DVD Laugh Track - Father's Little Dividend

"Father's Little Dividend" made at a time when movie sequels were a real rarity manages to keep the continuing adventures of the Banks family as seen through the weary eyes of the head of the house , fresh and enjoyable. While certainly not possessing all the magic of it's classic parent this film still is highly entertaining and manages to resassemble all the essential elements that combined to make "Father of the Bride" such a memorable viewing experience. The original cast of Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennet and Elizabeth Taylor are back, ably supported by supporting cast members Don Taylor as Kay's new husband Buckley with Billie Burke and Moroni Olsen as the senior Dunstan's. Seen through the eyes of Stanley and with the same narration so effectively used in the first film we are reintroduced to the characters after a year has passed and where to Stanley's dismay his cherished daughter Kay has announced that she is expecting. Much like the period following Kay's engagement announcement Stanley now sees himself again going into a free fall from which there is no escape as he finds himself engulfed by baby showers, plans for a bigger house for the couple to accomodate the baby, renovations, trouble over naming the baby and then of course trouble between the expectant couple which of course he is required to sort out. Just wanting to escape from the whole mess Stanley finds that like the first time around when the wedding plans were announced, his beloved wife Ellie relishing the idea of becoming a grandmother, has gone into hyperdrive once more and wont let Stanley rest for one minute as a virtual tug of war begins between the Dunstans and the Banks over who is stage managing the whole affair and more importantly who will control this new baby. Many amusing incidents occur leading up to the great day when Kay gives birth and Stanley is almost driven to distraction and worry for his much loved daughter as her time draws near. After a highly amusing false alarm involving a frantic drive to the hospital which ends up with Stanley in trouble with the police, the great day arrives and Kay delivers a healthy baby boy. However Stanley's troubles are not over as the baby seems to have a mind of it's own and takes an instant dislike to him, crying every time Stanley is within view. Spencer Tracy once again steals the whole movie here as the befuddled grandfather trying to deal with further disruptions in his life. Just when he comes to an "understanding" with his new grandson a quite frightening incident occurs where the baby is temporarily lost and only then does Stanley realise the impact this child is having in his life and how important this grandchild has become to him. At the christening, despite earlier arguments about the child's name Stanley receives a real surprise where in a nice touch, seeing the bond existing between the two, both sides of the family agree on Stanley as the child's name.

"Father's Little Dividend", makes delightful viewing and as with the first film despite being firmly positioned in 1950's America, has alot that even present day audiences can identify with in regard to how families react to an upcoming birth. Spencer Tracy once again displays that unique talent of his in this performance as he turns from reluctant grandfather to devoted carer for the baby and his work with both Joan Bennett and in particular Elizabeth Taylor is a joy to behold. In the christening scene in particular he appears totally real as the proud grandparent and his repeated scenes of concern for Kay's welfare not only are absolutely convincing but is work that reflects his real life affection for Elizabeth Taylor who during production of this film was going through the horrors of the break up of her Hollywood marriage of only 8 months previously. Directed again with much affection by veteran Vincente Minelli this is a slice of Americana from a simpler time and although certainly idealized reflects alot of the very real concerns that parents have when their children are having their own off spring. All those feelings of possessiveness and wanting to "help out" the new parents are amusingly represented in the script with Joan Bennett's "wanting to get her claws into this new baby (according to Stanley!)and her "grand idea" to move Buckley , Kay and the baby into their home to be able to "help out" being highly amusing and very identifable.

The "Father" films released in 1950 and 1951 make great double viewing. They captured once again the excellence of Spencer Tracy in a tailor made role and they also captured forever the beautiful and talented Elizabeth Taylor just as she was making the transition from teenage roles to those as a young adult. The example of Spencer Tracy's acting skills has been quoted by Elizabeth Taylor as being a wonderful learning experience for her as can be seen in her later efforts like "A Place in the Sun". Enjoy Stanley Banks being taken on another nightmare ride care of his loving family in MGM's "Father's Little Dividend".