Life with Father

In 1883 New York City, businessman Clarence Day runs his home with the same strictness he applies to his business. His temperamental outbursts create a tense atmosphere, preventing servants from staying long, despite his wife's efforts to keep peace.

The Day family consists of Clarence, Jr., who is preparing for Yale, inventive John, catechism-struggling Whitney, and the youngest, Harlan, who is preoccupied with his dog. All sons share the characteristic red hair of their parents, adding to the family's distinct appearance.

Vinnie decides not to inform Clare about their cousin Cora Cartwright and her companion Mary Skinner visiting for a week, knowing he disapproves of houseguests. This decision leads to tension as Clare discovers their plans unexpectedly.

Despite his initial protests, Clare agrees to take Vinnie, Cora, and Mary to Delmonico's restaurant for dinner. This serves as a setting for various interactions, including Clarence's burgeoning crush on Mary.

During dinner, a discussion about religion arises, highlighting the differences between Methodism and Episcopalianism. Mary reveals she is a Methodist, prompting Vinnie to express concern over Clare's lack of baptism.

Vinnie is devastated to learn that Clare has never been baptized and urges him to correct this to ensure they will reunite after death. Clare stubbornly refuses, convinced of his own worthiness for heaven.

Clarence Jr. believes that wearing his father's suit affects his behavior. Distressed by his father's sternness, he resolves to buy his own suit in order to assert his independence.

To earn money for his own suit, Clarence and John take a job selling patent medicine. However, the medicine backfires when they try it on Vinnie without her knowledge, making her seriously ill.

Believing Vinnie is near death, Clare promises to be baptized if she recovers. This promise, made in a moment of fear, creates a narrative tension as Vinnie fights to get better.

After Vinnie recovers, Clare backtracks on his promise to be baptized. Vinnie, determined to fulfill her wishes, takes matters into her own hands, plotting a strategy to encourage Clare's baptism.

Vinnie discovers that Clare refuses to be baptized as long as a ceramic pug dog remains in their home. Seizing this opportunity, she instructs Clarence to return the dog while using the money to buy a suit.

The next morning, Clarence dons his new suit and reconciles with Mary after their previous misunderstanding. This marks a positive development in their relationship amidst family chaos.

With Clare oblivious to her plans, Vinnie arranges for an expensive cab to take him to Audubon Park for his baptism. Despite Clare's protests about the costs, she skillfully persuades him to go.

On the day of the baptism, Vinnie gathers the entire family to witness Clare's long-delayed moment. Despite his initial resistance, Clare finds himself surrounded by love and support from his family.

Finally, Clare is baptized, fulfilling Vinnie's wishes and his own promise made under duress. This pivotal moment signifies a change in Clare's perspective on faith and family, strengthening the bonds among them.