“Three Men and a Baby” is a comedy film released by Touchstone Pictures in 1987. Directed by Leonard Nimoy, the film stars Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, and Ted Danson as three carefree bachelors living together in a Manhattan apartment. Their lives are turned upside down when a baby girl is left on their doorstep, along with a note stating that she is Jack’s (Ted Danson) daughter.
Uncertain about what to do with the baby, the three men attempt to care for her, leading to a series of hilarious and heartwarming misadventures. As they navigate their new responsibilities as fathers, they face challenges such as diaper changes, feeding, and dealing with sleepless nights. The film also explores how the arrival of the baby affects their relationships and individual lives.
As they grow more attached to the baby, the three men must learn to embrace fatherhood and put the needs of the child before their own. Throughout the film, they face comedic obstacles and find themselves in amusing situations as they fumble their way through parenthood.
“Three Men and a Baby” struck a chord with audiences and became a massive box office success, solidifying Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, and Ted Danson as comedic stars. The film’s heartwarming story, combined with its humor and endearing performances, made it a favorite among audiences of all ages.
One notable aspect of the film is a widely circulated urban legend claiming that a ghostly figure can be seen in one scene, which has sparked numerous discussions and theories over the years.
The film’s success led to a sequel, “Three Men and a Little Lady,” released in 1990, which continues the story of the three men and the now older Mary.
“Three Men and a Baby” remains a beloved classic in the family comedy genre, and its portrayal of three bachelors learning to become fathers has made it a heartwarming and entertaining film that continues to resonate with audiences to this day.
Fun Facts
- The film was a remake of the 1985 French film “Trois hommes et un couffin” (“Three Men and a Cradle”).
- “Three Men and a Baby” was a box office success, grossing over $240 million worldwide.
- The movie features an urban legend surrounding a scene in which a ghostly figure can supposedly be seen in the background. However, the figure is actually a cardboard cutout of Ted Danson’s character from a previous scene.
- The film’s success led to a sequel, “Three Men and a Little Lady,” released in 1990, which continued the story of the three men and the young girl they cared for.
- The baby in the film, Mary, was played by twins Lisa and Michelle Blair. They were selected after a nationwide search for infant twins.
- “Three Men and a Baby” marked Leonard Nimoy’s directorial debut for a feature film. Nimoy is best known for his role as Spock in the “Star Trek” franchise.
- The film’s screenplay was written by James Orr and Jim Cruickshank, with additional uncredited work by Nancy Meyers, who went on to become a successful writer and director in her own right.
- The movie was well-received by audiences and critics for its humorous take on the challenges of parenting and the comedic chemistry among the three lead actors.
- The success of “Three Men and a Baby” sparked a trend of “men taking care of babies” comedy films in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
- The film’s popularity and cultural impact extended beyond the box office, with memorable scenes and quotes becoming part of pop culture.
Additional Details
- Movie Studio: Touchstone Pictures
- Year Released: 1987
- Type of Movie: Live Action
- Box Office: $168.8 million
- IMDB Link
Cast
- Tom Selleck: Peter Mitchell
- Steve Guttenberg: Michael Kellam
- Ted Danson: Jack Holden
- Michelle and Lisa Blair: Mary
- Margaret Colin: Rebecca
- Celeste Holm: Mrs. Holden
- Nancy Travis: Sylvia Bennington
- Alexandra Amini: Patty
- Peter Brown: Store Clerk
- Francine Beers: Woman at Gift Shop
- Philip Bosco: Sgt. Melkowitz
- Paul Guilfoyle: Vince
- Earl Hindman: Satch
- Barbara Budd: Actress
- Michael Burgess: Man at Party
- Claire Cellucci: Angelyne
- Eugene Clark: Man #2 at Party
- Derek de Lint: Jan Clopatz
- Dave Foley: Grocery Store Clerk
- Jackie Richardson: Edna
- Cynthia Harris: Mrs. Hathaway
- Colin Quinn: Gift Shop Clerk
- Mario Joyner: taxi driver
- Michèle Duquet Tawnya
Crew
- Director: Leonard Nemoy
- Producers: Ted Field and Robert Cort
- Writers: Jim Cruickshank and James Orr
- Music: Marvin Hamlisch