Watch The Family Way

The Family Way is a classic British romantic comedy-drama film from 1966. Directed by Roy Boulting, this film follows the lives of a young couple struggling to cope with married life and their respective families. The film starts by introducing us to the young couple, Jenny (Hayley Mills) and Arthur (Hywel Bennett), who have just gotten married. They move into their own house, but their expectations of domestic bliss are soon shattered when they find themselves arguing constantly. These arguments are mostly fueled by financial difficulties, and the fact that they are unable to consummate their marriage as Arthur mistakenly believes that he has some sort of physical problem.

Their families don't help matters either. Arthur's family, especially his father, are cold and unsupportive, while Jenny's mother (Avril Angers) is overbearing and intrusive. The couple finds themselves surrounded by a group of people who seem to be determined to make their lives miserable.

As the story progresses, we see the couple navigate through a series of awkward and uncomfortable situations, all while trying to keep their marriage together. They come across several people who help them in various ways, including an older man who gives Arthur some advice about his 'problem', and a friend of Jenny's who provides them with a place to stay when they can't afford rent.

The film's great strength is in its portrayal of the characters. Hayley Mills is excellent as Jenny, bringing both humor and depth to the role. Her naivety and optimism are perfectly balanced by her frustration and anger at the situation she finds herself in. Hywel Bennett is also great, portraying Arthur with a mix of nervousness and determination. He brings a sense of vulnerability to the character, making him both sympathetic and relatable.

One of the film's major themes is the difficult relationship between children and their parents. Both Jenny and Arthur have strained relationships with their families, and this is reflected in their own struggles as a couple. The film explores the idea that our experiences with our parents shape our perspectives on life, and can have a profound effect on our ability to form relationships with others.

The film's social commentary is also notable. It deals with issues such as class, gender, and social expectations, all while keeping the focus squarely on the characters and their struggles. The film is able to be both funny and serious, delivering a nuanced exploration of the difficulties faced by young couples in post-war Britain.

Overall, The Family Way is a charming, heartfelt film that is still relevant today. Its exploration of the complexities of relationships and family dynamics, as well as its dry wit and understated style, make it a must-see for fans of romantic comedies and dramas alike.

The Family Way is a 1966 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.