As others have noted, this movie is one of, if not Stewart's weakest efforts. His earlier family comedy "Mr. Hobbs Takes a vacation" -- a funnier film and one that did far better at the box office -- no doubt inspired him and the studios to come up with another similar vehicle for the aging star.
But that's the problem. Stewart, who was only 58 when this was made, looks closer to 68, and that's even with his toupee on. He's just far too old to play the father of Billy Mumy, who was 11, but looks closer to 9 or 10.
Jimmy Stewart was one of the greatest actors we ever had, but he just wasn't right at all for this part. It might have worked however, if he'd agreed to play his grandpa, instead of his father.
Nice supporting cast of familiar faces though -- Glynis Johns, John Williams, the rubbery faced Ed Wynn, and last but not least, the inimitable Alice Peace, who almost steals the movie with her one scene. :)
But that's the problem. Stewart, who was only 58 when this was made, looks closer to 68, and that's even with his toupee on. He's just far too old to play the father of Billy Mumy, who was 11, but looks closer to 9 or 10.
Jimmy Stewart was one of the greatest actors we ever had, but he just wasn't right at all for this part. It might have worked however, if he'd agreed to play his grandpa, instead of his father.
Nice supporting cast of familiar faces though -- Glynis Johns, John Williams, the rubbery faced Ed Wynn, and last but not least, the inimitable Alice Peace, who almost steals the movie with her one scene. :)