Parents and children are usually at odds in matters of responsibility and what is expected of them. Parents do not have it easy because there are times when they feel they want to step back from their stressed lives in exchange for what they perceive is an easy life their children are living. In turn, children would change places with a parent in that it would give them the freedom to do things their elders are denying them.
Basically, that is the premise for this Walt Disney film that is based on the Mary Rodgers novel. Directed by Gary Nelson, the 1976 film pales in comparison to the much better revision of 2003 directed by Marc Waters resulting in a much entertaining film. The problem for this film lays in the fact it is not as funny as the much superior remake that came out almost thirty years later.
The only thing going in this version is the wonderful performance by Barbara Harris, an actress that has not been seen much lately, but who always delivered either in her stage work, or in films. It is our loss. Ms. Harris is equally matched by Jodie Foster as the grown up trapped in a young body. John Astin, the wonderful Patsy Kelly playing a housekeeper from hell, Kay Ballard and Ruth Buzzi do their best to save the comedy.
Basically, that is the premise for this Walt Disney film that is based on the Mary Rodgers novel. Directed by Gary Nelson, the 1976 film pales in comparison to the much better revision of 2003 directed by Marc Waters resulting in a much entertaining film. The problem for this film lays in the fact it is not as funny as the much superior remake that came out almost thirty years later.
The only thing going in this version is the wonderful performance by Barbara Harris, an actress that has not been seen much lately, but who always delivered either in her stage work, or in films. It is our loss. Ms. Harris is equally matched by Jodie Foster as the grown up trapped in a young body. John Astin, the wonderful Patsy Kelly playing a housekeeper from hell, Kay Ballard and Ruth Buzzi do their best to save the comedy.