This is Eddie, a Force of Nature. Image: IMDb
MGM producer Joe Pasternak famously said you should never make a movie audience think.
He claimed it was the formula for success, and maybe it was. After all, Pasternak produced over 100 films in Europe and Hollywood.
But we think he was bit disingenuous. While many of his musicals could be described as “frothy”, one of his comedy-dramas offers a thoughtful look at a father-son relationship in the midst of grief.
The Courtship of Eddie’s Father (1963), directed by Vincente Minnelli, stars Glenn Ford as a new widower navigating single parenthood and potential romance. He’s a marvellous straight man in a film of outlandish characters.
Most of these characters are women, and there are a lot of ’em in Ford’s life, such as Shirley Jones (the Woman Next Door), Dina Merrill (the glam Fashion Expert), Stella Stevens (the Self Improvement student), and Roberta Sherwood (the Opinionated Housekeeper).
As fabulous as these women are, the person who makes this film sparkle – and saves it from being a run-of-the-mill rom-com – is Ronny (Ron) Howard, who plays the titular Eddie. Howard’s Eddie is dogged pragmatist, who Deals With Things Now, an excellent foil to Ford’s preoccupied pater familias.
It’s impossible to overstate Howard’s dynamism: He’s his own solar system, complete with gravitational pull, inside which adults orbit like satellites.
There are some laugh-out loud moments in this film, notably the scene where Ford introduces Howard to his new girlfriend (Merrill) at a swanky restaurant. Howard-as-Eddie develops an immediate dislike for her, which he silently communicates to a chagrined Ford across the table.
This difference of opinion turns into a Battle of Wills. Ford tells Howard he has No Say in the matter, but Howard believes (and acts) otherwise.
Being a kid, Howard is, naturally, an agent of chaos. Although he’s smart and insightful, he also makes rash decisions, such as running away from summer camp.
Ford is superb in the scene where he’s told about Howard’s disappearance. He rushes to the camp, but is told to Stay Out Of The Way, so he strikes up a conversation with Howard’s best friend to assess the situation. Ford is panicked, and he’s frustrated with the child who doesn’t think this is a Big Deal. Yet, he reigns in these emotions to appear casual: We’re just Shooting The Breeze, kid; tell me what you know. It’s a study in acting.
However, the scene that nearly breaks your heart is when Howard-as-Eddie reminisces about the day paramedics wheeled his mother out of the apartment on a stretcher. He asks Ford, with sincere curiosity, “Do you think she knew she wasn’t coming back?”
He also quizzes Ford about his romantic life, and decides his father needs a New Wife. However, this must be a woman of whom Howard approves, and Howard is one tough customer.
In this way, the film examines the how of relationships, as in: How do you make a life after tragedy? And: How do you help your son when his mother dies?
Most importantly: How do you maneuver your father into marrying the person you like best?
Eddie is never short of questions. Image: Alamy
The role of Eddie is integral to the film, as you’ve guessed, and it requires an actor who can carry the load but still convey innocence. Producer Pasternak said he interviewed hundreds of kids, and felt Howard was the best choice. Indeed, it’s hard to imagine anyone else as the sharp, persistent Eddie.
Pasternak also hired Oscar-nominated scriptwriter John Gay to adapt Mark Toby’s novel to the screen. Gay skillfully weaves humour and pathos around engaging, three-dimensional characters. (Note: There’s a scene involving a dead goldfish which some viewers may find troubling.)
Although The Courtship of Eddie’s Father is dated, and the ending is pure schmaltz, it’s a film that embraces the messiness of life. We hope you’ll find the opportunity to see it.
♥
Notes
The Courtship of Eddie’s Father: starring Glenn Ford, Ron Howard, Shirley Jones. Directed by Vincente Minelli. Written by John Gay. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1963, Colour, 118 mins.
Silver Screenings 
I remember watching this as a kid myself (after I discovered “old black and white movies”). Most of those movies I’ve forgotten, but I do remember this one. And yes, Ron Howard is gold in this!
