The Happiest Millionaire is a 1967 musical film starring Fred MacMurray, based upon the true story of Philadelphia millionaire Anthony J. Drexel Biddle. Synopsis. [11] The film opened at 164 minutes on a "reserved seating" basis. [14] Lesley Ann Warren, whom Disney had seen in the 1965 CBS television production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, made her screen debut in the film. Both releases are of the 144-minute version. ... Synopsis. Cordelia decides to run off to boarding school and promptly finds the man of her dreams. A Disney musical punctuated by snappy songs and an energetic debut by Tommy Steele. New York Times 10 July 1956: 27. Both families are instantly in a tremendous state of upheaval. Synopsis For the general release, the film was shortened even further to 118 minutes. At first, this is a difficult thing for Mr. Biddle to take. Truly a Disney musical movie with an all-star cast and a good feeling about it when it is over. [3] Walt Disney acquired the rights to the play in the early 1960s. "[10] The production ran for 271 performances, closing on July 13, 1957. The Happiest Millionaire is a 1967 musical film starring Fred MacMurray, based upon the true story of Philadelphia millionaire Anthony J. Drexel Biddle. The long version, presented on home video for the first time, was in 1.66:1 non-anamorphic widescreen, but the short version was 1.33:1.[23]. A car with two people (presumably Cordie and Angie) drives toward a city skyline (presumably Detroit) dominated by factories clouding the sky at sunset. I don't have much to do but I love working with Fred MacMurray. The film, featuring music by the Sherman Brothers, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Costume Design by Bill Thomas. by Kyle Crichton Suggested by the book "My Philadelphia Father" by Cordelia Drexel Biddle and Kyle Crichton. Type any changes to the title, synopsis or contributor information using the Style Guide for reference. There's Fred MacMurray as a lovable rich eccentric; Greer Garson as his cool and understanding wife and Lesley Ann Warren and John Davidson as a pair of beautiful and handsome young lovers. Even though the family is a bit strange, Lawless soon learns that he fits right in. Plot. But the people who created the highest moments in Poppins with the dance across the rooftops are absent. Based on the musical of the same name, Fred McMurray (My Three Sons) plays Mr. Biddle who is also the happiest millionaire in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and perhaps the entire world. | Movies. The Happiest Millionaire. The next morning, Mr. Biddle comes to bail Angie out. OCT. 24 BOW SET FOR 'LARK' HERE: Longacre Theatre Is Chosen for Bloomgarden Offering -Producer Casting 'Diary' A happy and unbelievably lucky young Irish immigrant, John Lawless, lands a job as the butler of an unconventional millionaire, Biddle. … Their two sons, Tony and Livingston (Paul Petersen and Eddie Hodges) are headed off to boarding school, not to be seen again. Howard Erskine and Joseph Hayes produced the play, and Guthrie McClintock was to direct,[8] but he left the production before opening night. We are trying to reflect the information printed in the magazine. However, Angie is stubborn and thinks of other ways to deal with his problems, among other things saying that he wants to join the Foreign Legion. Lots of kids will find little to hold their interest except the alligators. [28], This article is about the film. The end of Walt Disney's final film.Features: "Detroit second reprise" This is reportedly one of the last live- action films Walt Disney personally oversaw. The Happiest Millionaire is a 1967 musical film starring Fred MacMurray and based upon the true story of Philadelphia millionaire Anthony J. Drexel Biddle.The film received an Academy Award nomination for Costume Design by Bill Thomas.The musical song score is by Robert and Richard Sherman.The screenplay is by AJ Carothers based on the play that was based on the book My Philadelphia Father … Like Disney's previous Mary Poppins, The Happiest Millionaire is decked out with a vibrant musical score by Richard and Robert Sherman, but the magic is somehow lacking this time around. Directed by (1) Writing credits (4) Cast (64) Produced by (2) Cinematography by (1) Film Editing by (1) Art Direction by (2) Set Decoration by (2) Costume Design by (1) Makeup Department (2) Second Unit Director or Assistant Director (1) Synopsis. Illustrated. The Happiest Millionaire, although it was a bit of a labor of love on Disney’s part, was misbegotten from the beginning when a clear plot couldn’t not be created out of the vignettes that made up Biddle’s life. He does not want to give up his little girl. "[26], Charles Champlin of the Los Angeles Times stated that the film was "a disappointment" and compared it unfavorably to Mary Poppins: "There is no such unity of interest and identification in The Happiest Millionaire. The Happiest Millionaire is one of the most middling films I've ever seen. The film, featuring music by the Sherman Brothers, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Costume Design by Bill Thomas. | [21], Robert Sherman was in England during the film's Hollywood premiere at the Pantages Theatre, but he became furious when he discovered in the Los Angeles Times that a theater in the vicinity was showing a double feature of The Shaggy Dog and The Absent-Minded Professor at a much lower price. His daughter, Cordelia Drexel Biddle, tires of the unusual antics of her father--especially since the nice young men around town all fear him. Wouldn't you fear a father-in-law that keeps alligators for pets and teaches boxing at his daily Bible classes? Soon the Biddles and the Dukes are making arrangements for a very grand wedding. ", then scolded them for using such language in a Disney movie. Edit Submit Cancel We have produced a Style Guide to help editors follow a standard format when editing a listing. Mr. Biddle busies himself with his Biddle Boxing and Bible School (located in his stable) and with his alligators in the conservatory. Anchor Bay Entertainment released separate DVDs of both the long and short versions on July 20, 1999. Then Cordy travels with Angie to New York City to meet his mother (Geraldine Page). A second cast recording with studio singers and orchestrations by Tutti Camarata appeared on Disneyland Records in stereo (STER-1303) and mono (DQ-1303).