The Happiest Millionaire [Restored Roadshow Edition]

Overview

"An eccentric millionaire's mansion offers an endless opportunity for fun in Disney DVD's release of the Fred MacMurray comedy The Happiest Millionaire. Presented in the aspect ratio of 1.66:1 widescreen and offering audio rendered in English Dolby Digital Stereo, this release also offers optional French and Spanish subtitles. No bonus materials of any consequence are included in this bare-bones release."

Product Details

Release Date:	06/01/2004
UPC:	0786936233810
Original Release:	1967
Rating:	G
Source:	Walt Disney Video
Region Code:	1
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital Stereo]
Language:	English
Time:	2:52:00

Special Features

Closed Caption; French and Spanish subtitles

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Fred MacMurray	Anthony J. Drexel Biddle
Greer Garson	Mrs. Cordelia Biddle
Tommy Steele	John Lawless
Geraldine Page	Mrs. Duke
Gladys Cooper	Aunt Mary Drexel
Hermione Baddeley	Mrs. Worth
Lesley Ann Warren	Miss Cordelia `Cordy' Biddle
John Davidson	Angie Duke
Paul Petersen	Tony Biddle
Eddie Hodges	Livingston Biddle
Joyce Bulifant	Rosemary
Sean McClory	Sgt. Flanagan
Jim McMullan	Lt. Powell
William Wellman Jr.	Lt. Grayson
Aron Kincaid	Walter Blakely
Larry Merrill	Charlie Taylor
Frances Robinson	Aunt Gladys
Norman Grabowski	Joe Turner
Jim Gurley	Marine Lieutenant
Joan Marshall	Maid
Richard Sherman	Composer,Composer

Technical Credits

A.J. Carothers

Norman Tokar	Director
William H. Anderson	Producer
Walt Disney	Producer
Peter Ellenshaw	Special Effects
Eustace Lycett	Special Effects
A.J. Carothers	Screenwriter
Dean Thomas	Sound/Sound Designer
Robert Cook	Sound/Sound Designer

Editorial Reviews

On paper, The Happiest Millionaire must have seemed like a sure-fire musical hit in the profitable Mary Poppins vein. The score was by the Poppins boys, the milieu was populated by servants and their employees, and the cast included talented, appealing performers, both fresh-faced and veteran. Unfortunately, Millionaire onscreen lacks the charm and (more importantly) the focus of its predecessor. Norman Tokar's direction is workmanlike but uninspired; the musical numbers generally come off okay, but "okay" is not enough when fireworks are called for. The pacing is also a problem, although how problematic depends upon which of the three versions one is watching: the 118-minute version is entirely too choppy, while the 164-minute version drags unbearably. The 141-minute version is probably the best, although it too is a little long. The score is fine, with "Fortuosity" very engaging, but it's not good enough to cover the flaws in the screenplay and direction. Tommy Steele is quite good, obviously more comfortable here than when he had to carry an entire movie, as in Half a Sixpence, and Fred MacMurray is fine, if a bit too low key in places. Lesley Ann Warren makes an auspicious and appealing debut, and Geraldine Page comes close to stealing every scene she's in. Millionaire is perfectly acceptable family entertainment but nothing more.