Watch Please Don't Eat the Daisies

Please Don't Eat the Daisies is a 1960 comedy film based on the bestselling book by Jean Kerr. The movie stars Doris Day, David Niven, and Janis Paige. It was directed by Charles Walters and follows the adventures of a professor and his family as they move from New York City to the suburbs. The film opens with the McKinleys - theater critic Lawrence (David Niven) and his wife Kate (Doris Day) - living in a small New York City apartment with their four young boys, struggling to make ends meet. When Lawrence is offered a professorship at a prestigious university in the suburbs, he jumps at the chance to move his family to a larger house with a big yard and a more peaceful, idyllic lifestyle. However, it quickly becomes clear that keeping up with the Joneses isn't always easy, and the McKinleys find themselves in one zany situation after another.

One of the McKinleys' biggest challenges comes in the form of Larry Kogan (Richard Haydn), a flamboyant Broadway producer and neighbor who is constantly pitting Lawrence against his professional rival, Deirdre Foxcroft (Janis Paige). Meanwhile, Kate struggles to keep up with the domestic demands of their new home, including renovating the kitchen, planting a garden, and dealing with the neighborhood's eccentric characters, including a pair of overzealous dog lovers and a reclusive author who has a mysterious connection to the family's new home.

Throughout the movie, Day and Niven's characters are a study in contrasts; she is effervescent and energetic, always finding the bright side of any situation, while he is measured and reserved, preferring the comfort of books and the company of intellectuals. Despite their differences, they share a deep love for each other and their family, and the film is frequently punctuated with tender moments between them, as well as laughter-inducing hijinks.

Please Don't Eat the Daisies is a classic example of the screwball comedy genre that was popular in the 1950s and 1960s. The film is fast-paced and full of slapstick humor, with scenes that range from Kate accidentally dyeing her hair pink to Lawrence getting drunk on a neighbor's homemade wine to the family's attempts to catch the stray dog that keeps stealing their food.

However, despite the film's wacky hijinks and zany characters, it also touches on more serious themes, such as the challenges of balancing career and family, the importance of staying true to oneself, and the value of community and friendship. These themes are particularly relevant in today's world, making Please Don't Eat the Daisies a timeless classic that continues to delight audiences nearly 60 years after its initial release.

Overall, Please Don't Eat the Daisies is a charming, lighthearted comedy that is perfect for a cozy evening in with family and friends. With its talented cast, witty script, and heartwarming message, it's easy to see why the movie remains a beloved favorite of film fans around the world.

Please Don't Eat the Daisies is a 1960 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.