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Isn’t he great? He really stands out in a film of terrific performances.
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It’s true. Every word you wrote is true. I can never turn away from The Courtship of Eddie’s Father while, at the same time, I have taken Howard’s performance for granted. As well, it is that scene with Ford at the camp that always makes me draw in a breath to keep my stomach from jumping around. He makes us feel his fear and panic so subtly.
I know the movie by heart at this point but you make me want to watch it again, and right now.
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I think Ford’s performance in the camp scene is some of his finest acting. Like you said, he makes us feel his fear and panic, but he’s subtle. Even though I know the outcome, that scene always gets me
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I was always curious about this one. Howard was pretty good as a child actor.
How does this compare with THE PARENT TRAP?
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I like the Parent Trap – all versions – but I’d take this movie any day. It’s funny, but more realistic.
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I remember enjoying this flick. I wonder if Ron Howard had any thoughts about becoming a director back then.
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You know, I wondered the same thing the last time I saw this movie.
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I remember the TV show with Bill Bixby! 🙂
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There are some clips on YouTube, and I really like Bill Bixby in that role.
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I haven’t seen this movie but I would really love to, I cant’ imagine a better Cupid innocent looking child than Ron Howard! And also I love very much Glenn Ford, he was absolutely perfect in everything he did, always funny and charming. Very good suggestion, thanks!
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If you like Glenn Ford, you must MUST see this film. His scenes with Ron Howard are wonderful.
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With its cast and pedigree, it seems like a movie I should like more. Perhaps, I expected it to be more like the Bill Bixby TV series (which I saw first). While I wasn’t a big fan of the show, Bixby and Brandon Cruz seemed to have a more natural relationship (in real life, they were close, too). Still, the movie version provides a spotlight for some fine actresses of the 1960s and is worthwhile viewing for that reason alone.
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I’ve been looking at clips from the TV show on YouTube, and I really like Bill Bixby in that role.
I also like what you said about this film being a spotlight for some wonderful actresses of the 1960s. I hadn’t thought of it in that way, but you’re right.
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Great article! I’ve never seen this one, but it sounds really interesting. The only other thing I’ve seen Ron Howard in as a child is The Andy Griffith show. Be cool to see him this young in an actual movie!
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I hope you get the chance to see this film. Ron Howard skates around adults like a real pro, yet he doesn’t lose his child-like innocence.
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I’m glad you wrote about this. I remember the TV show adaptation of this in the ’70s, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen the original movie. Will have to look this one up. Thanks!
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The TV show sounds like a special series, one that people remember fondly. I hope you get the chance to see the original movie. I’d be interested to learn how you’d compare the two.
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It was a great film, but I’m going nuts trying to remember what the TV show was called. I used to watch it as a kid–was it also The Courtship Of Eddie’s Father or something else?
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You guessed it! The TV show was also called The Courtship of Eddie’s Father.
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That explains why I couldn’t remember any other title!
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I had to check the age to check it was THE Ron Howard. He sure has been involved in Hollywood a long time. I’ve seen a lot of his work behind the camera. Shame if the ending is a little predictable but that can go for a lot of films.
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You’re right – Ron Howard has had an exceptionally long and prolific Hollywood career. He’s terrific in this film, and I hope you get the chance to see it.
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Yes, I’ve only seen little bits of him on camera but great he’s so skilled either side.
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I loved The Courtship of Eddies Father!!! Ron Howard is SO talented!
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Isn’t he terrific? He really makes the movie for me.
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I wish if this movie would be available on Amazon Prime or Netflix…
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Maybe one of them will add it to their line-up. It’s a truly enjoyable film. I have a feeling you’d really like it. 🙂
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I will sure enjoy !! Thank you very much☺
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Not seen this but it does sound quite a sweet film for Ford, and good fun too. Another one to add to the to find list…
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It is a sweet story, with some great lines, and terrific performances. I hope you get the chance to see it.
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