Papa's Delicate Condition

What a treat!!! -M. Sparks (Los Angeles)... This is why JG was "The Great One" -Andre M. "brnn64" (Mt. Pleasant, SC)... Jack Griffith (Jackie Gleason) is a boisterous railroad supervisor who makes a good salary and takes a drink more often than his wife (Glynis Johns) or his oldest daughter (Larel Goodwin) feel is proper. After all, in Grageville, Texas at the turn of the century, nice folks simply didn't drink a lot. However, in the eyes of six-year-old Corrine (Linda Bruhl), Papa can do no wrong -- even when he's in his "delicate condition." Papa gains even more adoration from his youngest daughter when he attempts to fulfill her wish for a circus pony and cart and ends up buying the whole circus -- a purchase packed with unknown debts that gobble up the family's savings. Fed up with Papa Jack's irresponsibilities, Mama packs up the children and returns to her father's home in Texarkana. Crushed by this tremendous loss, Papa tries to make good on his mistakes by using the circus to help Grandfather Ghio (Charlie Ruggles) get re-elected as mayor. The election turns out favorably, but Jack fails again and he disappears. It isn't long, however, before the family is missing their flamboyant Papa and they seek him out to bring him home for good. Based on silent film star Corrine Griffith's own account of her childhood, Papa's Delicate Condition is family fun enhanced by Edith Head's costumes and the Oscar-winning song "Call Me Irresponsible" by James Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn.