It’s a wrap for on-screen dads

In May, the Check It Out article discussed a certain slant that Hollywood has taken in portraying mothers on the screen. Well, it’s dad’s turn now, and it seems that Hollywood has a different bias toward fathers.

It could be argued that Don Vito Corleone is not exactly the model father, but then “The Godfather” isn’t exactly a parenting movie. Dads, as parents, usually enjoy a different portrayal in the movies than mothers. At worst, they are a little bumbling, but they are lovable and always put their children first.

William Powell may be an eccentric patriarch, but he still epitomizes a loving one in the classic “Life with Father.”

And the dads in “Cheaper by the Dozen” (Clifton Webb, 1950, and Steve Martin, 2003) and “Father of the Bride” (Spencer Tracy, 1950, and Steve Martin, 1991) may be bemused or befuddled, but they are dads that inspire gratitude in their children and envy in those whose fathers were something less than ideal.

Still, the champion of all cinematic dads is unquestionably Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Gregory Peck, as the wise and patient single father who also served as an upright and stellar role model in the community, would seem altogether too perfect to be true.

However, Harper Lee, the book’s author, was writing about her real father, in spite of her denials to the contrary. After watching the first day’s filming of the adaptation, Peck found Ms. Lee crying, and on asking why, was told that he reminded her so much of her father.

Another film father who frequently scores high in the polls of excellent dads would seem to be the complete opposite of the upstanding and understanding Mr. Finch. Even so, the public adore the flamboyant, but woefully irresponsible daddy who loves his children so much that he cross-dresses to be with them. “Mrs. Doubtfire” may be a completely unrealistic character, but people love Robin Williams’ devotion to his children.

There are also some more serious or lesser-known films about terrific dads. Though the story is not centrally about fathers, the fathers in “Cry the Beloved Country,” whether played by Sidney Poitier or James Earl Jones (1951 or 1995) and Charles Carson or Richard Harris, beautifully depict the responsibilities and sorrows of fatherhood.

Australian actor Jack Thompson plays the devoted and loving father to normally super-macho son, Russell Crowe, in “The Sum of Us.” It’s a lovely story about fathers and sons as friends, in spite of essential differences that normally drive families apart.

“In the Name of the Father” features two magnificent actors ? Daniel Day-Lewis and Peter Postlethwaite ? as a father and son falsely accused of IRA terrorism and the tragedy that ensues. Suffering brings the estranged pair together in this very moving film by Jim Sheridan.

The delightful “Billy Elliot” shares the estrangement of a father and a much younger son who come together through the parent’s need to support his child ? this time at the ballet.

English-speaking fathers are not the only ones depicted on the big screen. Foreign film aficionados might want to see (or re-see) Kurosawa’s “High and Low, “ Benigni’s “Life is Beautiful,” Edouard Molinaro’s “La Cage aux Folles,” and Serreau’s “Three Men and a Cradle” (not be confused with the American remake, “Three Men and a Baby.”)

And do not forget the exquisite “My Father’s Glory,” directed by Yves Robert and based on the memoirs of Marcel Pagnol.