Blu ray review: Houseboat (1958)

Cary Grant was nearing the end of his film career by the time he did this  family comedy with Sophia Loren as his co-star. The film’s backstory claims that the script was written by Cary’s then-wife Betsy Drake, who was supposed to co-star, but after Grant began an affair with Loren on The Proud and the Profane, Loren became this film’s co-star and Betsy Drake’s name received no screenwriting credit.

Grant is an absentee father whose children have been brought up by their mother.  When she dies, he comes to claim them, but they want to live with their wealthy maternal grandparents.  Loren comes into the picture when dad takes the kids to a symphony and one of the youngsters starts playing a harmonica during the concert.  This amuses the woman and a connection is eventually made.

Much of Houseboat is lighthearted sitcom type fare that one could argue is beneath the talents of the leads.  In fact, the film is warm, funny, and benefits from having been co-written and directed by frequent Bob Hope collaborator Melville Shavelson.

Kino’s blu ray is from a new HD master by Paramount Pictures from a 6K scan of the 35mm VistaVision original camera negative.  It features audio commentary by film historian/writer Julie Kirgo and writer/filmmaker Peter Hankoff.

The blu ray can be purchased at this link: HOUSEBOAT