PAPA'S DELICATE CONDITION
US, 1963, 98 minutes, Colour.
Jackie Gleason, Glynnis Johns, Charles Ruggles, Charles Lane, Laurel Goodwin, Juanita Moore.
Directed by George Marshall.
Papa's Delicate Condition is an enjoyable piece of Americana written by Jack Rose (who worked with Melville Shavelson on so many similar films in the 50s and 60s) and based on reminiscences by silent film star Corinne Griffith. The film is designed as a star vehicle for Jackie Gleason who is very enjoy able in the central role. The British Glynnis Johns is good as his Texas wife. There is a supporting performance by Charlie Ruggles who was so enjoy able in comedies of the 30s. Attractively directed by George Marshall, who has made the widest range of American films from westerns to Jerry Lewis comedies from the 30s to the 60s. The song, 'Call Me Irresponsible' by Sammy Cahn and James van Heusen won the Oscar for the Best Song of 1963. Quietly enjoyable.
1. The film as a piece of Americana, a family film?
2. The recreation of the period, the Texas town, colour? The stars, the film as a Jackie Gleason vehicle? The score with traditional songs? 'Call Me Irresponsible' and its place in the plot, its theme throughout the film, revelation of Papa's condition and character?
3. An old world atmosphere about the film and its attractiveness? Gentility, standards, circumlocutions ? e.g. in the title itself? People coping genteelly with perennial problems, drinking, gambling, financial irresponsibility, marriages breaking?
4. How attractive was Jackie Gleason as Jack Griffith? Seeing him on the railroad, singing, his mild drinking which scandalised the town? The humour of it being referred to as 'a delicate condition'? A genial man, good at his work? His love for his wife? His love for his children especially Corinne? How well did the episodes illustrate his character, arrival, love for his daughter and her dirtying her dress in the coal, siding with her, not wanting to go to church, painting the neighbour's house, buying the shop? The exasperation for the family? Ambolyn loving him despite everything? His devotion to Corinne and buying the circus, his being hoodwinked? The experience not teaching him lessons? His drinking? His not being a pretentious man, his listening to the piano and singing recitals ? and letting the shop attendant go home for his wife's childbirth? His antagonism towards his father in law? His attacking his older daughter's pretensions? How likable a character?
5. Ambolyn and her love, her having to cope with her daughters? Her being sever with him? Her severity with Corinne, though always appreciating her honesty? Augusta and her primness, her fear of losing her suitor? Her general attitude of disapproval? Why did Jack love Corinne so much? The buying of the pony and sharing her joy?
6. Jack's place in the town, his friends and popularity? The attitude of the banker? His father in law's antagonism?
7. Ambolyn's character, gentility, piano playing, manners? Her attitudes towards her daughters?
8. How vivacious was Corinne? Her love for her parents, honesty, her being a consolation prize? Sharing everything with her father? Persuading him to buy the pony? Missing him when he left?
9. Jack's decision to leave after his wife and daughters went away? The theme song of 'Call Me Irresponsible' and its rendition illustrating character and creating atmosphere?
10. The humour of Mr. Ghlo and his politicking, the possibility of his losing, the servants arranging for the circus to go to Texarkana, the circus and politics? The separation, Jack's being by himself, Mr. Ghlo's searching him out and inviting him back? The family missing him? His return and almost not going in? The happy ending? The glossing over the harder side of life? The optimistic and hopeful tone of families with problems?
