The 1967 musical, The Happiest Millionaire, is adapted from the novel, My Philadelphia Father, by Cordelia Drexel Biddle, the true story of her father, millionaire sportsman Anthony Joseph Drexel Biddle, Sr.
Biddle, to put it politely, is eccentric and unpredictable. The Biddle mansion is a veritable menagerie, with pet alligators and other exotic creatures. Biddle also conducts boxing classes in his spacious home, as well as entertaining aspiring opera singers. When Biddle's daughter brings home her intended husband, along with his parents, the possible in-laws are floored by the freewheeling atmosphere.
To the rescue comes the Biddle's butler, who diplomatically smooths out the situation, reassuring the visitors that the moment is just an anomaly.
Disney favorite Fred MacMurray stars as Biddle, with Greer Garson, Lesley Ann Warren, John Davidson and Tommy Steele also featured. The musical score is by Richard and Robert Sherman, who'd also provided the score for Mary Poppins.
