In this comedy from 1962, James Stewart plays Roger Hobbs, a happily married man who is looking forward to spending a month off work getting away from it all with only his wife Peggy (Maureen O’Hara) for company. But Peggy has other ideas, and she rents a beach house to which she invites their entire family, including sons-in-law and grandchildren! Problems arise when the beach house turns out to be dilapidated – but that’s nothing to the problems caused by a voluptuous fellow holidaymaker who seems to take a liking to Roger; the marital problems of one of the daughters; the son’s obsession with western movies; and the youngest daughter’s determination not to enjoy herself!
I’m surprised that this film is not better known – after all it stars one of Hollywood’s best loved actors, Jimmy Stewart (a man who I’m convinced is impossible to dislike). Here, Stewart is terrific, totally depicting Roger’s love for and frustration with his family. And his facial expressions and little mannerisms are perfect – I found myself sympathising with him, even while laughing at his predicaments!
Maureen O’Hara is also perfect as his wife Peggy (and she looks amazing). She is the perfect foil for Roger, and the love between the two of them comes through perfectly, even though they get annoyed with each other two.
Laurie Peters shines as the youngest daughter, and Minerva Urecal is great as the maid, Brenda. In all honesty the two older daughters and sons in law are pretty forgettable, but that doesn’t detract from the film, as Stewart and O’Hara are terrific in every scene. The scene when they first arrive at the house to discover that it is run-down and probably dangerous, is a hoot!
If you haven’t heard of this film, I’d definitely recommend it. Lots of laughs and two very likable main characters make it well worth watching.
Year of release: 1962
Director: Henry Koster
Writers: Edward Streeter (book), Nunnally Johnson
Main cast: James Stewart, Maureen O’Hara, Lauri Peters
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