[18]. For the rest of the film, Lawless serves as the narrator/commentator. PIDGEON TO STAR IN CRICHTON PLAY: Film Actor Will Return Here in 'The Happiest Millionaire' After 21-Year Absence A Change of Plans [13] Disney told Anderson to use his own judgement, but added, "Don't let the distribution people rush you..." Anderson wanted to shorten the film, as he disliked the musical number "It Won't Be Long 'Til Christmas" as performed by Greer Garson. The story begins in Autumn of 1916, and follows an Irish immigrant named John Lawless as he applies for a butler position with eccentric Philadelphia millionaire Anthony J. Drexel Biddle. Walter Pidgeon portrayed Anthony J. Drexel Biddle and George Grizzard played Angie. She also met future husband Jon Peters during the film's production. The Decline of the Movie Musical. It was a Walt Disney film and was the last film Walt Disney ever saw completed prior to his death near the end of 1966. But the music is well-done and worth a listen for those who like a musical theatre song with an insistent melody and a touch of class. ... Synopsis. Be the first to contribute! Plot Keywords It was not reissued and did not appear on television until 1984, when the 164-minute version was screened at the Los Angeles International Film Expo and aired on The Disney Channel.[22]. The movie's length, period, cost, even its eccentric central figure indicate Disney was trying for another Mary Poppins. The adults will wonder how John Davidson could have possibly been cast in such an innocent and naive role when he looks at least 25 years old. John finds Angie at the local tavern, contemplating what he will do next, and tries to convince Angie to go back to Cordy. [15] The role of MacMurray's wife went to Greer Garson, who called the film "... a delightful Life with Father type picture. He tells Cordy that he is fascinated with the invention of the automobile and wants to head to Detroit, Michigan to make his fortune there, instead of taking over his family's tobacco business. The screenplay is by A. J. Carothers and based on the play that was based on the book My Philadelphia Father by Cordelia Drexel Biddle, the daughter of Anthony Biddle. Release Calendar DVD & Blu-ray Releases Top Rated Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Showtimes & Tickets In Theaters Coming Soon Coming Soon Movie News India Movie Spotlight. This was the last live-action film to personally supervised by Walt Disney; released several months after Disney's death, the film was made available in 141-minute and 164-minute versions. "Choices to Make 'Millionaire' Fans Happy", "Screen: Thin Blue Blood: Music Hall Is Offering 'Happiest Millionaire' 'An Uncommon Thief, "The Happiest Millionaire movie review (1967)", The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Happiest_Millionaire&oldid=1015002393, Films about the United States Marine Corps, Films produced by Bill Anderson (producer), Wikipedia articles that may have off-topic sections from October 2020, All articles that may have off-topic sections, Articles with self-published sources from December 2017, Wikipedia articles with MusicBrainz release group identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, "It Won't Be Long 'Til Christmas" (Roadshow version only), This page was last edited on 30 March 2021, at 04:42. In Autumn of 1916, Irish immigrant John Lawless (Tommy Steele) has applied for a butler position with eccentric Philadelphia millionaire Anthony J. Drexel Biddle (Fred MacMurray). By LOUIS CALTA. By CLEVELAND AMORY. Parents Guide, Roadshow! [11][self-published source]. It is by now the spring of 1917, and constant condescending comments from Angie's mother angers Cordy. By SAM ZOLOTOW. His daughter, Cordelia Drexel Biddle, tires of the unusual antics of her father--especially since the nice young men around town all fear him. The Happiest Millionaire (Original, Play, Comedy, Broadway) opened in New York City Nov 20, 1956 and played through Jul 13, 1957. That winter, Cordy comes back to her parents' home and tells them that she is engaged. In January 1966, a key role went to Tommy Steele, who had achieved success on Broadway in Half a Sixpence. Wouldn't you fear a father-in-law that keeps alligators for pets and teaches boxing at his daily Bible classes? Clever yet hapless new butler John Lawless manages a Philadelphia household for quirky and joyful millionaire Anthony Drexel Biddle, his unflappable wife, … It's a movie that was released in 1967. Edit Submit Cancel We have produced a Style Guide to help editors follow a standard format when editing a listing. [4] The New York Times said the story was told with "charm. [9] The New York Times called the production "decent and amusing" and Pidgeon "wonderful. New York Times 8 May 1955: BR6. By LOUIS CALTA. The Supremes covered "It Won't Be Long 'Til Christmas" for their planned album of Disney covers, but the tracks from that session were not released until the 1980s. After Mr. and Mrs. Biddle return home a delegation of Marines arrive to inform him he has been made a "provisional captain" in the Marine Corps; and is wanted immediately to go to Parris Island to continue training the recruits, now that America is finally entering the War. The Sherman Brothers, who wrote the film's music, wanted Rex Harrison for the lead role,[11][12] but Disney insisted on Fred MacMurray. Mr. Biddle sends John Lawless to look after Angie. I mean, that's a little late to steal your first kiss. Mr. Biddle reluctantly lets Cordy go to a boarding school as well after some prodding from both Cordy and from his Aunt Mary (Gladys Cooper). The story begins in Autumn of 1916, and follows an Irish immigrant named John Lawless (Tommy Steele) as he applies for a butler position with eccentric Philadelphia millionaire Anthony Biddle(Fred MacMurray). New York Times 10 May 1955: 24. Tommy Steele Philadelphia , 1916: an eccentric alligator-keeping millionaire is outraged to find that his daughter is in love with a rival family's son. Just click the "Edit page" button at the bottom of the page or learn more in the Synopsis submission guide. The tension reaches a climax when Cordy learns that Angie has abandoned his plans for Detroit, and is instead taking his place in the family business, following his mother's wishes. In the early 1960s, Walt Disney acquired the rights to the play, but he had no intent of making it into a musical at first. 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