Life with Father

Plot

Set in 1880s New York, 'Life with Father' follows the chaotic yet loving household of Clarence Day Sr. (William Powell), a strict Wall Street banker who believes he rules his family with an iron fist, though his wife Vinnie (Irene Dunne) actually manages everything. The story unfolds through a series of family adventures, including Clarence's stubborn refusal to be baptized, his sons' various misadventures, and the courtship of their eldest son Clarence Jr. (Jimmy Lydon) with the beautiful Mary Skinner (Elizabeth Taylor). When Vinnie discovers that her husband was never properly baptized, she makes it her mission to see it done, leading to comedic confrontations with the church and family. The film captures the warmth and humor of family life in the Gilded Age, where tradition and modern sensibilities collide in delightful ways.

Historical Background

Released in 1947, 'Life with Father' emerged during a period of significant transition in American society. World War II had recently ended, and families were reuniting and rebuilding their lives. The film's nostalgic look back to the 1880s resonated with audiences seeking comfort and stability in uncertain times. The post-war era saw a renewed emphasis on traditional family values, and this film perfectly captured that sentiment while gently questioning rigid authority. The film's production coincided with Hollywood's Golden Age, when studios were still producing lavish, star-driven pictures. It also came during the early days of the Cold War, when American culture was increasingly focused on promoting family unity and traditional values as a contrast to Soviet communism.

Making Of

The adaptation from stage to screen presented unique challenges as the original play was essentially a series of vignettes about family life. Director Michael Curtiz worked closely with screenwriters Donald Ogden Stewart and Stephen Morehouse Avery to create a more cohesive narrative structure. The casting process was extensive, with Warner Bros. initially considering Spencer Tracy for the role of Clarence Sr. before settling on Powell, who brought a perfect blend of authority and warmth to the character. Irene Dunne, known primarily for dramatic roles, demonstrated her comedic timing throughout the production. The elaborate Victorian sets took months to construct, with attention to period detail down to the wallpaper patterns. The film's color photography was groundbreaking for its time, using the WarnerColor process to capture the rich tones of the 1880s setting. During filming, the cast developed a genuine family-like chemistry, often improvising scenes that made it into the final cut.

Visual Style

The film's cinematography, handled by Peverell Marley and Bert Glennon, was groundbreaking for its use of WarnerColor technology. The visual style emphasized warm, rich tones that enhanced the Victorian setting, with particular attention to period-accurate color palettes. The camera work often employed medium shots to capture family interactions, creating an intimate feel that drew viewers into the Day household. The cinematographers used soft lighting techniques to flatter the actors while maintaining the authentic period atmosphere. The baptism scene featured innovative underwater photography that was technically impressive for its time.

Innovations

The film was notable for its pioneering use of WarnerColor, one of the early color processes that offered more vibrant hues than previous technologies. The production team developed new techniques for lighting color film sets, particularly for the elaborate Victorian interiors. The sound recording innovations included better capture of dialogue in group scenes, which was challenging given the film's many family interaction sequences. The film also featured advanced makeup techniques for aging the characters appropriately for the 1880s setting.

Music

The musical score was composed by Max Steiner, one of Hollywood's most respected composers. Steiner created a light, whimsical score that perfectly complemented the film's comedic tone while incorporating period-appropriate musical motifs. The soundtrack featured several popular songs from the 1880s, arranged by Steiner to maintain historical authenticity while appealing to contemporary audiences. The music often underscored the film's emotional moments, particularly in scenes involving family reconciliation. The score was nominated for an Academy Award, though it ultimately lost to another Steiner composition.

Memorable Scenes

• The climactic baptism scene where Clarence Sr. finally agrees to be baptized, only to argue with the priest about the proper procedure, resulting in him being fully immersed in the baptismal font in his expensive suit.
• The dinner table scene where the entire family erupts in chaos over a simple disagreement about dinner, showcasing the controlled anarchy of the household.
• The courtship scene between Clarence Jr. and Mary Skinner, where Elizabeth Taylor's youthful beauty and charm captivate both the character and the audience.
• The opening sequence introducing the Day family and their chaotic morning routine, establishing the film's tone and family dynamics.
• The scene where Vinnie discovers Clarence has never been baptized and makes it her mission to remedy the situation, setting the main plot in motion.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film for its warm humor and excellent performances. Bosley Crowther of The New York Times wrote that it 'captures the essence of family comedy with remarkable success' and particularly praised Powell's 'masterful blend of bluster and tenderness.' Variety noted that the film 'translates the stage success to screen with considerable charm and wit.' Modern critics have revisited the film favorably, with many noting its sophisticated approach to family comedy and its role in establishing conventions for the genre. The film is often cited as an example of how to successfully adapt theatrical works to cinema while maintaining the original's spirit.

What Audiences Thought

The film was enormously popular with audiences, becoming the fourth highest-grossing film of 1947. Moviegoers particularly responded to Powell's comedic timing and the chemistry between the cast members. The film's family-friendly content made it a popular choice for weekend matinees and family outings. Many viewers appreciated its nostalgic look at a simpler time, which resonated strongly in the post-war era. The film's success led to increased demand for more family comedies in Hollywood, influencing studio production schedules for years to come. Audience letters to fan magazines frequently mentioned how much the film reminded them of their own family experiences.

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