Parents' Guide to

Father Goose

By Kathryn McGarr, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Cary Grant charms in this WWII comedy.

Movie NR 1964 118 minutes
Father Goose Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Father Goose Movie: Scene #1
  • Father Goose Movie: Scene #2
  • Father Goose Movie: Scene #3

Community Reviews

See all
age 8+

Based on 1 parent review

D-Fresh
D-Fresh Adult
March 30, 2011
age 8+
One of my all time favorites. I cannot think of any legitimate complaints one could have concerning this movie.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

At the height of World War II, Walter Eckland (Cary Grant), a free spirited and dissolute alcoholic, must be a look-out for Japanese war crafts on a deserted island on behalf of the Royal Navy. When he goes on a rescue mission to save a man on a nearby island, he finds himself responsible for the safety of uptight chaperone Catherine Freneau (Leslie Caron) and the seven schoolgirls in her care. They had been dropped on the island during an emergency evacuation from her father's consulate in Rabat. Because it's too dangerous to arrange to airlift them off the island, they're stuck living with alcoholic slob Eckland for a month, maybe more. The battle of the sexes is mostly what the movie's about as Freneau tries to make a proper home for the girls and Eckland refuses to cooperate.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (2):

Grant is 60 years old, playing a drunk clad in khakis instead of his trademark tuxedo; he is, however, as charming a leading man as ever in this family comedy. It's easily one of his funniest pictures. With the added attraction of featuring seven children and being in Technicolor, it's certain to please viewers of all ages.

The children's individual personalities are entertaining, too. Tomboy Harriet prefers to be called Harry, loves to play cricket, and thinks everything is "smashing." The oldest, Elizabeth, gets a crush on Mr. Eckland, while the youngest, Jenny, refuses to open her mouth unless it's to bite him.There's a lot more family comedy than war in this movie, as its title suggests. Humorous situations mix with witty banter and a bit of slapstick to make this a classic.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what it's like for the children to be away from their parents in a time of war. At first, Anne complains that she wants to go home, but by the end, she wants to stay -- why does she change her mind? What makes Jenny start talking again? Is Harriet accepted as a tomboy? What are the ways Ms. Freneau tries to create a "normal" environment on the island? Do you think it's good that she hides Mr. Eckland's whiskey even though it's his island? What does Mr. Eckland see as his responsibilities at the beginning of the film? How about by the end?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended movie lists

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate