One of the all-time classics in my book
is the comedy Father Goose starring Cary Grant and Leslie Caron.
Father Goose, set in WW2, is about a man who is persuaded to live on an isolated island and spot aircraft finds himself responsible for a teacher and several students, all female. Cary Grant’s years of being a pantomime with a troupe that traveled the English provinces, always comes through in his acting. His exaggerated gestures, overstated expressions, an wordless groans speak louder than any monologue could. This is especially true when he deals with a unexpected parade of schoolgirls and the feisty woman left in charge.
Needless to say the personalities of the confirmed bachelor and meticulous school teacher clash instantly giving the viewer a fun ride. Especially when they call each other "Miss Goody Two Shoes" and "a rude, foul-mouthed, drunken, filthy beast".
Soon the odd pair fall in love and
arrange to be married by a military chaplain over the radio. It ends when the
group are saved from the small island soon to be inhabited by the Japanese. I believe my favorite part is when the
commander is informed Walter Eckland (played by Cary Grant) is requesting a
chaplain. The commander’s reaction is,
“A chaplain? Good heavens, he’s killed
her.” His aide informs him the uncommon
pair wished to be married and he replies, “Married? Goody Two-Shoes and the
Filthy Beast?”
It’s a hoot.
Your Turn: What is your favorite old movie?
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