Walk Don’t Run Parent Guide

Arriving in Tokyo, Sir William Rutland (Cary Grant) finds that, thanks to the Olympics, there is not a space to be had in any hotel in the entire city. Finally he stumbles upon an ad to rent a room. But when he arrives at Christine Easton’s (Samantha Eggar) small apartment, the dignified British industrialist with graying hair is not what the young woman expected.

However, the exhausted traveler is not about to take no for an answer. Handing over his half of the rent, he unpacks his bags in the sitting room.

Trying to account for a mature man in her apartment is one thing. But when William, who goes by Bill, offers half of his space to a young American Olympian who has arrived too early for his accommodations, Christine is at a loss to explain Steve Davis’ (Jim Hutton) presence to her co-worker (Miiko Tado). Yet despite the trio’s conflict over the bathroom schedule and coffee making protocol, the independent Christine soon finds herself enjoying the male companionship. Her fiancé, the British secretary Julius D. Haversack (John Standing), feels somewhat differently when he eventually discovers the unconventional living arrangement.

Filmed during the 1964 Summer Olympics, the movie includes a few scenes of sporting competition but the real story takes place outside of the stadium where the fast-talking Bill plays international matchmaker. Based on the 1943 comedy The More the Merrier, this 1966 production—Grant’s final feature film—is one of few if any movies in which he doesn’t get the girl. But his romantic charm still plays a big role in this story. Stripped down to his boxers in a road race, Grant finishes off his active acting career in great comedic fashion.

With few content concerns for older teens and adults, this madcap romantic comedy is the perfect fluffy diversion from the fierce world of athletic events.

About author

Kerry Bennett

Kerry Bennett is interested in media from both a journalist and parent perspective. Along with authoring articles for several family-oriented publications, she has written for Parent Previews for over 15 years. As a parent herself, she believes parents play a powerful role in teaching media literacy in their homes.