "That Girl", "Mod Squad", "Family Affair" and the like.) As a footnote: In 1942, Lucy had her great chance at a meaty dramatic role in "The Big Street" in which she starred with 37 year-old Fonda. Lucille played Gloria, selfish and rather bitchy showgirl who essentially becomes a cripple; Hank played Little Pinks a devoted admirer. Ball was mostly praised by the critics, but, alas, the picture didn't make a dime.

Great for the Entire Family
This movie brings together two Hollywood legends. Henry Fonda and Lucille Ball play widows who fall in love and bring their families together totalling an amazing 18 children! This star-studded classic includes Van Johnson and a very young and handsome Tim Matherson. The film is full of laughter and brings the viewers into the lives of the North/Beasley family and shares their adventures and growing love for one another. I truly appreciate the release of this wonderful film on DVD, but widescreen would have greatly been appreciated. With 18 children, widescreen is a must! Also a few more extra features would have been nice, such as commentary, photos, etc.. but beggers can't be choosers.
The picture is crisp on the DVD and the sound is quite clear. I highly recommend this movie for the whole family. It's got some lessons of love and life that all can learn from.

A Wonderful Movie That Deserves a Better DVD!
I agree. I love this movie too but I will not buy an edited pan and scan DVD and that is why I opted instead to pop a video into my VCR and tape this movie when TCM was showing it in widescreen and wait and hope that MGM/UA will release a widescreen DVD because when it comes down to it I would much rather have this wonderful movie on a DVD then video but that will only happen if it's widescreen!

Not "mine" - as long as it's in stupid standard screen!
This is a 4 star film reduced to 1 star because it's been butchered down from widescreen to standard screen for no reason whatsoever.

Heck, you NEED the vast viewing range of wonderful widescreen in this flick just to keep track of all those dang kids!

It was shot in widescreen in 1968, as were about 95% of all films made after 1953, so there's no excuse for chopping it down to this putrid pan-and-scan nightmare. Another Amazon reviewer (from Derby, CT) said it all about this ridiculous ripoff of an otherwise very cute movie:

"Great film but who wants to watch a film like this in pan and scan format. Listen up studios, WIDESCREEN, WIDESCREEN, WIDESCREEN!!!!"

Children and children and attitudes, oh my
Wouldn't I love to find jam all over this DVD. Then I could throw it away (which is all it really deserves anyway). Although we won't throw ours away - we'll donate it to the library. perhaps somebody will like it.

This was really pathetic 1960's cinema: Gone is the class and glamour of 1930's MGM. No taste in clothes, no taste in home decor (much), no taste in raising children. I couldn't believe that Mother didn't even reprimand the son for having the Playboy magazine? Family film? Not a chance in my house.

I have to confess I was laughing sometimes during this film, but not because it was funny. It was incredibly UN-funny. I don't find rude children and parents sort of lost out there somewhere amusing. I would never watch it again, and certainly advise anyone else never to watch it in the first place. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Cary Grant and Sophia Loren look just swell together in Houseboat, and why shouldn't they? Grant was still at his best, Loren was bewitching Hollywood as an exotic new ingénue, and offscreen they had had a torrid affair a couple of years earlier, during the shooting of The Pride and the Passion. The two tanned stars are the main attraction in this romantic comedy, which installs single dad Cary and his three children on a dilapidated houseboat on the Potomac River. Sophia is the maid, except she's not really a maid but the cultured daughter of a famous musician. Yes, this is one of those situation comedies in which every problem could be cleared up if only one character told the truth about the situation. If that sort of thing drives you crazy, best skip this one. It's no classic, but those two icons are awfully appealing. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A Bing Bang Bong...
Sophia Loren and Cary Grant team up in this hysterical movie. He's a widower with three children and his widow's sister after him (since she was four years old). Sophia is the daughter of a rich Italian Band conductor - she runs away because she's tired of being told what to do - and becomes the nanny for Grant. The only problem is she can't cook or clean. But the children love her. And soon Grant does too. Two things I learned from this movie: Never park your house on the railroad tracks, and always tie your house tightly to the dock.

