Product: Houseboat [VHS] (1958)
Rating: 4.0
A Fair Romantic Comedy
This is an old one that is still quite enjoyable.Cary Grant is a divorced man whose wife has been raising their children. He loves the kids but doesn't have a clue or a manual. When the ex wife dies, he is left in a position to take care of them. He does the best he can which is none too well.Grant realizes that he will need to take some time away from his job in DC. He plans to move to the country closer to his ex inlaws. This is done with the idea that they will help with the kids and also because there is a suspicion that he will eventually marry the younger sister of his former wife. (Apparently there is a history.) The aunt gets along well with the kids who are not thrilled with their father.Meanwhile, Sofia Loren is the daughter of a famous Italian musician on tour. She is chaffing under her father's stern rule and just wants to have some fun. She makes an escape and meets up with one of the kids who helps her to escape from her father's minions. She returns the boy home and is coaxed into serving as a nanny for the kids.Grant's plans for moving do not work out as expected and the whole family temporarily ends up living on a houseboat. The comedy takes off from there as Loren and Grant find that they have feelings for each other and the kids stir things up.For me, this one was on the cusp between 3 and 4 stars but I am in a good mood. I did enjoy it and it is worth seeing.