First I need to point out that this movie isn't much like the later TV series. It stars Glenn Ford as a widower raising a young child, played by Ron Howard. While their relationship is loving and sweet, they are both looking for a new wife/mother. And Ron Howard is a little devil trying to set up Dad! I like the kid's taste, though, as he sets his sights first on Stella Stevens and then on Shirley Jones--that kid had great taste! Even though you can easily predict where the movie will end up, the acting and writing and direction are so good that you don't really mind at all. That's because it is sentimental but avoids schmaltzy, gooey over-sentimentalism that could have easily ruined this film--thanks in part to a decent use of comedy.

The problem with this movie of the highly talented Minnelli is that it hesitates between comedy and drama.1.Comedy: there are two comic reliefs ;but they are neither original nor very funny.Stella Stevens 's part recalls a cross between Shirley MCLaine and Marilyn Monroe : that is to say how Wilder's shadow hangs over the movie;the scene when Stevens borrows the boy is a pale copy of Wilder's triumphs.You almost hear Marilyn say "Why are all these men always following me?"2.Drama: the scene of the fish,which is almost unbearable in this context, does not belong to the comedy at all :I wonder how Minnelli managed with his young actor for this very disturbing scene.The holiday camp scene ,on the other hand ,is routine drama.This is really pussyfooting.This is pleasant to watch,but definitely not among Minnelli's best.

I grew up watching the t.v. series of this movie and I thought that it was cute. The movie version I watched today(2002). I am so confused about the charm of this movie. Ron Howard was the only reason I didn't turn this mess off. Eddie's father would have been brought up on charges of neglect by now. After the long scene when Eddie is missing and the neighbor tells the father to go home, he does. I couldn't get past that. If all of the melodrama was a setup to show what a devoted father Mr. Corbett was, it missed. No parent would not even want to SEE their child after he has been missing. He also didn't touch Eddie when he came home. I am not trying to rant, but the movie really lost me as to it's appeal in the sixties, or even the 80's or 90's. Again, Ronny Howard was the only saving grace.

charming comedy about a handsome widower whose precouious six-year-old son who vets all his potential dates. Glenn Ford is playing tom corbet very convincing and Shirley Jones is wonderful as elizabeth marten. this movie is smooth and wonderful. 8 of 10