Yesterday, comedic legend Steve Guttenberg turned 59. But what makes an actor a legend? Volume of work? Quality of projects? Staying power? His star on the Hollywood walk of fame? Let’s examine, through some of his best work.
3. It’s Time to Fish Or Cut Bait
My personal favorite Guttenberg project is another ’80s comedy. Three Men and a Baby and its sequel Three Men and A Little Lady are comfort food for my soul. Loosely adapted from the French Trois Hommes et un Couffin (Three Men and a Cradle), these movies would never get produced today. They lean on blatent sexism and outdated gender roles. Women are only good for their ability to relate to babies and pleasure men. And many of the “little lady’s” struggles relate to her tomboy nature, a major drawback of having three dads.
Regardless of the dated premise, the film is somehow incredibly endearing. I blame the cast, as did many critics. Guttenberg stars alongside Tom Sellick and Ted Dansen; all three are delightful as bumbling bachelors baffled by diapers and baby formula.
In the sequel, their “baby”, Mary, is starting school. Her mother, played by the enchanting Nancy Travis, is now engaged to a fellow Brit, and they plan to return to England dragging Mary along for the ride. At this point, however, all three men are enamored with the little girl they helped raise, and so they come up with a plan to stop the wedding and keep Mary and her mom in NYC.
Still need convincing? Try the fact that Leonard Nimoy (yes, THAT Leonard Nimoy) directed the first, which was broke records for Disney studios when it grossed over $100 million domestically. Rumors of a third film surfaced in 2013 with the possible title Three Men and A Bride.
