I think this movie failed because it wouldn't really interest children (let's face it, Mary Poppins it's not!), and was a little to goody goody for adults under 70 at the time. Having said that, I just watched it on dvd and enjoyed it, but I can totally understand why it wasn't a hit.
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The target audience for this film, as with all Disney films of the era, was the family audience. It was supposed to have had something that both adults and children could enjoy. Disney was trying to capitalize on his success with Mary Poppins by producing more "family" musicals. That's why this film and "The One And Only Genuine Original Family Band" were made. Unfortunately he died while both of those films were still in production and pre-production respectively, and they suffer because of it. Had Walt Disney lived to supervise the entire production of both films, they would have been much higher quality, and fared a whole lot better at the box office.
shareI watch it every Christmas Season, and I think it was good back in 1967-and it's good now. A classic it ain't-but a lot better than it was ever given credit for.
shareI had four in my age group watching it with me. In fact, we had a power outage after about a third of the movie and everyone returned the next night to see it from the beginning. And all enjoyed it, a couple even applauding.
Treat me nice! It's my birthday!
I was 7 when I saw THM. I loved it then, and I love it now.
shareI finally saw "The Happiest Millionaire" via interlibrary loan not too long ago. I was 14 or 15 when the film was released and really didn't have interest in this type of film musical at that point so I don't believe that teens, younger or older, were the target audience. Perhaps younger kids, parents and grandparents were.
The film isn't a bad one at all. I saw the road-show print, and it's a little long. I am not sure what was contained in the general release cut of the film. Mr. Steele's dance number with the crocodiles went a little long; otherwise I liked him a great deal in this film. Geraldine Page and Gladys Cooper (with assistance by Ms. Garson) add some edge to the film which is amusing.
The music is good, tailored closely for the talents of the performers.
From a design and photography standpoint it is terrific (I take it inspired by "Meet Me in St. Louis.") The costumes (Bill Thomas) are wonderful. Not sure whether I would obtain a copy for my collection, but it's a good film.
I was wondering the same. I don't see this as a family film at all. It does have a few scenes that would appeal to children, mostly the ones revolving around the alligators, but I can't really imagine many kids would sit through a 3-hour movie as people sing about moving to Detroit or discuss whether New York is better than Philadelphia.
shareJust watched this film the week before Thanksgiving. It's always my ''prelude'' to the Holiday Season-which wouldn't be the same without it. Many thanks to Fred, Greer, Tommy, Geraldine, Gladys, Lesley Ann, John and, especially the Sherman Brothers.
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