7 Comments
User's avatar
Prezzia Karen's avatar

We did not like this movie at all! Boy, back in 1948 Hollywood was already making dads look dumb and weak in front of their wives and children. Dad couldn’t make his own children behave or be in charge in his home. I don’t think it’s snobby or snoopy to think that another man in one’s house (not a relative) is plain stupid and definitely gives scandal no matter how ‘innocent’ it is. And I would not allow an adult around my kids who made such disparaging remarks about children. Oh yes, this was just comedy….,really? We couldn’t finish it, but am pretty sure there couldn’t have been anything to redeem it in the end.

Expand full comment
Louise (the mother)'s avatar

We love Clifton Webb—he is our American Jeeves, I think! And thank you for the little musical moment—I stopped to listen to Pavarotti’s Funiculi Funicula and was delighted to find it familiar. I can imagine swinging a toddler to that music!

Expand full comment
Kathleen Hamalainen's avatar

I never realized the connection of Clifton Webb and Mr. Peabody! Of course!

I saw this movie a few years ago and will have to see it again. Have you ever watched,” The Man who Never Was”? Clifton Webb was excellent in that movie and so were the other actors. I would like to read your opinion of that movie.

Expand full comment
Anthony Esolen's avatar

I'm a great admirer of The Man Who Never Was -- a superb movie. I haven't seen it in a while, though, so I'd have to see it again to remind myself of his performance. I've never seen Clifton Webb do anything other than an excellent job: in Cheaper by the Dozen, for example; absolutely terrific scene where with understatement and flat-footed pretending not to know what the lady is there for, he puts to shame the woman from Planned Parenthood ...

Expand full comment
Kathleen Hamalainen's avatar

I took great delight in that scene!

Expand full comment
Michael Ward's avatar

Yes, He was excellent in "The Man Who Never Was," a film that can be watched may times without becoming stale -- part procedural, part suspense, part wartime drama, and part character study. An excellent movie.

Expand full comment
Margaret Lindsey's avatar

I agree with your father: Clifton Webb is a solid actor. So far I have liked everything he did. He is a convincing snob in “Titanic”—but a snob with courage and a strong moral compass when reality intrudes. He’s satisfyingly, suitably interfering and annoying in “Laura”, too. Like Barbara Stanwyck, his co-star in “Titanic”, he is a joy to watch in either comedy or drama. Before even watching “Sitting Pretty” I can practically hear his superior, peevish voice and his devastating verbiage. I’m looking forward to it.

Expand full comment