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'Father Goose' Notches Another Fairytale Ending for Cary Grant

Cary Grant makes it look easy in 'Father Goose' without even trying.

By Rich MonettiPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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Poster (Universal Pictures)

When does it become too much to watch Cary Grant make forlorn look easy and lore in the girl with his patented reluctance. In a word, the consensus says never. But for those who may somehow tire, Father Goose puts a spin on his mastery and even adds war hero. All the while taking a gander at fatherhood to sweeten the sauce.

Putting aside the grand designs he puts in place to steal Katherine Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story, our role model has no interest in the girl this time. At the same time, the icon sees no reason to put up a Charade as duty called a year earlier. In other words, he's certain that doing his bit for king and country should be left for others. As for roosting over children, just check the strut—it hasn't changed.

But does Cary Grant actually have to set his mind to it, to get the job done? If he gets a little help, no.

War, what is it good for?

Walter Eckland looks like he's been around and staying on the peripheries with his newly acquired boat seems his desired and deserved destination. WWII raging in favor of the Japanese doesn't deter either. "Several years ago, I made peace with the world. If the world isn't bright enough to make peace with itself, it'll have to settle things without me," he tells Royal Navy Commander Frank Houghton.

So the commander’s hope to enlist Eckland as an island spotter for aerial movement falls on deaf ears. Unfortunately, the admiralty is immune to Grant's patented charms or protestations.

As such, Eckland is unceremoniously escorted to his island, and any chance of dereliction goes hard a port. "Look at what you've done to my boat," Walter fumes the gaping hole the destroyer left on the way out.

Given a handle of Mother Goose, Walter's disdain is in full radio contact. This applies even when queried whether the planes above are ours or theirs. "Kind of depends which side you're on, doesn't it," Eckland writes off the insignificance of his position and perch.

Nonetheless, Frank keeps Walter on point by hiding bottles of whiskey around the Island. "X" marking the spots, as his aerial intelligence is confirmed, a reprieve is offered. If Walter can take his dingy to a nearby island, his replacement awaits.

He dithers over the dangers with Frank, but the chance to take flight takes precedence. Of course, the stage is then set for fairytale, and Walter is really driven to drink.

Eight is enough.

Not only is his replacement dead prior to arrival, but Walter can't believe the gaggle he must load now into his tiny boat from the compromised location. "What are all those?" he implores Catherine Freneu.

The eight children in tow are certainly not beyond his comprehension, but the mistress gives it to him anyway. "Young ladies," she assures him.

Eckland has no choice but to take on the fellow castaways. Nonetheless, they get no quarter from Grant’s gruff—even as the dingy fills with water. “Don’t sit there, bail,” Grant demands.

Of course his dismissive affections work just as well on the little ladies. The princesses certainly don’t endear Catherine to him, and his quest to live out the string. At the same time, he quickly realizes solitude wasn’t so bad.

This especially when a proper lady hinging parental responsibility on him creates a new priority. “When are you coming for them?" he demands to Walter.

The chemistry really flies as Catherine absconds his stash. “Send whiskey, Frank,” he begs.

The process of reeling her in has begun—even if it’s unbeknownst to himself. Eventually, they both get it, and he’s ready to go down with the ship. No surprise, he leaves that to the Japanese and notches yet another lady—all without even trying.

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About the Creator

Rich Monetti

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