The Happiest Millionaire
The Happiest Millionaire

Movie spotlight

The Happiest Millionaire

1967
Movie
172 min
English

A happy and unbelievably lucky young Irish immigrant, John Lawless, lands a job as the butler of an unconventional millionaire, Biddle. His daughter, Cordelia Drexel Biddle, tires of the unusual antics of her father--especially since the nice young men around town all fear him. Wouldn't you fear a father-in-law that keeps alligators for pets and teaches boxing at his daily Bible classes?

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes60%
Google Users85%
Director: Norman TokarGenres: Musical, Comedy, Family, Biography

Plot Summary

The film chronicles the unconventional life of Philadelphia millionaire Anthony J. Drexel Biddle, a wealthy eccentric who decides to teach his son the ways of the world through rigorous and often bizarre lessons. His lessons include boxing, spending time with his butler, and confronting his own prejudices. Despite the unusual methods, Biddle's family life is filled with love and laughter, showcasing a unique approach to parenting and a celebration of life's simple joys.

Critical Reception

The Happiest Millionaire received a generally mixed to positive reception, with many critics praising its wholesome family entertainment value and nostalgic charm. While some found its length and overly sentimental tone to be a drawback, it was widely recognized for its lighthearted musical numbers and the performances of its veteran cast, particularly Fred MacMurray and Greer Garson. It was considered a quintessential Disney production of its era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its heartwarming and optimistic portrayal of family life.

  • Appreciated for its musical numbers and lighthearted, escapist entertainment.

  • Some critics noted its considerable length and overly saccharine moments.

Google audience: Google users largely enjoyed 'The Happiest Millionaire,' often citing its feel-good nature, charming performances, and nostalgic appeal as highlights. Many appreciated its family-friendly themes and optimistic outlook, though a few commented on its length.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for one Academy Award for Best Costume Design.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the true story of millionaire Anthony J. Drexel Biddle, Sr., an eccentric ornithologist, boxer, and philanthropist who was known for his unconventional methods of raising his children.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
r96sk

r96sk

172 minutes. Why? When all is said and done, the run time is the main reason why I rate this low. With that said, I literally had to spend a good amount of time deciding what rating I was going to give it. On the one hand, sure it las...

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