Houseboat (1958): Dir: Melville Shavelson / Cast: Cary Grant, Sophia Loren, Martha Hyer, Murray Hamilton, Mimi Gibson: Meaningful comedy that will likely strike a cord with similar families. Title describes the odd relationship between widower Cary Grant and nanny Sophia Loren. Grant gains custody of his three children but struggles in raising them. Loren is the daughter of a concert conductor who longs for excitement. When one of the boys becomes lost, she takes him home and assigned as nanny. Director Melville Shavelson does well with the formula story but some jokes are corny such as the railroad scene. Nonetheless the humour, regardless of its sometimes exaggerated presence provides a backdrop to the serious issues raised. Grant is at his best trying to juggle three children and a job before romance stems from two sources. In the end it is the respect of his children he most desires. Loren is striking in her quest for excitement and finds it in normality. We know that Grant is destine to marry her but her presence is refreshing. Martha Hyer plays Grant's sister-in-law whom meddles both in family and in romance. Murray Hamilton plays Captain Alan Wilson who is Loren's drunken date in need of a sobering. Paul Petersen, Charles Herbert and Mimi Gibson play the three children. Theme regards raising children and the importance of parental role models. Score: 7 / 10
Review of Houseboat
