The Happiest Millionaire (1967)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  141 Minutes (Re-release: 159 Minutes) (Original: 164 Minutes) (Roadshow: 172 Minutes)

Rated: Approved

Genre: Comedy, Family, Musical

Director: Norman Tokar

Starring: Fred MacMurray, Greer Garson, Gladys Cooper, Geraldine Page, Tommy Steele, Hermione Baddeley,John Davidson

IMDB Rank: 6.8/10

Part 1 Time:  91 Minutes (Re-release: N/A Minutes) (Original: 94 Minutes) (Roadshow: 99)

Part 2 Time:  50 Minutes (Re-release: N/A Minutes) (Original: 70 Minutes) (Roadshow: 73 Minutes)

Where does the first part end? John Lawless (Tommy Steele) attempts to catch George the alligator who has escaped the alligator pool.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Coming, sir. Ah, George”states John Lawless following his plunge into the alligator pool.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Yes, it can only be a matter of weeks now.” Anthony J. Drexel Biddle (Fred MacMurray) speaks while eating dinner with Angier Duke (John Davidson), Mother (Greer Garson), and Cordy (Lesley Ann Warren.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? None, although ending off with John Lawless catching alligators while singing “Fortuosity” is quite entertaining.

Which part is better? In part one, we are introduced to the Biddle family an affluent Philadelphia family. John Lawless is a new butler for the family and is quickly introduced to the daily wonderment and chaos present within the household. Part two focuses on the Cordy and Angier wedding. Part one is significantly better with much more humorist moments and memorable musical performances. The only redeeming quality of part two is the bar scene with the musical performance of “Let’s Have a Drink on It.”

Academy Awards: Best Costume Design (Nominated)