Review of Papa's Delicate Condition

I was not a Jackie Gleason fan. In fact, right at the time that Gleason's how was in direct competition with Perry Como's weekly show, I was often dragged down to my aunt's and uncle's house on Saturday nights...forced to watch Gleason and miss my favorite -- Como. Although I didn't like Gleason on television, I thought he was a pretty decent actor. Although he is best remembered for his role as Minnesota Fats opposite Paul Newman, I actually prefer this pleasant, fairly big-budget color production. Gleason had more depth than most people realized.

Gleason's performance here is really quite good, and not at all the Gleason you saw on television. I do wish that sometime during the filming of the picture that someone would have noticed that Gleason's mustache was terribly crooked...it drove me nuts! I was never very impressed with Glynis Johns, but she -- as the wife -- does okay here. Charles Ruggles is her father...always a welcome addition to any cast. Linda Bruhl plays Corrie, the daughter and focus of the film, and does very nicely. Among the character actors you'll recognize and welcome are Ned Glass, Elisha Cook, and Charles Lane.

Although I had forgotten it, we have this film to thank for the wonderful song "Call Me Irresponsible".

All in all, an enjoyable film with a fine performance from Jackie Gleason. Recommended...at least once.