Cary, Sophia and 50s Fashion and Romance at its best
Houseboat was the first movie I ever saw in a drive-in. Imagine seeing Cary Grant and Sophia Loren dancing to a Sam Cooke love song on a screen the size of a football field. The wardrobe for the movie is stunning. When did we stop taking the time to dazzle with matching hats, gloves, etc.? Obvious beauty aside, what really impressed me was the award winning script. The explanation Cary Grant gives as a parent about death, and the kids dialogue and behavior rang true. The kids behaved like any children would when one parent dies, and an absentee parent appears to take them from the safe world of their grandparents. The kids were terrific in their roles. Cary Grant and Sophia Loren were superb considering she had just dumped him to marry her current husband. One wonders what would have happened if Cary and Sophia had really married. Would they have lived happily ever after like they did in Houseboat? Who knows. At least we can have that fantasy time and time again on DVD.

a family classic
HOUSEBOAT is one of my favorite movies. I remember my family taping it when I was about 7, and I loved watching it. Needless to say, when the new DVD version was released I instantly snapped it up!

The story is about a widowed Government official (Cary Grant) and his three unruly children. A chance meeting throws the beautiful Cinzia Zaccardi (lovely Sophia Loren) into their lives. Cinzia is the daughter of a prominent classical conductor, and is looking for a change of scene. When she decides to become the children's nanny, no-one is prepared for the hilarity and heartache that is to follow...

This is indeed a lovely family film, with a few shades of "The Sound of Music". The new DVD version offers an average-looking transfer of the film, with a photo gallery and two trailers as the extras.

Also starring Martha Hyer, Harry Guardino, Paul Petersen and Eduardo Cinanelli. (Single-sided, dual-layer disc).

Charming!
Ok so maybe this isn't Cary Grant's funniest comedy but I still enjoyed it and found things to laugh at, it is a sweet movie about a handsome widow with mischievous children who meets a beautiful Italian woman who agrees to be nanny to his children and kind of a housekeeper though she at first is not very good at cleaning and cooking and he doesn't agree with her views about taking care of children and the banter and the attraction between them is amusing. Cary Grant and Sophia Loren are both very good but so are the kids especially Paul Petersen from The Donna Reed Show. I highly recommend this charming movie! I used to have this movie on video but the tape was old and worn out so I think I will probably be getting the widescreen DVD.

Nice 50s movie
The editorial reviews pass this off as a minor film with only the two stars - Cary Grant and Sophia Loren - making it worth your time. They are both great but this film has a little more going for it. Cary Grant is beyond the years when he would stand in the background and steal scenes with facial gestures, here he is well into his Hitchcock years. The 50s was a time of sophistication and pure charm for Cary and Sophia Loren was every thirteen year old boys fantasy.

The story is okay in that you know it will end with Cary and Sophia in each other's arms and everybody happy. But that's what a romantic comedy is and if you enjoy romantic comedies you will not be disappointed. Cary is taking on the responsibility of raising his three children alone on a houseboat and Sophia, running away from her famous orchestra conductor father, is the maid. The Maid! Can imagine Sophia as your maid? Or anybody's maid? Through kid problems, arguments, boyfriends, ups and downs, and country club dances it all ends well. It is the two stars that are the attraction here certainly, but wait; there's more. The film would remain a 3 star middle of the road film if it were not for the nice comedic bit by Harry Guardino and a great score. The score is not on a par with Doctor Zhivago by any means but it fits the film nicely and the lead song by Sam Cooke - Almost In Your Arms - is terrific. I bumped the film up a star for Harry Guardino and Sam Cooke's song. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Cast a Giant Shadow is based on Ted Berkman's biography of Colonel Mickey Marcus, the American soldier who served as an adviser in the fight to establish the state of Israel in 1948. Marcus (played by Kirk Douglas) must decide whether to settle into peacetime America or follow his more natural, combative instincts abroad--a dilemma symbolized by a love triangle involving wife Angie Dickinson and Senta Berger as a soldier whom he falls for in Palestine. Although lavish and spectacular, especially in the war scenes--filmed in the actual Middle Eastern locations in which they occurred--Cast a Giant Shadow is not entirely authentic. Moreover, in the light of later troubles in the region, not everyone will find heartwarming this depiction of plucky little Israel coping against Arab foes who are barely depicted as human throughout the film. Still, it's an impressive enough relic of epic 1960s cinema, with cameos by Yul Brynner, John Wayne, and Frank Sinatra. --David Stubbs ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Captures the spirit that founded Israel
Reviewers need to be aware that films of history the sooner they are filmed to the event can often catch the mood/look of the time period better than today with our myriad of special effects but no heart. "Cast a Giant Shadow" does this.

A great war film that shows how technotactically the "edge" on the battlefield goes to those who can get the best mechanical advantage---the Israelis need a main supply route open to feed Jerusalem (I have actually walked these steep defiles) and tries to armor plate trucks and this doesn't work against ambushers waiting for them. This serves as a warning that the U.S. Army cannot make the same mistake of basing itself on restricted to roads, vulnerable heavy armored cars as some seem lusting for these days. David Ben-Gurion, Israeli Prime Minister knows the "center of gravity" is holding Jerusalem (same is true today) in order to have a rallying point for the new nation. He compels Marcus to find a way to win.

Col Marcus played by Kirk Douglas displays the dogged determination "if you first don't succeed, try, try again" so lacking in today's generation. He reminds the Israelites not to wallow in self-pity over their plight BUT TO DO SOMETHING to make things better. He tries to infantry attack Latrun without tracked armored vehicle fire support and fails to take the walled post (now the IDF tank museum) to bust open the road to Jerusalem. He does succeed in mobile warfare against Egyptian tanks using anti-tank guns mounted on jeeps. Eventually, Marcus finds a way----

I think the women in the film are sexy; Dickinson and Berger and add to the film in that they love their man, Marcus but fear for his safety as he does what has to be done because humanity insists it be done. The film reminds us that the true feelings many people have towards Israeli people would be exctinction as Marcus discovers at the death camps in Germany as a U.S. Army Paratroop officer. This prejudice is depicted well in the film and reminds us that freedom is not a "free" lunch. Someone has to pay for it, and that usually means our men in uniform. It also means helping them do their jobs as the film shows that getting support from your own people is not automatic. Marcus earns the respect of his Army but at a lot of struggle; what if today there are no men of vision willing to go this far to defend freedom?

Cast a Giant CAST
First off, this film contains a rousing score by Elmer Bernstein. It is brilliant. Melville Shavelson wrote and directed this sprawling biographical action picture about (Colonel) "Mickey" Marcus (Kirk Douglas), a West Point graduate and an adviser to President Roosevelt during W.W.II, who, at the request of the Israelis, went to there in the late 40s to re-organize their army. In this account, based on a book by Ted Berkman, Mickey Marcus is the master strategist who leads the Israelis to victory in the war with the Arabs. Melville Shavelson admires him, making him the cool but enigmatic leader. Shavelson is very eager to please the audience enough to throw in numerous guest stars, such as Frank Sinatra and Yul Brynner, and agonizes over Mickey's moral conflict between Angie Dickinson, the wife he leaves at home in the U.S., and Senta Berger, the female warrior he takes up with. Even those willing to accept the hours of incoherence and banality may recoil at the obscenity of being asked to experience the horrors of Dachau as reflected in John Wayne's bleary eyes. It also features Topol, James Donald, Stathis Giallelis, Ruth White, Gordon Jackson, Luther Adler, Gary Merrill, and Jeremy Kemp. Get the soundtrack.

