SYNOPSIS: Life with Father (1947) is a comedic drama set in the 1880s, centering on the Day family, who reside in New York City. The story primarily focuses on the domineering yet loving father, Clarence Day Sr., played by William Powell. Clarence is a successful stockbroker with a firm belief in running his household with precision and authority. However, his attempts to maintain order are often comically thwarted by his spirited and strong-willed wife, Vinnie, portrayed by Irene Dunne, and their four mischievous sons.

The plot unfolds through a series of humorous and heartwarming vignettes that showcase the family's everyday life, highlighting the generational and cultural clashes between Clarence's strict Victorian values and his family's more modern attitudes. One central storyline involves Vinnie's determination to have Clarence baptized, a notion he vehemently resists, leading to a series of misunderstandings and comedic situations.

Another significant subplot involves the romance between the Day's eldest son, Clarence Jr., and Mary Skinner, a charming visitor from Albany. Their budding relationship provides a tender counterpoint to the comedic antics of the household. As Clarence grapples with his family's antics and the changing world around him, he ultimately comes to realize the importance of love, understanding, and flexibility in maintaining a happy home.

The film beautifully captures the essence of family life with its blend of humor, nostalgia, and poignant moments, reflecting the timeless dynamics between parents and children. Life with Father remains a classic, celebrated for its delightful performances, particularly those of Powell and Dunne, and its enduring portrayal of family values.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: Life with Father unfolds in the bustling city of New York during the late 1880s. Clarence Day Sr. (William Powell) is the head of the Day family, known for his strong-willed personality, strict demeanor, and devout adherence to his own principles. Despite his authoritarian nature, Clarence is deeply devoted to his wife, Vinnie (Irene Dunne), and their four sons: Clarence Jr. (Jimmy Lydon), John (Johnny Calkins), Whitney (Martin Milner), and Harlan (Derek Scott).

The film revolves around the humorous and heartwarming interactions within the Day household. Clarence, a devout agnostic, finds himself at odds with Vinnie, who is determined to have her husband baptized into the Episcopal Church. The resulting comedic clashes between Clarence's skepticism and Vinnie's persistence provide much of the film's light-hearted entertainment.

Central to the plot is Clarence's constant battle to maintain authority over his household, often undermined by Vinnie's gentle but firm influence. Despite his gruff exterior, Clarence's love for his family is evident, and he frequently finds himself involved in their daily dramas and mishaps, from disciplining his sons to navigating the complexities of married life.

Amidst the familial chaos, Clarence's business ventures and financial dealings add further layers of comedy and drama. His interactions with his employees, friends, and even the local church pastor (Monty Woolley) are characterized by his uncompromising personality and unexpected moments of vulnerability.

As the narrative unfolds, Clarence's relationships with each family member deepen, revealing his underlying warmth and dedication to their well-being. The film culminates in a heartwarming resolution, where Clarence's steadfast love for his family triumphs over his stubbornness, highlighting the enduring bonds that define life with the Days.

PRODUCTION: Life with Father is based on the long-running Broadway play by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, which itself was adapted from Clarence Day's autobiographical book. The play, which debuted in 1939, became one of the longest-running non-musical plays in Broadway history. Given its success, a film adaptation was a natural next step. Warner Bros. acquired the rights to the play, aiming to translate its charm and humor to the big screen.

Michael Curtiz, a highly regarded director known for his versatility and previous successes such as Casablanca (1942), was brought on to direct the film. Curtiz's ability to balance comedy and drama made him an ideal choice for Life with Father. The screenplay was adapted by Donald Ogden Stewart, who skillfully retained the wit and warmth of the original play while making necessary adjustments for the cinematic medium.

The casting of Life with Father was critical to its success, given the need to capture the dynamic personalities of the Day family. William Powell was cast as Clarence Day Sr., the stern yet loving patriarch. Powell, known for his sophisticated charm and comedic timing, was a perfect fit for the role. Irene Dunne was cast as Vinnie Day, Clarence’s spirited wife. Dunne's experience in both comedy and drama, along with her chemistry with Powell, brought depth and warmth to her character.

