Father Goose

Cary Grant's penultimate film, released in 1964 when the iconic actor was 60, is a cute action-comedy set in the Pacific during World War II. Grant atypically plays a less-than-dashing hero—a grizzled rascal named Walter, who has abandoned the civilized world to live on a boat and abscond with as much fuel and supplies as possible from the British navy. A bemused but weary ship's captain, Houghton (Trevor Howard), turns to extortion to force Walter to give something back by manning one of the many small island posts in the region and reporting any sightings of Japanese warplanes or ships. Grant has a grand time playing a character who wants nothing to do with such responsibilities but is forced to be a patriot in a difficult situation, rewarded for his efforts with directions to hidden bottles of Scotch whiskey. The story takes a huge twist when French diplomat Catherine (Leslie Caron) arrives with a group of schoolgirls, who have all escaped a near brush with the enemy. Suddenly Walter has to be host and father figure—roles he does not relish—and finds himself in a battle of wits with Catherine that naturally turns into love. Director Ralph Nelson brings just enough gloss to the proceedings to give Grant a classic star vehicle, while Grant himself demonstrates what a master actor can do with rather lightweight material. Re-released on DVD and bowing on Blu-ray, this is recommended. (T. Keogh)[Blu-ray Review—Dec. 12, 2017—Olive, 118 min., not rated, Blu-ray: $39.95—Making its latest appearance on Blu-ray, 1964's Father Goose features a great transfer and mono audio. Extras include audio commentary by film historian David Del Valle, the behind-the-scenes featurette “Unfinished Business: Cary Grant's Search for Fatherhood and His Oscar” (19 min.), a “My Father” interview with Internet pioneer Ted Nelson on his director father Ralph Nelson (12 min.), Universal newsreel footage featuring star Leslie Caron (3 min.), and a booklet. Bottom line: this fun Cary Grant comedy sparkles in this Olive “Signature” edition.]