Vincente Minnelli takes another of his occasional dips into situation comedy (i.e. The Long Long Trailer) in The Courtship of Eddie's Father. Ron Howard is the precocious Eddie, who wants to see his recently widowed father, Tom Corbett (Glenn Ford), get married again. He even has the lucky bride picked out -- their attractive neighbor Elizabeth Marten (Shirley Jones), a young divorcee. When his father's interest isn't whetted, he strikes up a friendship with Dollye Daly (Stella Stevens), a shy, beauty contest winner. But, much to Eddie's disappointment, Dollye falls in love with Tom's friend Norman Jones (Jerry van Dyke). When Tom meets stylish fashion consultant Rita Behrens (Dina Merrill) and announces their plans to marry, Eddie -- who disapproves of the match -- runs away from summer camp and hides out in Elizabeth's apartment. Tom breaks off his engagement to Rita and tries to find Eddie. Arriving at Elizabeth's apartment, Tom confronts Elizabeth and decides to try to get to know her a little better.
~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide