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Houseboat
1958 110 min United States of America 12+
★6.9
Comedy, Romance
Director: Melville Shavelson
Trailers
EN
EN
EN
Description
An Italian socialite on the run signs on as housekeeper for a widower with three children.
Worldwide:
$3.5M
Starring
Cary Grant
Actor
Sophia Loren
Actor
Martha Hyer
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1959
— Best Original Screenplay
Academy Awards 1959
— Best Original Song
Golden Globe 1959
— Best Supporting Actor
Key opinion
Houseboat is a lightweight, predictable romantic comedy that relies heavily on the star power of Cary Grant to remain watchable. While it offers a breezy, effortless viewing experience, the film suffers from a derivative script and lackluster performances from Sofia Loren.
| Originality | The narrative relies on conventional tropes and lacks any sense of innovation or novelty. | |
| Acting | Cary Grant provides a charming anchor for the film, even if the comedic material occasionally feels beneath his usual standard. | |
| Screenplay | The script is viewed as overly predictable and formulaic, lacking the depth required to elevate the story. | |
| Acting | Opinions on the lead performances divide: while Grant is praised for his fatherly role, Loren’s debut performance in this specific pairing is seen as disappointing. |