Father Goose is a 1964 American comedy-drama war film directed by Ralph Nelson and starring Cary Grant, Leslie Caron, and Trevor Howard. The film is set during World War II in the South Pacific Ocean. Cary Grant plays Walter Eckland, a slovenly buffoonish freelance beachcomber who spends his days drinking and lounging in the sun. He is recruited by the British Navy to monitor Japanese planes and report their movements.
Leslie Caron plays Catherine Frenau, a French schoolteacher who is hired by the British to be the housekeeper for Eckland. However, Catherine and her young female students are forced to flee their island after a Japanese attack. They reach out to Eckland for help, and he reluctantly agrees to take them to a safe location.
As they journey through the islands, Eckland and Catherine butt heads and engage in a series of hilarious and romantic mishaps. Walter must overcome his selfishness and cowardice to protect the women in his care and help the British win the war.
Father Goose was a critical and commercial success upon its release, with Cary Grant earning a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. The film was praised for its mix of comedy and drama, as well as its beautiful cinematography of the South Pacific. It remains a beloved classic and a highlight of Cary Grant's illustrious career.