Boobirt Stylish but barely mediocre overall

SpecialsTarget Disturbing yet enthralling

SeeQuant Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction

Keeley Coleman The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

arc3-705-44561 It's been forgotten that "The Family Way" caused a near-scandal when it was made in 1966, partly because of its unusually frank subject (impotence and possible homosexuality), but also because of the nude scene in which Hayley's behind is exposed. We think of the Sixties as being swinging, anything-goes, but 50-some years ago bottom nudity was rare outside of the Continent. Profanity such as "hell" and "damn" were forbidden on TV. This movie narrowly escaped receiving a "Condemned" rating from the Catholic Film Board, which sound humorous now but at the time was a serious matter, as it would make it a sin for a Catholic to see it and it would be one step away from being considered pornography. Many theatres would not have shown a "Condemned" film. The Boultings, who were noted for social commentary in their films, argued that the nudity was essential to the story (isn't it always) since it showed the cramped and substandard state of housing that was a reality for many British people: no proper bathroom, an outhouse in the back yard. The film board relented and gave it the next lowest rating: "Morally Objectionable in Part for All". Times change, and not only would the story be featured in any TV sitcom today, but TCM showed the movie in its entirety, unblurred naked behind and all, on morning television. And the year after the release of "The Family Way" the Catholic Film Board voted as its best film of the year "Bonnie and Clyde". Things do change!

leedempsey This stands alongside "Its a wonderful life " as something sure to make any intelligent viewer laugh and weep with delight - which is no easy task for a hardened film fan and curmudgeon such as I. I cringe at sentimentality and so much formulaic drama but this sweeps you up, takes its time to draw you in with laughs from delightful performances and a genius script of delicate and succinct storytelling. We the audience, see all the pieces of a small puzzle fit together beautifully. By the end you will gasp with delight at the resolution. Ignore or enjoy the dated setting and period, - this film is not about England in the 1960s its about heart, family and genuine everyday love, with understated and underrated power. One of the greatest movies you have never heard of!!

markvdub68 This film, although made before i was born is still one of my favorite films, Sir John Mills shows his best ever performance, i don't need to tell you the story as you've read the reviews above but the ending is still one of the most powerful i have ever seen, and humbles me to know its only words, fantastic.

moonspinner55 Young British working-class newlyweds are having trouble consummating their marriage whilst living with the in-laws, and it gets even worse when neighbors start speculating about the groom's "performance". A realistic play on a modern-day situation that is still timeless. The elders in this film are especially amazing, their roles full of dimension, though everyone here excels with the solid, no-frills screenplay. This is one of Hayley Mills' best movies, as she exhibits a strong, self-assured presence and lends nuances to every scene (she's captivating). Paul McCartney contributed the background score, and his main theme is lovely. A fine film. *** from ****