I used to wonder why William Powell wasn't cast as the grumpy father in Father of the Bride, since he resembled the novel's illustration much more than Spencer Tracy. Maybe he was too likable; maybe he couldn't pull off grumpy and structured, I thought. After watching Life with Father, I stand corrected. William Powell has the market cornered on grumpy and structured. He was even nominated for an Academy Award for this performance!
Before we even see him, the audience is exposed to Bill's quirks. The new servant is terrified of making a mistake, since her predecessors usually only last a few days; Irene Dunn walks her through what's expected. The coffee must be piping hot, the muffins must remain in the ceramic container until the last possible moment, the paper must be unwrinkled, the milk gets delivered in a special tin bucket, the stock market must behave itself—and when Bill Powell finally walks on screen, he corrects the foyer clock according to the time on his pocket watch. He complains constantly, berates the servants, criticizes his wife and children, and is downright hostile at the idea of hosting his wife's cousin at their house. The audience is supposed to think he's a terrible beast, especially when he treats Irene with such little respect as they quibble over the household expenses. I saw through it, as I hope many viewers will. This isn't a gruff, abusive man. This is a man trying to uphold the image of "man" in a household of four impressionable sons. In the 1800s, "man" had a very defined role to play. This film shows the difficulties and conflicting emotions involved in maintaining the role.
I really love this movie. The oldest son falls in love with a young and beautiful Elizabeth Taylor, and he tries to emulate his father as he realizes he's turning into a man. But when he tries to be gruff and controlling, it backfires. Why can't he act as manly as his father does? The truth: because underneath his exterior, William Powell isn't gruff. He loves his wife more than anything in the world. It really is a touching story.
One aspect of the movie might turn some viewers off, but I urge you to keep watching. Bill and Irene constantly argue about religion, and if you're not religious, you might brush the movie off as a "God movie". Just replace it with any other argument in your mind and keep watching the movie. The argument isn't about God, it's about the give and take between husband and wife.
Give Life with Father a try. I highly recommend it. And if you like period pieces, it's an excellent portrayal of life in the 1890s. It was nominated for set design and music Oscars, but I think Marjorie Best's costume design should have been honored. The dresses are incredibly beautiful!
Before we even see him, the audience is exposed to Bill's quirks. The new servant is terrified of making a mistake, since her predecessors usually only last a few days; Irene Dunn walks her through what's expected. The coffee must be piping hot, the muffins must remain in the ceramic container until the last possible moment, the paper must be unwrinkled, the milk gets delivered in a special tin bucket, the stock market must behave itself—and when Bill Powell finally walks on screen, he corrects the foyer clock according to the time on his pocket watch. He complains constantly, berates the servants, criticizes his wife and children, and is downright hostile at the idea of hosting his wife's cousin at their house. The audience is supposed to think he's a terrible beast, especially when he treats Irene with such little respect as they quibble over the household expenses. I saw through it, as I hope many viewers will. This isn't a gruff, abusive man. This is a man trying to uphold the image of "man" in a household of four impressionable sons. In the 1800s, "man" had a very defined role to play. This film shows the difficulties and conflicting emotions involved in maintaining the role.
I really love this movie. The oldest son falls in love with a young and beautiful Elizabeth Taylor, and he tries to emulate his father as he realizes he's turning into a man. But when he tries to be gruff and controlling, it backfires. Why can't he act as manly as his father does? The truth: because underneath his exterior, William Powell isn't gruff. He loves his wife more than anything in the world. It really is a touching story.
One aspect of the movie might turn some viewers off, but I urge you to keep watching. Bill and Irene constantly argue about religion, and if you're not religious, you might brush the movie off as a "God movie". Just replace it with any other argument in your mind and keep watching the movie. The argument isn't about God, it's about the give and take between husband and wife.
Give Life with Father a try. I highly recommend it. And if you like period pieces, it's an excellent portrayal of life in the 1890s. It was nominated for set design and music Oscars, but I think Marjorie Best's costume design should have been honored. The dresses are incredibly beautiful!