The Happiest Millionaire (1967)

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

I love the father in this movie. He cares about his family. He cares about religion. He cares about the safety of his nation. Is there anything that he doesn't care about? As with most people who care deeply about things, he has a passionate personality and makes mistakes along the way. But you can tell that the mistakes he makes is not because he loves too little, but too much. Along the way there is a fun romance. **Talking points - What should married people do when they disagree? Is it hard for parents to let children grow up and away? What's the best way to handle a snobbish person? What are the best ways to attract people of the opposite gender? Do we own any duty to our country? If so, what? Is it good for both males and females to know how to defend themselves? If you could keep an exotic animal at your house that was harmless, what would it be? If you could choose between a cook or a maid which would you choose? Is it hard to follow your dreams in life? What things distract you or dissuade you from them?

A young Irish man, fresh off the boat, immediately scores a job as the butler in the home of millionaire Anthony J. Drexel Biddle. The Biddle home is no ordinary home- Biddle runs Bible classes in his home, keeps alligators in the conservatory, and is preparing to help with the war. His lovely young daughter, concerned that the goings-on in the home are keeping her from finding a beau, announces her desire to go to boarding school; reluctantly, Anthony lets her go. She comes back with a fiancée-Angier Duke, of the New York Dukes. Biddle gradually warms up to the engagement, and make plans for an elaborate wedding. But the young lovers didn't count on their families having a bitter argument between them. Will they ever find happiness amidst the troubles? This fine musical (somewhat reminiscent of "You Can't Take It With You", IMO) is known for being the last film produced by Walt Disney before his death. With the success of MARY POPPINS, Disney decided to gather some of the POPPINS team to try and recreate it's success. Unfortunately, the film didn't do as well as hoped, and the film was cut to try and make it more popular (the complete roadshow print is available on DVD). That is unfortunate, because the film is a pure delight from start to finish. The score by the Sherman Brothers is a lovely one, full of showstoppers (my personal favorite being the love song "Are We Dancing?"). An all-star cast delivers great performances, including Fred MacMurray, Greer Garson, energetic and ever-grinning Tommy Steele, Geraldine Page, and Lesley Ann Warren (CINDERELLA) and John Davidson in their film debuts. The production and costume design is impeccable, and remind one of the classic MGM musicals of the day. Check this one out; it is fun for the family, and you are guaranteed a great time! Recommended. 10/10.

Great, old-fashioned musical for the family. As we began watching this action-packed musical, we were a little confused at first. I love the plot, which is loosely based on the true story of the Biddle family of Philadelphia. I loved the fact that the story is about a Christian man who is rich and even eccentric! Played by Fred MacMurray, one of my favorites, he showcases a great singing talent. Leslie Anne Warren made her debut in this film and also shows her dancing, singing talent, as well as acting (and looks beautiful in her costumes). The scenery caught my eye, but at first, I thought there was too much singing and dancing. I think Robert Sherman, who wrote the beautiful songs for "Mary Poppins" could have composed some better, more catchy tunes. (Although "Detroit" had been on my mind a long time after the movie). Tommy Steele is absolutely adorable. (I loved when he was speaking to the camera and Fred MacMurray, Mr. Biddle, asks, "Who are you talking to?" Hilarious.John Davidson also looks great and showcases his singing, dancing and acting talents in his debut performance. What kept me watching during this long movie, at first, was the scenery and the alligator pets! I think this was a great film, but the songs, again, could have been better--to keep viewers better engaged. (Maybe not so many songs, also). The ending was a bit disappointing--maybe could have showed the alligators just one more time to add humor. But, all in all, a great family film. I applaud Walt Disney films!

This one has it all! We have alligators for the boys, gorgeous turn of the century fashion for the girls, singing and dancing for those of us who love musicals (my husband hated musicals and he loved this movie), a great barroom brawl, historical accuracy, excellent performances by all (neat to see John Davidson and Lesley Ann Warren at the beginning of their careers and Greer Garson at the end as well as the historical significance that it is Walt Disney's last). It is a great story of a girl who is trying to find her place in the world ("Are You Valentine Candy or Boxing Gloves?") with the contrast of old money and nouveau riche ("There are Those" - rewind frequently - this is the best song!!!)set in the fascinating era of early 20th century ("Byum Pum Pum" - you gotta see Warren's high kick in this one!) Great love story with plenty of action. The only sad part is that the marriage between Cordelia Drexel Biddle and Angier Duke didn't last. I saw it in 1967 on vacation in St Louis and we recorded it on a PBS special 30 years later. Our tape is worn out and I have been looking for a copy of this movie for a year!! I do have the video of my son at age 4 dancing Tommy Steele's "Fortuosity" on our bed. I need a new copy!!!!!!!!!!!!!