This is probably the first of a very long series of the same plot. Switched souls in different bodies, in this case father and son. And the first take is the best, partly because it is set in the VIctorian era which itself is played well for laughs, and for outlandishly ornate dialogue...But best of all for the acting...Peter Ustinov and (to my shock when I read the credits) Anthony Newley as a boy and Petula Clark as a young girl. Knowing that added even another layer to the fun.
I especially liked the thoughtful script which included having the boy who is just coming into puberty and finds himself in an adult body with mustache and all chasing the maid around for a kiss which he wants but isn't sure why and is appropriately confused at both her refusal and his own sudden desires. Very clever and something completely overlooked in later versions.
The ending has a fun twist, too, and made me think that if I were still a young boy I'd be on the lookout for such a magic stone as switched father and son in this film.
A funny first you'll enjoy watching and which is suitable for all ages to enjoy together without embarrassment.
I especially liked the thoughtful script which included having the boy who is just coming into puberty and finds himself in an adult body with mustache and all chasing the maid around for a kiss which he wants but isn't sure why and is appropriately confused at both her refusal and his own sudden desires. Very clever and something completely overlooked in later versions.
The ending has a fun twist, too, and made me think that if I were still a young boy I'd be on the lookout for such a magic stone as switched father and son in this film.
A funny first you'll enjoy watching and which is suitable for all ages to enjoy together without embarrassment.