I would have thought this film would have had a somewhat higher rating. But then I remember 2 things I have learned over several years of reading and writing reviews for IMDb. First, that IMDBers don't understand comedy...all to often they think if a film has some humor in it, it's a comedy...not realizing that most lives have humor in them, even though life is a pretty serious thing. Not understanding the difference between a film that is generally a drama and generally a comedy...well, that's a real issue if one is writing a review. But that's not the issue here. No, the issue here is a lack of an adult perspective about comedy. This comedy isn't about farting or puking or a misunderstanding about cocaine. It's about two adults getting themselves into a most unusual situation, often based on comical misunderstandings.This is an especially good role for Goldie Hawn; there's a maturity here that didn't always come through with Hawn, although she was almost always quite good on the big screen. And, a very good role for Steve Martin, too. Martin could tackle many different roles from the absurd to the subtly humorous.Dana Delany is good as the "other woman". I was disappointed to see the wonderful actress Julie Harris as Steve Martin's mother...too much of a secondary role for a classic actress. Donald Moffat was perfect as Martin's father; another reliable character actor. It's always a pleasure to see Peter MacNicol, here as a colleague, although this is hardly his most intriguing role.Of course, we know from the beginning that ultimately Martin and Hawn will actually fall in love. The question is how they will get to that point. It's quite an entertaining film...unless you're looking for raunch humor.

I must agree with those reviewers here who are baffled by the low overall rating this film gets. OK, it was made more than 20 years ago, but it as a screwball comedy it stands head and shoulders over more recent films and has the kind of charm money can't buy. It is what it is, no more and no less and even has a sneaky, though generous satirical edge to it.Tightly plotted, Housesitter has that internal logic to its happy end which all the classic screwball comedies had and have. Until the last minute you have no idea just how it can all be worked out. And it walks that tightrope beautifully. Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn might be able to work this kind of script with their eyes close, but that is no criticism: both push it to the edge but don't go over the top. And all other performances are also spot on.Thankfully, there is none of that pseudo ironical knowingness which is all too often employed by directors, writers and producers who don't quite have the courage to go the full nine yards and hedge their bets by trying to please everyone. Yes, this is essentially nonsensical cinema fluff, but it is honest, quite touching and engaging, which is more than can be said for many other comedies which plod along all too predictably.If you get the chance to see this, on TV or in a cinema, indulge yourself, because you won't be disappointed.

This is a lovely, easy-watching family film. Typical early nineties romcom with plenty of scope for both Hawn and Martin's particular brands of humour. Goldie Hawn is always nice to watch, and Steve Martin is always golden doing comedy and this isn't an exception. There were shades of Gil Buckman (his character in Parenthood) in this, which is one of my favourite films, and he was pretty flawless in this role too. Martin plays Newton Davis, an architect who's down on his luck in life and love, a bit downtrodden, and by chance he meets "Gwen" (Hawn) a pretty waitress who it soon turns out is a bit of a teller of tall tales. She uses him as a hook to con her way into an ideal life for herself, by posing as his new wife in his home town, and of course it's funny, sweet, and more than a little bit silly. The blagging is improbable, but perhaps in a small town you could pull it off and you sort of admire her guts and determination! Really nice supporting cast including Donald Moffat and Julie Harris as Martin's parents.There's nothing unpredictable in this, no surprises; it is what it is, a nice film where you laugh a bit and feel good at the end. The film is as infectious as Goldie Hawn's smile, and Steve Martin's eyebrows! Enjoy.

Off the back of his very funny 'con-artist' comedy "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels", Frank Oz brings a film to us with a similar theme. Goldie Hawn is "Gwen", a woman who conjures up lie after fantastic lie, whilst Steve Martin is her flabbergasted 'husband', 'Newton Davis'. "Housesitter" is a somewhat silly film, but leads Martin and Hawn do manage to carry the comedy well.Its predictability does not detract from its value, nor the fact that it remains quite a funny picture. It may not be a riot, but it most certainly will make you laugh. Also starred Dana Delaney, Julie Harris and Peter MacNicol.Sunday, August 9, 1992 - Hoyts Forest Hill Chase