Watch Life with Father

Life with Father is a classic American comedy-drama film released in 1947. It stars William Powell as Clarence Day Sr., a stockbroker living with his wife Vinnie (Irene Dunne) and their four sons in New York City at the turn of the 20th century. The film is based on a popular autobiographical book of the same name by Clarence Day Jr.

Set in the 1880s, the film captures the essence of family life during that period. Clarence Day Sr. is a patriarchal, authoritarian figure in the house, who insists on being the man of the family and is often at odds with his wife, Vinnie. Vinnie is a doting, loving wife, who tries her best to keep the family together despite her husband's rants and raves.

The film revolves around the daily struggles of the family as they navigate through life in the bustling city. Clarence, ever the conservative, is often at odds with his sons, who are more attuned to the changing times in the city. The movie is a comedy of manners, which lovingly portrays the eccentricities of a Victorian-era household.

Powell's portrayal of Clarence is endearing, and he brings a sense of warmth and humour to the character. His interactions with his sons are priceless, and his attempts to overrule Vinnie in everything, from buying new clothes to hiring a new maid, are hilarious.

Dunne's Vinnie, on the other hand, is the perfect foil to Clarence's temperamental behaviour. Her calmness and quiet resolve are the soul of the film. She is a beacon of light in the House of Day, who keeps the family together through thick and thin.

Elizabeth Taylor makes an appearance as the Day's daughter Mary. Even in her early years, Taylor's talent was evident. Her portrayal of Mary is sweet and charming, and her scenes with Dunne are heartwarming.

The film is set against a backdrop of a rapidly changing America. The city is evolving, and the Day family is struggling to cope with the change. The film beautifully captures the anxieties of a family living in a rapidly changing society.

The movie is also a testament to the power of family. The Days may fight and argue, but they always come back to each other. Their love and respect for each other are evident throughout the film. They are a reflection of the American family, strong and enduring.

Life with Father was an enormous success when it was released in 1947, becoming one of the biggest hits of the year. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (William Powell), Best Cinematography, and Best Art Direction. It won the Oscar for Best Art Direction.

The film's success has endured over the years, and it remains a classic of American cinema. Life with Father is the perfect family movie, one that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. Its humour, warmth, and sentimentality are timeless, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves good old-fashioned storytelling.

Life with Father is a 1947 comedy 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 7.1 and a MetaScore of 73.