Watch Father Goose
- Approved
- 1964
- 1 hr 58 min
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7.3 (12,628)
Father Goose is a romantic comedy film directed by Ralph Nelson and stars Cary Grant, Leslie Caron, and Trevor Howard. The movie is set during World War II and centers around an anti-social, beach-combing loner named Walter Eckland (played by Grant) who reluctantly agrees to serve as a coast watcher for the Allies in the South Pacific.
Walter is stationed on a remote island and spends his days drinking, fishing, and avoiding responsibility until one day he is ordered to ferry a group of schoolgirls and their teacher, Catherine Freneau (played by Caron), to safety on another island. Walter is initially reluctant to assist them, but he quickly finds himself drawn to Catherine, who is capable and independent, but surprisingly vulnerable at the same time.
As they journey across the sea, Walter and Catherine are forced to confront their prejudices and overcome their initial dislike for each other. Over the course of the film, they develop a fondness for one another, and this budding romance is sweet and believable.
Throughout their adventure, they encounter challenges, such as Japanese bombing raids, a dangerous storm, and a pesky water moccasin, but Walter ultimately rises to the occasion, discovering that he is more capable than he ever imagined. Walter's experiences with Catherine and the girls help him rediscover his sense of duty and self-worth, inspiring him to fight back against the Japanese and become a hero.
The performances in the movie are uniformly outstanding. Cary Grant is excellent as the reluctant hero, bringing a particular charm and wit to his performance that is both hilarious and heartwarming. Leslie Caron is also superb in her role as the strong-willed and capable teacher, playing off Grant with ease and creating great chemistry between the two characters.
The supporting cast is also noteworthy, especially Trevor Howard, who plays Commander Frank Houghton, the man who initially assigns Walter to the mission. His character is an essential part of the film and his interactions with Walter provide some of the most entertaining moments in the movie
The film is shot on location in Jamaica, and the scenery is stunning. The beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, and clear blue waters provide a gorgeous backdrop to the story, and the cinematography is excellent.
Overall, Father Goose is an entertaining, feel-good movie that demonstrates the power of love and the transformative nature of unexpected friendships. With Cary Grant's classic charm and humor, the beautiful locations, and the engaging story, it is no wonder that this film has become a beloved classic.
Father Goose is a 1964 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.