Introduction
Don’t Eat the Daisies is a classic 1960s film starring Doris Day, David Niven, and Jan Handzlik. Directed by Charles Walters and released in 1959, the film follows the story of a New York drama critic who moves his family to a farm in Connecticut. The movie focuses on the humorous trials and tribulations of the family as they adjust to their new life and try to balance their professional and personal lives.
The purpose of this article is to explore the themes and messages of Don’t Eat the Daisies and examine how the film speaks to the struggles of balancing family and work life. To do this, we will review the plot, cast, and crew of the film, analyze the characters, and discuss the major themes portrayed in the movie.
A Review of “Don’t Eat the Daisies”
Don’t Eat the Daisies tells the story of Lawrence Mackay (David Niven), a New York drama critic, and his wife, Katherine (Doris Day), a former actress, who move their family from the city to a farm in Connecticut. The couple has four children: Jonathan, Jenny, Peter, and Paul. At first, the transition is difficult for the family, but they eventually adjust to their new life. As they settle into the rural lifestyle, they must also learn to balance their professional and personal lives, while dealing with the everyday challenges of raising a family.
The film was well-received upon its initial release. Variety Magazine praised the film for its “clever dialogue and good characterization” and gave it an overall favorable review. The New York Times also praised the film, calling it “a delightful and often hilarious comedy.”
Exploring the Messages of “Don’t Eat the Daisies”
Don’t Eat the Daisies speaks to the struggles of balancing family and work life. Throughout the film, the main themes of family and motherhood are explored. Katherine must deal with the daily challenges of raising her four children while trying to maintain her career as a writer. Lawrence, too, must balance his job as a drama critic with his responsibilities as a father.
The film also addresses the importance of finding a balance between home and work life. Katherine and Lawrence are both determined to make their new life work, but often find themselves struggling to balance their professional and personal responsibilities. This struggle is one that many working mothers and fathers can relate to.
The Making of “Don’t Eat the Daisies”
The film was directed by Charles Walters and produced by Jack Cummings and Robert Sisk. It starred Doris Day, David Niven, Jan Handzlik, Richard Haydn, Spring Byington, and Deborah Walley. It was released in the US in July 1959 and grossed over $5 million at the box office.
An Analysis of the Characters in “Don’t Eat the Daisies”
The major characters in Don’t Eat the Daisies include Lawrence Mackay (David Niven), Katherine Mackay (Doris Day), Jonathan (Jan Handzlik), Jenny (Deborah Walley), Peter (Richard Haydn), and Paul (Spring Byington). Each character brings something unique to the story and plays a vital role in the film.
Lawrence is a successful drama critic who is determined to make his family’s move to the country work. He is a loving husband and father who is willing to sacrifice his own career ambitions to ensure that his family is happy and comfortable. Katherine is a devoted mother who is eager to pursue her own writing career. She is a strong and independent woman who is determined to make her dreams come true, even if it means sacrificing her own happiness.
Jonathan is the oldest son and is eager to help his parents with their new life. He is kind and well-mannered, and often serves as a mediator between his parents. Jenny is the youngest daughter and is often the source of comic relief in the film. She is mischievous and always up to something. Peter is the middle child and is very serious and studious. He is often seen reading or studying and is a great asset to the family. Paul is the youngest son and is often seen playing with animals or getting into mischief.
Examining the Themes of “Don’t Eat the Daisies”
Don’t Eat the Daisies explores several important themes, including working mothers, family dynamics, and gender roles. The film highlights the struggles faced by working mothers who are trying to juggle their careers and families. Katherine is determined to make her writing career work, but often finds herself overwhelmed by the demands of being a wife and mother. The film also examines the changing roles of men and women in the 1950s and how these changes affected the family dynamic.
The film also explores the traditional gender roles of the era. While Lawrence is the breadwinner, Katherine is expected to stay at home and take care of the children. This expectation is challenged throughout the film, as Katherine is determined to pursue her own career and prove that she can be both a successful mother and writer.
Conclusion
Don’t Eat the Daisies is a classic 1960s film that speaks to the struggles of balancing family and work life. Through its characters and themes, the film explores the challenges faced by working mothers and the importance of finding balance between home and work life. The film is a humorous and heartwarming look at the struggles of modern life, and its message still resonates today.
The film offers some solutions to the Don’t Eat the Daisies problem. First, it encourages women to pursue their own career goals and not be afraid to challenge traditional gender roles. Second, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between home and work life. Finally, it stresses the value of family and reminds us that, no matter what, family should always come first.
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