Overview
A beachcomber's quiet life is turned upside down by unexpected visitors during wartime.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- breezy
- warm
- classic movie night
- lighthearted date night
What critics said
Critics broadly regarded the film as cheerful, harmless entertainment elevated by Cary Grant's comic character reversal and strong supporting performances.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Walter Eckland is persuaded to monitor Japanese aircraft and shipping despite his resistance to military duty.
Walter's bohemian beachcomber life is disrupted by Catherine and the children, gradually drawing him into responsibility.
The remote South Sea island serves as Walter's coast-watching station and sanctuary for Catherine's pupils.
Cary Grant plays Walter as an unshaven, tattered, alcohol-dependent rogue rather than his customary polished gentleman.
Films like Father Goose, and why
The African Queen
shared blend of wartime adventure, romantic comedy, fish-out-of-water humor, and charismatic star chemistry
Operation Petticoat
shared Cary Grant-led romantic comedy, opposites-attract conflict, and breezy adventure tone
The Americanization of Emily
shared World War II setting, comic military predicament, ensemble camaraderie, and warm romance
Movie Details
- Director
- Ralph Nelson
- Release Date
- 1964-12-10
- Runtime
- 118 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (206)
Cast
- Cary Grant
- Leslie Caron
- Trevor Howard
- Jack Good
- Sharyl Locke
- Pip Sparke
- Verina Greenlaw
- Stephanie Berrington
- Jennifer Berrington
- Laurelle Felsette
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Father Goose about?
- A hard-drinking Pacific beachcomber becomes an unwilling wartime lookout and protector when a schoolteacher and her young pupils take refuge on his island.
- What is Father Goose like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Father Goose as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Father Goose violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Father Goose as mild.
- What did critics think of Father Goose?
- Critics broadly regarded the film as cheerful, harmless entertainment elevated by Cary Grant's comic character reversal and strong supporting performances.
- Which films are like Father Goose?
- Films with a similar feel include The African Queen, Operation Petticoat, and The Americanization of Emily.
- How long is Father Goose?
- Father Goose runs 118 minutes.
- Where can I watch Father Goose?
- In United States, Father Goose is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