The film also featured a talented supporting cast, including Elizabeth Taylor as Mary Skinner, the love interest of the Day's eldest son. Taylor, already a rising star, brought youthful energy and charm to the role. The four Day sons were portrayed by Jimmy Lydon (Clarence Jr.), Martin Milner (John), Johnny Calkins (Whitney), and Derek Scott (Harlan), each adding to the film's portrayal of family life.

The production design aimed to authentically recreate the 1880s setting of New York City. The film's sets were meticulously crafted to reflect the Victorian era, with attention to detail in the costumes, furniture, and overall aesthetic.

Cinematographer J. Peverell Marley captured the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of the period, enhancing the film's nostalgic charm.

Life with Father was filmed primarily on sound stages at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. These controlled environments allowed for precise set design and lighting, essential for recreating the film's historical setting. The production team utilized Technicolor, adding richness and vibrancy to the film's visual presentation, which was particularly effective in bringing the 19th-century setting to life.

One of the key challenges was adapting a stage play known for its intimate setting and dialogue-driven humor to the broader and more dynamic format of film. Director Michael Curtiz and screenwriter Donald Ogden Stewart worked to ensure that the film retained the play's charm while taking advantage of the cinematic medium to expand on visual storytelling. This included the use of different camera angles, lighting techniques, and expanded scenes that were not possible in the stage production.

Max Steiner, a prolific composer known for his work on Gone with the Wind (1939) and Casablanca (1942), was responsible for the film's score. Steiner's music added a layer of emotional depth to the film, highlighting both its comedic and dramatic moments. His score complemented the film’s setting and tone, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

RELEASE: Life with Father premiered on September 13, 1947, in New York City. The premiere was a highly anticipated event, attracting significant attention from both the public and the press. The film’s release was strategically planned to capitalize on the popularity of the original Broadway play, which had enjoyed a successful run from 1939 to 1947. The premiere was attended by many Hollywood stars and industry insiders, adding to the film's prestige.

Warner Bros. handled the distribution of Life with Father. The studio's extensive network ensured that the film reached a wide audience across the United States. Warner Bros. implemented a robust marketing campaign that included posters, trailers, and tie-ins with major newspapers and magazines. The studio also leveraged the star power of William Powell and Irene Dunne to draw audiences to theaters.

Upon its release, Life with Father was a commercial success. It became one of the highest-grossing films of 1947, earning substantial box office revenue. The film's appeal was broad, attracting both fans of the original play and new audiences. Its blend of humor, drama, and nostalgic charm resonated with viewers, making it a popular choice for moviegoers.

Critically, Life with Father received positive reviews. Critics praised the film for its faithful adaptation of the play, its charming portrayal of family life, and the standout performances of the cast. William Powell's performance as Clarence Day Sr. was particularly lauded for its comedic timing and emotional depth. Irene Dunne's portrayal of Vinnie Day also received high praise for her ability to balance humor and tenderness.

The film’s direction by Michael Curtiz was commended for its skillful blending of comedy and drama. Reviewers appreciated Curtiz's ability to maintain the spirit of the original play while utilizing the advantages of the cinematic medium. The film's production design, capturing the essence of 1880s New York City, was also highlighted as a significant achievement.

Life with Father was recognized during the awards season, receiving several nominations. It was nominated for four Academy Awards:

• Best Actor in a Leading Role (William Powell)

• Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color (Robert M. Haas and George James Hopkins)

• Best Cinematography, Color (J. Peverell Marley, William V. Skall)

• Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture (Max Steiner)

Although the film did not win any Oscars, the nominations reflected the industry's acknowledgment of its quality and the strong performances of its cast and crew.