UTTER RUBBISH
I GIVE THIS MOVIE MINUS 5 STARS.
Why do we watch movies? Sometimes its because we like fantasy, or action, or romance, OR THE TELLING OF A TRUE STORY. I guess the idea with cast a giant shadow was to tell the true story of how a group terrorists [Jews] with great might and courage created an independent state of Israel- which of course is all false and utter rubbish. The film is light years away from the telling of a true story. The Jews were not mighty nor courageous, nor passionate. The truth is they were terrorists and with America's help defeated the Arabs. What ever the film potrays of the Jews was wrong and highly inaccurate. There was also some inaccuracies in the portrayl of the Arabs, but not on a grand scale as the Jews. Steven Speilberg wanted to do a movie very close to the truth about the same war, but when zionists saw the script they pressured Steven to drop the idea. Cast a Giant shadow underated the amreican involvement which was the only reason why Israel won that war. If you like a war movie there are plenty that are much better than this. If you are pro-israeli I think you will like it, but remember 80% of it is inccurate. Many people watch and then review a movie at amazon if it is a good ONE. On the basis of that, cast A Giant shadow has only 11 reviews, indicating what utter rubbish of a movie it is.

White-Washed View of Arab-Israli War
The problem with a film like this today is that it will evoke passionate responses from both Arabs and Jews. I think a non-semetic person is needed to provide an honest assessment. As an American I have no great feelings for either Isreal or the varied Arab States. I think both sides have little to recommend them even to this day. This film portrays the creation of the modern Isreali army from a bunch of feuding militias. Kirk Douglas plays his usual out-spoken leader part which comes over ok. John Wayne as a WW2 general and State Department official is almost amusing, but does convey how the US government probably felt toward events in the Middle East at this time.

I was surprised at the reasonable portrayal of the British in this film, as they are usually vilified by pro-Isreali elments most times. It shows how the British vainly tried to keep both sides apart, and explains a little of their own position for a change. It was a thankless task for them. The almost saintly portrayal of the Isrealis does give one the impression that this film was funded by the Jewish Defense League in the US! They are always seen as long suffering as they prod along singing and dancing to their dour and flat music! The Arabs don't get much better treatment either, and little individual attention at all, excepet for one dissident chieftain who seems to throw his lot in with the Jews. His portrayal is a bit standard, but is amusing and not that inaccurate for the time.

What the movie does show well is the chaotic nature of the fighting in 1948 with the first Arab-Isreali War. We see Jewish columes being attacked from the mountains and bloody sacrefices being made. The Arab forces are shown a bit better armed than I think they actually were, but there can be no doubt that they had some initial advantages against the nascent state of Isreal which they threw away. 1947-48 was the only chance the Arab World would get to crush Isreal, and they have only themselves to blame for not doing it. The Isrealis once again proved the superiority of Western forces against Eastern ones. Even with the chaotic nature of the fighting, and their poor strategic situation, they were able to hang on and prevail through sheer grit and determination. Kirk Douglas represents the many mercinaries and outside supporters who were vital in giving the Isrealis the technical expertise, help and leadership that they so badly needed. Without them Isreal no doubt would have been crushed.

This movie is a bit sentimental and heavy-handed at times, but it probably conveys a general impression of the times better than any Hollywood production could today. Frank Sinitra flying around in his little plane has got to be funniest thing in this entire opus! Yul Brenner is pretty good also as a downcast Isreali leader. The women in the movie are probably the most compelling aspect. Kirk Douglas's wife and the Isreali girl are both lovely and compelling. Their pull on him has symbolic meaning in the story. There is some good dialouge in this movie, some of it with decent historical references. Viewers should try not to get too involved with the plot and characters, and just try to see it as a grand rolling epic with some scant relation to history! I guess it would help if you are not pro-Isreali or Arab as well. Just sit back, have a few chuckles and gain an appreciation for the complexity of the events which are conveyed in this epic. You can at least begin to understand the current mess in the Middle East today by viewing it. They don't make movies like this anymore.

