Watch Congratulations, It's a Boy!

Congratulations, It's a Boy! is a heartwarming comedy-drama film from 1971 that tells the story of a young couple named Jack (Bill Bixby) and Jessie (Diane Baker), who, after many attempts and disappointments, finally conceive their first child, a baby boy. The movie opens with Jack and Jessie eagerly awaiting the moment of their baby's birth, but things start to go awry when Jessie's water breaks while they are driving, and they end up stranded in the middle of nowhere. After some comical mishaps, they finally make it to the hospital, where Jessie gives birth to a healthy baby boy.

As they start their new life as parents, Jack and Jessie face numerous challenges and obstacles. For one, Jack is a struggling musician who can barely make ends meet, while Jessie is a stay-at-home mom who struggles to balance her new responsibilities with her desire to pursue her own career ambitions. To make matters worse, Jack's overbearing and domineering father-in-law, Harry (Jack Albertson), keeps interfering in their lives, trying to control everything from what they eat to how they raise their child.

But despite these challenges, Jack and Jessie are determined to make the best of their situation and raise their child with love and affection. As they navigate the ups and downs of parenthood, they learn valuable lessons about the importance of perseverance, sacrifice, and compromise, and they grow as individuals and as a couple in the process.

One of the highlights of Congratulations, It's a Boy! is the excellent performances of its cast, particularly Bill Bixby, who brings a charming and endearing quality to his portrayal of Jack. Diane Baker is also fantastic as Jessie, conveying both the joys and struggles of motherhood with sensitivity and authenticity. Jack Albertson is equally impressive as Harry, injecting a sense of humor and warmth into a character who could have easily been one-dimensional.

The film is also notable for its beautiful score, composed by Jerry Fielding, which perfectly captures the tender and emotional moments of the story. The cinematography by William H. Clothier is also worth mentioning, as it captures the beauty of the California landscape and the intimacy of the family scenes with equal skill.

What sets Congratulations, It's a Boy! apart from other family comedies of its time is its genuine heart and sincerity. The film never resorts to cheap gags or sentimental melodrama, instead choosing to focus on the very real and relatable struggles of its characters. It celebrates the triumphs of parenthood while acknowledging the difficulties and sacrifices that come with it, making it a film that both parents and non-parents alike can appreciate and enjoy.

In sum, Congratulations, It's a Boy! is a delightful and charming film that is sure to warm the hearts of viewers. With its excellent performances, beautiful score, and honest portrayal of parenthood, it is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Congratulations, It's a Boy! is a 1971 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.