Houseboat (starring Cary Grant and Sophia Loren)

(Amazon UK link)

'Houseboat' is one of those films I picked up on special special offer at one of the online shops. It was probably a 'three for ten pounds' kind of thing, where it looked interesting enough to go with two other DVDs that we actually wanted.

It's not something I would necessarily have chosen, although even I have heard of Cary Grant and Sophia Loren. It was billed as a light family comedy.

The story is about a widower (Cary Grant) with three rather riotous children. He has been having a string of bad luck. The film is also about a rich young lady (Sophia Loren) who runs away from home. She takes a job as nanny to the children, without revealing her identity.

Most of the film takes place while the family are on holiday in a houseboat... which is not quite as expected, so various predictable disasters ensue. And, of course, there's a romantic element...

We thought it was a reasonable film. It wasn't bad, exactly, but a bit dull. I don't know why it was considered so brilliant, but then there weren't so many films made in 1958. It's in colour, but feels very dated. Despite stars playing the principle roles, a lot of it seemed rather over-acted.

Still, it makes a pleasant enough story in the end. It's certainly innocuous family viewing, hence the U rating for the UK. Not that it's likely to be of much interest to children. 

Review copyright Sue's DVD Reviews