10% good 90 % bad
Okay, we wanted a movie to enjoy about the Land of Israel and it's struggles. Old style movie making was enjoyable, as was the usual depiction of the Jewish courage and struggle along with a similar type people giving American support. HOWEVER, from the get-go the main actor was cheating on his wife, and every time John Wayne got a chance to say "damn" he sure did. It's like they realized at this point in movie making they could get away with saying "damn" on screen more than in the work place or schools, or any other place of decency, and so they went ALL OUT. Like little kids getting away with something for the first time, if it's all the sudden allowed for some reason, they display it with exhuberance! So bad language, a love affair during marriage (actually celebrated by two married couples' cheating spouses) is toyed with and starts to come to full fruition (whatever THAT means anymore). Movie went in the garbage, we are sad we bought it. There was NO need for profanity, nor a need for such sensuousness on a topic about heroic bravery and humand struggles to live together in peace ON A BATTLEFIELD. The Jews are dipicted as passionate and courageous (usual depiction) but not very smart w/ politics and rough relationships (usual depiction). We aren't Jewish, but we say...don't buy! ... Read more

Description

Sent to Paris to steal fashion ideas, department store buyer Samantha Blake (Woodward) decides a complete makeover is in order so people will stop mistaking her for a boy.Instead, she is mistaken for a Parisian "Lady of the Night" and decides to play up that role.Meanwhile, American journalist Steve Sherman (Newman) is in Paris to write about the fashion shows, but decides instead to write about this mysterious "Lady of the Night" and the two find themselves falling in love. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Fun in Paris!
This glossy and sophisticated romp with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward is delicious fluff. From the opening title song by Sinatra and the early voice-over of Newman comparing a group of bargain hunting women to a herd of cattle, we know this one is going to be fun indeed. Made in 1963 when both were at their finest the chemistry between the two leads carries this film to make it the most entertaining piece of nonsense you're likely to ever see.

Samantha Blake (Woodward) buys, or steals, all the latest fashions from around the world for her department store. Her boss Joe Bergner (George Tobias) gets it into his head to go to Paris and 'steal' the hottest new fashions and off goes Samantha and Leena (Thelma Ritter) to the City of Lights.

Steve Sherman (Paul Newman) is a columnist who gets caught playing with the wife of his boss and promptly gets sent far away to Paris until said boss can figure out a way to break his contract and fire him. He meets pal Harry (Marvin Kaplan) in Paris and decides to save his job by writing about a Parisian 'Lady of the Night' and her escapades to send back home, which proves to be a big hit!

The problem, of course, is she ain't from Paris and she ain't no 'Lady of the Night.' Samantha gets introduced as one in a con by Hogan's Heroes Robert Clary to earn a few bucks after Samantha has a complete makeover because she's tired of being mistaken for a boy! She goes along because it helps her stay close to Steve as she makes up one wild escapade after another.

Meanwhile, Leena is competing with Fellicienne (Eva Gabor) for the affection of her boss, who doesn't seem to know she's alive. Of course, Steve falls for this 'Lady of the Night' and wants to reform her for himself, until he figures it all out! Are you having fun yet? Yes, you are! That is what this film is about. A fine cast charm their way through this most enjoyable film.

The scenery is great to look at and so are a young Woodward and Newman. Thelma Ritter and Marvin Kaplan offer nice support as well. When Steve and Harry go clubbing in Paris Steve ends up with beautiful Jan Moriarity in a nice but small role. The wife of actor Michael Parks, it would be her moment to shine before a tragedy took her away.

When you're in the mood for some harmless fun this film will certainly do the trick. It's a reminder that a good film sometimes doesn't have to have any deeper meaning. Sometimes all a film has to do is entertain us. This one gets an A+ in that department and you'll want to see it the first chance you get.

