Eight On The Lam (1967)

A single father (Bob Hope) is raising seven kids on the meager salary of a bank employee. When he accidentally finds $10,000 lying in a parking lot, it seems his prayers are answered. But when his employers discover money has been embezzled, he becomes the prime suspect. Bob Hope didn't fare well, cinematically speaking, in the 1960s. With edgier and sexier comedies like THE PRODUCERS, THE PINK PANTHER, BEDAZZLED and WHAT'S NEW PUSSYCAT? to compete with, Hope's brand of humor seemed hopelessly out of touch. It's a wholesome family comedy but there's an air or desperation in its script (four writers are credited). When the comedic finale has Jonathan Winters and Phyllis Diller in go carts chasing Bob Hope on horseback, one just has to shake one's head. I mean Winters and Diller are wonderful and talented comics and if trusted to their own material, they're hilarious. So how does the movie exploit their unique talents? Chasing Hope on go carts! Given the sporadic nature of the screenplay, they're are bound to be a few scattered laughs and there are, just not enough of them. Still, it's not the worst of Hope's 60s output (that would be CALL ME BWANA). Directed by George Marshall (HOW THE WEST WAS WON). With Jill St. John, Shirley Eaton (GOLDFINGER) and Bill Williams.