This mildly amusing and inoffensive comedy was so popular in its time that it spawned two sequels with the now rather dated character of Mr Belvedere in them. Those new to it now will probably wonder why.
I actually found the opening scenes before Belvedere arrives the best part. A delightful introduction of the nosey neighbours, a gossipy mother and effete flower breeding son, made me expectant that this would be a classic. Alas, the appearance of Belvedere, like the appearance of the title character in Beetlejuice, changes that. The Belvedere character is one familiar to American comedy, basically the snotty and detached butler that has become a staple of comedies from the fresh prince of Bel Air to Arthur. Belvedere adds one ingredient, however, in that he's a genius. I must confess to finding his shtick somewhat wearisome and the storyline in no way accounts for why the children take to him so much. They take to him simply because the plot demands they should take to him. Perhaps we should not expect too much from what was meant to be a light hearted comedy.
The plot, such as it is, soon founders, but it is basically a series of contrivances anyway. This is not to say that there is not a certain amount of charming comedy to be had; I found the scene where Belvedere is discovered in his dressing gown apparently drinking gin with Maureen O'Hara, very skillfully done. But a lot depends on how one warms to Belvedere which I failed to do.
However the plot turns messy when Belvedere is revealed to have written a successful novel. Why would such a genius engage in writing such a trashy piece of gossip? And why wouldn't the towns folk be rather put out to have their peccadilloes so publicly aired? The final scene where Belvedere passes the blame to the nosey flower breeder fails to convince for a number of reasons and leaves a bitter aftertaste in the mouth.
I actually found the opening scenes before Belvedere arrives the best part. A delightful introduction of the nosey neighbours, a gossipy mother and effete flower breeding son, made me expectant that this would be a classic. Alas, the appearance of Belvedere, like the appearance of the title character in Beetlejuice, changes that. The Belvedere character is one familiar to American comedy, basically the snotty and detached butler that has become a staple of comedies from the fresh prince of Bel Air to Arthur. Belvedere adds one ingredient, however, in that he's a genius. I must confess to finding his shtick somewhat wearisome and the storyline in no way accounts for why the children take to him so much. They take to him simply because the plot demands they should take to him. Perhaps we should not expect too much from what was meant to be a light hearted comedy.
The plot, such as it is, soon founders, but it is basically a series of contrivances anyway. This is not to say that there is not a certain amount of charming comedy to be had; I found the scene where Belvedere is discovered in his dressing gown apparently drinking gin with Maureen O'Hara, very skillfully done. But a lot depends on how one warms to Belvedere which I failed to do.
However the plot turns messy when Belvedere is revealed to have written a successful novel. Why would such a genius engage in writing such a trashy piece of gossip? And why wouldn't the towns folk be rather put out to have their peccadilloes so publicly aired? The final scene where Belvedere passes the blame to the nosey flower breeder fails to convince for a number of reasons and leaves a bitter aftertaste in the mouth.