This One Grows on You
Yes, this is fluff, but the stars, production values, and comedy are so good in this classic romance of two people who hate each other finally falling in love, that it goes over beautifully. The first time I saw the film I was puzzled by its wonderful stars being in such nonsense, but repeated viewings have made this one of my favorites; a real "comfort-film." The production values are not nonsense. Written and directed by Melville Shavelson, who apparently cut his teeth on Samuel Goldwyn productions starring Bob Hope and Danny Kaye, the comedy is superb. Sharp digs are everywhere--commercials, journalism, the fashion industry, testeronic males, and politics (both international and sexual). Visual comedy is great too, such as the split-screen mutual parody of the strip-tease and the fashion runway. Joanne Woodward's being processed by the fashion industry is a hoot. Thelma Ritter--need I say more?--has her razor-sharp timing and delivery intact. Plus: the title song sung by Frank Sinatra over opening credits with jokes in them; Maurice Chevalier singing; Paul Newman doing a Chevalier impression; Mimi's adventures occuring againt French impressionists backgrounds; and a lot of sex that is deliciously, blatantly SUGGESTED. The springtime colors of green and yellow predominate, from soccer and football fields to Sam's blond wig. There's even a sweet dash of religion, from Sam's name "being from the Bible," to St. Katherine suggesting Sam go to Elizabeth Arden's for a make-over, and finally Steve, who is falling in love,admitting "I went to church last Sunday and you know?--it wasn't bad at all.It might catch on." I think this movie should "catch on" as well!

A wonderful blend of romance and comedic genius.
An extrodinary display of comedic wit and romance. Fashions are fantastic and Woodward and Newman reveal the spark that maintains their marriage to this day. You won't be disappointed! ... Read more

Reviews (13)

The REAL Star of this film is Breathtaking Isle of CAPRI!
Sophia Loren and Clark Gable are stellar as single parent of Italian boy and the wealthy American stranger who comes to claim his deceaced brother's illegitimate son. At first the two leads are opposites in a custody battle, but eventually they see sparkles in each other's eyes. Although having solid support from her poor yet happy community, and easily winning her "case" against the money-waving "Americano", Loren decides to give up the child in order to assure a better future for him.

It requires a bit of faith to blindly accept this "May/October Romance" between Loren and Gable. Gables own words of concern regarding this make the idea much more believable. Because of this "scripted" comment, their love does not seem rediculous. With other couplings (Jimmy Stewart & Grace Kelly/Fred Astaire & Audrey Hepburn, etc.) the routinely used age-ism in Hollywood was transparently obvious and eventually offensive.

Watch for some excellent musical numbers featuring the talents of the ever-beautiful Sophia Loren. Be sure to also take in the REAL STAR of this film, the breathtaking cinematography of the Isle of Capri! You're gonna like this picture!****

Oh to be in Capri with Sophia Loren!
If you love Sophia Loren, beautiful balloon bouquets, wiseacre humour, and all things Italian, then rush out and buy this film. Otherwise, pass on it. The script is lousy, almost silly, Gable is desperately trying to recapture his faded movie starhood, and what we have here is more wonderfully romantic and sensual atmosphere than story - in sunny Italy with stunning Sophia Loren and other Italian beauties falling in love. She's never looked better! And that laughter will be with you for weeks! This movie really is more like a romantic travelogue than a true movie. For anyone who longs for the carefree idyllic beauty of italy, this film captures it. Just be sure to overlook the hokey script. As Gable said in the film, "I've grown to like all of the native products." And so have I.

Loren & Gable - better in the flesh
I was there on Capri, on the terrace of the restaurant that Gable and Loren were filmed running into, splashing through pouring rain, 20x over. What a scene.

My father filmed it on 8mm home movie. My mother edited it out later. Loren's scarlet dress was painted on - I've never forgotten the way she looked. I was only 10 y.o. at the time!

The film? Oh, it's a turkey! Dreadful! You can forget it! I never will, because I saw Loren...

It Started In Naples
I have seen this movie time and time again over the years and it always still leaves me with sigh! The scenery, songs, actors, and the inevitable love story are both beautiful and timeless. I have always enjoyed movies with Sophia Loren and Clark Gable and this one is among my favorites. Comic one-liners, mixed with song and dance on the beautiful island of Capri. How can two people not find love! Pop some popcorn, get comfortable on your sofa and settle down with this movie. I'm sure you will not be disappointed.

