User reviews

Part of Better Late Than Never is very cute. Released the same year as Terms of Endearment, Yentl, The Right Stuff, and Scarface, it's nice to be able to watch a fun, family comedy. Kimberley Partridge plays a young heiress and the mark of two conmen out to pretend they're her long-lost grandfather and therefore entitled to all her money. David Niven and Art Carney are the two old farts, both down on their luck, and bickering all the way. Kimberley is a mischievous little imp who likes practical jokes and getting her own way no matter the cost. She has a female cat named Albert, and when asked why she chose the name, she replies, "Because she doesn't like when I call her George." Maggie Smith, Kimberley's tough, sassy governess, is adorable. She keeps both potential grandpas on their toes and adds some "family friendly" sex appeal to keep the grown-ups happy. When The Niv invites her to accompany him to a topless beach, she declines. "If you can't lick them, don't join them," she smirks.

However, there is a very large elephant in the room, and Better Late Than Never isn't enjoyable. Our Beloved Niv was ill during filming, and it's very sad to see him looking so frail. I considered not watching the film, but because I love him so much, I decided to support him. If he had to suffer through filming it and exposing himself in his condition to his public, the least I could do was watch the end result.

This film barely if ever turns up on TV. It has never been given a DVD release, but it was released on Key Video in 1984 on VHS. David Niven and Art Carney are great to see in this film. Lionel Jeffries is quit funny as Hargreves the somewhat absent minded attorney. Maggie Smith turns in a nice performance as the governess. The film was directed by Bryan Forbes, who made such wonderful films in the 1960's like the Wrong Box, and the L shaped Room. The film was produced by David Niven Jr. I remember seeing David Niven on the Merv Griffen Show talking about working with his son as producer. The photography of Niece is absolutely beautiful. I hope to see this film get the DVD release it deserves. ****

I have been lucky to find a DVD of this film and just enjoyed very much watching it. All the actors played their parts well . They are all professional and I could hear the entire dialogue without loud background music. It is a smile comedy not a laugh out loud story. Best of all no loud shouting or car chases just a pleasant easy going storyline with the usual happy ending. I recommend this film as a treasure not to be missed. I can not understand why this film is not far more well known and watched, It is as good as another Bryan Forbes directed film THE WRONG BOX. If I have one gripe we did not see enough of the Lionel Jeffries character as the confused solicitor.