The release of Life with Father solidified its status as a classic in American cinema. Its portrayal of family dynamics, set against the backdrop of a bygone era, resonated with audiences and critics alike. The film’s success helped cement the reputations of William Powell and Irene Dunne as versatile actors capable of handling both comedic and dramatic roles.

Life with Father also had a lasting impact on the genre of family comedies. Its emphasis on character-driven humor and the interplay between family members influenced subsequent films and television shows that explored similar themes. The film remains a staple of classic Hollywood cinema, frequently referenced and admired for its timeless appeal.

CAST:

• William Powell as Clarence Day Sr.

• Irene Dunne as Vinnie Day

• Elizabeth Taylor as Mary Skinner

• Edmund Gwenn as Rev. Dr. Lloyd

• Zasu Pitts as Cora Cartwright

• Jimmy Lydon as Clarence Day Jr.

• Emma Dunn as Margaret

• Moroni Olsen as Dr. Humphries

• Martin Milner as Whitney Day

• Elisabeth Risdon as Mrs. Whitehead

• Derek Scott as Harlan Day

• Heather Wilde as Annie

• Johnny Calkins as Whitney Day

• Mary Field as Nora

• Monte Blue as The Policeman

• Queenie Leonard as Maggie

• Nancy Evans as Delia

• Clara Blandick as Miss Wiggins

• Frank Elliot as Dr. Somers

CREW:

• Director: Michael Curtiz

• Producer: Robert Buckner

• Writers: Donald Ogden Stewart (screenplay), Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse (play), Clarence Day (autobiography)

• Cinematographer: William V. Skall, J. Peverell Marley

• Editor: George Amy

• Music: Max Steiner

• Art Direction: Robert M. Haas

Production Company: Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures

Release Date: September 13, 1947
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 118 minutes
Budget: $4.7 million
Box Office Return: $6.5 million

IMDB Rating =  7.1 / 10

TRIVIA:

• Elizabeth Taylor, in one of her early film appearances, portrays Mary Skinner, a love interest for Clarence Jr.

• The film's depiction of late 19th-century New York City relied on meticulous research and detailed set design, creating an authentic backdrop for the Day family's adventures.

• Life with Father remains one of the few Technicolor films produced by Warner Bros. during the 1940s, contributing to its visual appeal and nostalgic charm.

• The play Life with Father, upon which the film is based, holds the record for the longest-running non-musical play on Broadway, with over 3,200 performances.

• Before filming began, the cast had their hair dyed red at Perc Westmore's salon on a Sunday morning, encountering a water shutdown issue that threatened the process until a solution using cold cream was devised.

• Playwrights Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, along with Clarence Day's widow, had veto power over all aspects of the movie's production. Mrs. Day approved Irene Dunne's portrayal and even lent some of her jewelry for authenticity.

• Martin Milner was the only natural redhead among the boys in the Day family.

• During its run at Radio City Music Hall, billing alternated daily between William Powell and Irene Dunne.

• Irene Dunne admitted later in life that she disliked playing Vinnie, finding the character "rattle-brained," and initially resisted taking the role until director Michael Curtiz persuaded her. Mary Pickford also campaigned for the role, but Curtiz preferred Dunne.

• The original last line of the play, "I'm going to be baptized, dammit," had to be changed for the movie version due to censorship issues.

• Life with Father was the theatrical movie debut of Martin Milner, who played John Day.

• Warner Brothers paid $500,000 for the screen rights to the play, plus 50% of the profits, setting a record at the time.

• Life with Father was Warner Brothers' highest-grossing movie for 1947.

• Clarence Day Sr.'s father, Benjamin Henry Day, founded the New York Sun newspaper in 1833.

• The premiere of the film was held in Skowhegan, Maine, the location of the play's initial performance eight years earlier.

• Both Shirley Temple and Ann E. Todd tested for the role of Mary Skinner.

Life with Father endures as a beloved classic, celebrated for its portrayal of family dynamics, memorable performances, and timeless humor. The film's enduring popularity has cemented its legacy as a quintessential representation of American domestic life in the late 19th century.