Clark Gable finds Sophie Loren on the Isle of Capri
Once you know that "It Started in Naples" stars Clark Gable and Sophie Loren on the island of Capri you have clearly learned everything you need to know about why you would want to watch this 1960 film. Gable plays Philadelphia lawyer Michael Hamilton, who arrives in Naples to settle the estate of his philandering brother. Mike learns that his brother had a common-law wife who also died in the car accident, leaving behind a precious 10-year-old named Nando (Marietto Angeletti). The boy is staying with his Aunt Lucia (Loren), a fun-loving woman who is the queen of the local parade, drinks wine and dreams of being a movie star. Mike wants the boy to be sent to what he considers a proper school, but Lucia thinks everything is fine just the way they are and Nando agrees with her. Thwarted in his efforts to persuade the boy to leave with him, Mike hires an Italian lawyer, Mario Vitale (Vittorio De Sica) to file a custody suit against Lucia. However, Vitale is so moved by Lucia's tears and obvious charms that he ends up delivering an impassionate speech to the court on HER behalf. At that point, the lovely Lucia has second thoughts and makes up a story about running away with a guitar player named Renzo (Paolo Carlini). Nando goes to Mike and says he is willing to become an American. However, Mike has second thoughts about the whole situation as well.

This is Gable's second to last film, but he is still Clark Gable. However, for most of "It Started in Naples" he is a stick in the mud. Besides, he is competing for our attention with Sophie Loren and she is going to win that battle with just about anybody on the face of the earth at this point in her career. Gable ends up playing the straight man in the movie, which is a bit of a stretch when it comes to the cute kid, but rather enjoyable when the other party is Loren. She sings in a nightclub and her clothing tends to become a bit askew, but that is clearly the point of this film directed by Melville Shavelson. The plot is simply there to put these two actors, and the characters they happen to be playing in this film, through their paces. The point of the film is explained to Gable's character when he is tired and roaming the street very late at night. "How are people supposed to sleep on this island?" he demands of a waiter. "Together," is the reply, which aptly reminds us of how the two stars are supposed to be at the end of all this fun. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Corny premise, but worth the time
I am NOT a fan of Bob Hope's movies. I really never watch him as a comic but this movie was very enjoyable! Great musical numbers and the kids are dolls. Rags to riches. With the combination of music, kids, Hope not playing Hope...you will spend an delightful evening renting or buying this movie.

That's Entertainment!
A rarely seen Bob Hope gem, "The Seven Little Foys" is well worth seeking out. The film is based on the true story of Eddie Foy, a vaudvillian who, after the unexpected death of his wife, decides to make his seven children into a stage act in order to keep on eye on them while on the road. That his children are one and all completely deviod of any talent whatsoever doesn't faze him much. After all, famous for being dreadfully untalented is still famous.

The first half of the movie drags a bit while detailing the courtship of Eddie Foy and his long-suffering wife, but the second half has Bob playing off of seven terrific child actors and the results are very entertaining. (For example, racking his brain on how to get his kids on stage, Bob asks them what they can do. His littlest replies cheerfully, "I can dance!" and proceeds to careen around the room in a drunken manner. "Keep your opinions to yourself", Bob observes.)

To Eddie's surprise, the kids are so bad they're a huge hit, and though dysfunctional, the Foys are ultimately a loving and tightknit bunch. Bob and the kids have a great chemistry, and he also has a great foil in the Italian actress that plays the children's aunt. (At one point she grouses that the house Eddie has bought is "falling apart", "Nobody complains about you", Bob shoots back. )

And of course, there is the famous scene when Bob and Jimmy Cagney do a wondeful softshoe atop a banquet table; this scene alone is worth the price of the DVD.

If you're a fan of Bob Hope or like turn of the century period films , be sure not to miss "The Seven Little Foys".

Beautiful Brentwood DVD color musical
This Brentwood Bob Hope DVD has beautiful color and a razor sharp image. The movie is aimed more at music than comedy, and comedy fans may be a little disappointed. But Bob Hope fans and musical fans will be amused.

Great costumes, wonderful dancing, and a few laughs
I'd read the previous reviews of this movies and saw it this weekend. While it was entertaining, it wasn't as funny as I'd anticipated. The story line was pretty weak too.

On the other hand... The costumes were spectacular, and it was worth seeing the movie just for that!

I was amazed as how great a dancer Bob Hope was! The table top dance duet with James Cagney was absolutely brilliant!

This isn't really a musical in the sense that people don't suddenly burst into song. But, there is a lot of music, dance, and vaudvillian routines.

Great costumes, sonderful dancing, and a few laughs
I'd read the previous reviews of this movies and saw it this weekend. While it was entertaining, it wasn't as funny as I'd anticipated. The story line was pretty weak too.

On the other hand... The costumes were spectacular, and it was worth seeing the movie just for that!

I was amazed as how great a dancer Bob Hope was! The table top dance duet with James Cagney was absolutely brilliant!

This isn't really a musical in the sense that people don't suddenly burst into song. But, there is a lot of music, dance, and vaudvillian routines. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Corny premise, but worth the time
I am NOT a fan of Bob Hope's movies. I really never watch him as a comic but this movie was very enjoyable! Great musical numbers and the kids are dolls. Rags to riches. With the combination of music, kids, Hope not playing Hope...you will spend an delightful evening renting or buying this movie.

That's Entertainment!
A rarely seen Bob Hope gem, "The Seven Little Foys" is well worth seeking out. The film is based on the true story of Eddie Foy, a vaudvillian who, after the unexpected death of his wife, decides to make his seven children into a stage act in order to keep on eye on them while on the road. That his children are one and all completely deviod of any talent whatsoever doesn't faze him much. After all, famous for being dreadfully untalented is still famous.

The first half of the movie drags a bit while detailing the courtship of Eddie Foy and his long-suffering wife, but the second half has Bob playing off of seven terrific child actors and the results are very entertaining. (For example, racking his brain on how to get his kids on stage, Bob asks them what they can do. His littlest replies cheerfully, "I can dance!" and proceeds to careen around the room in a drunken manner. "Keep your opinions to yourself", Bob observes.)

To Eddie's surprise, the kids are so bad they're a huge hit, and though dysfunctional, the Foys are ultimately a loving and tightknit bunch. Bob and the kids have a great chemistry, and he also has a great foil in the Italian actress that plays the children's aunt. (At one point she grouses that the house Eddie has bought is "falling apart", "Nobody complains about you", Bob shoots back. )

And of course, there is the famous scene when Bob and Jimmy Cagney do a wondeful softshoe atop a banquet table; this scene alone is worth the price of the DVD.

If you're a fan of Bob Hope or like turn of the century period films , be sure not to miss "The Seven Little Foys".

Beautiful Brentwood DVD color musical
This Brentwood Bob Hope DVD has beautiful color and a razor sharp image. The movie is aimed more at music than comedy, and comedy fans may be a little disappointed. But Bob Hope fans and musical fans will be amused.

Great costumes, wonderful dancing, and a few laughs
I'd read the previous reviews of this movies and saw it this weekend. While it was entertaining, it wasn't as funny as I'd anticipated. The story line was pretty weak too.

On the other hand... The costumes were spectacular, and it was worth seeing the movie just for that!

I was amazed as how great a dancer Bob Hope was! The table top dance duet with James Cagney was absolutely brilliant!

This isn't really a musical in the sense that people don't suddenly burst into song. But, there is a lot of music, dance, and vaudvillian routines.

Great costumes, sonderful dancing, and a few laughs
I'd read the previous reviews of this movies and saw it this weekend. While it was entertaining, it wasn't as funny as I'd anticipated. The story line was pretty weak too.

On the other hand... The costumes were spectacular, and it was worth seeing the movie just for that!

I was amazed as how great a dancer Bob Hope was! The table top dance duet with James Cagney was absolutely brilliant!

This isn't really a musical in the sense that people don't suddenly burst into song. But, there is a lot of music, dance, and vaudvillian routines. ... Read more