BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

UK, 1982, 95 minutes, Colour.
David Niven, Maggie Smith, Art Carney, Catherine Hicks, Lionel Jeffries.
Directed by Bryan Forbes.

Better Late Than Never is amusing but might have been better than it is. It is a star vehicle for David Niven (looking very old) and Art Carney. However, there is another waspish performance by Maggie Smith.

With attractive Riviera settings, the film is about two grandfather-figures who discover that they might have a grandchild - and an inheritance. There is one of those worldly-wise little girls who torments her potential- grandfathers. The whole thing is mildly amusing - but surprising as the work of very talented actor, director, novelist Bryan Forbes, The Wrong Box, The Madwoman of Chaillot).

1. Popular light entertainment?

2. Attractive Riviera locations, the world of the affluent?

3. The work of the stars and their popularity? Working together?

4. An entertainment? Children, grandfathers, sentiment? enjoyable plot

5. The background of World War II, the two men and their love for Janine, her taped voice, the accident, the telegrams, their being summoned to an enjoyably absent-minded Lionel Jeffries? The child and their responsibility?

6. David Niven as : singing old-fashioned songs, old and out of date, going to the Riviera, the clashes with Charlie, meeting Brigitte, the tangles with Anderson, trying to outwit Charlie, the encounter with Sable and wanting to remove the advertisement, the ups and downs of his relationship with the little girl?

7. Charlie and his gamble, coming to the Riviera, more straightforward, the American style contrasting with the British? The gambling?

8. Brigitte and her background, cheeky, tricks, with Anderson and ridiculing her, playing off each of the two men?

9. Anderson and her presentation of the prim British governess?

10. Sable and wealth, romance, the American abroad?

11. The satisfactory resolution? Sentiment?