The Luck of the Irish

I saw this movie back in the mid 80's on AMC when they had the great host who introduced films(before TCM stole all their flicks) and he mentioned that the movie had not been seen in years because of legal things in the estates of some or one of the actors.I was pleasantly surprised when I watched it but it is one of those movies that seems to be shown once in a blue moon.Considering the major actors involved it's hard to comprehend the movie isn't on more often.Tyrone Power wasn't often in comic movies but he does well here and though I have read this movie is from a novel I can't help but think of Brigadoon whenever I think of it.

American Steven Fitzgerald doesn't believe in any of the lore he hears when visiting Ireland. But he knows a pretty lass when he sees one and becomes immediately smitten with sweet, innocent, gullible Nora (Anne Baxter) who believes in faith, family, leprechauns and God knows what else. But then there's that beautiful dame in New York-- sophisticated, smart and, did I mention, the boss's daughter. What's a fellow to do? There's also a sweet irascible, white haired fellow who keeps following Steven and who thinks he's a leprechaun.

Lighthearted basic plot has serious notes of ethics and judgment. Should Steven reach for the golden ring of corporate accomplishment or be true to his mind and heart, and follow his love to Ireland?

And should we all put a Banshee on whoever is keeping this movie out of print on DVD.

The Luck of the Irish is a humorous, adorable film. The casting was excellent. Tyrone Power is perfect for the role of a writer struggling between seeking wealth and staying true to himself, and Anne Baxter, as always, is a delight to see. Most actresses have difficulty doing an Irish accent believably, but Anne Baxter pulls it off quite well and is not only beautiful, but endearing as well. A good lesson can be learned from this film and there are several good quotations in it. The end is satisfying and leaves the viewer feeling happy and perhaps a little whimsical. The only pity is that this film could not have been shot in color. Can't you just imagine how gorgeous that waterfall would have been in "Glorious Technicolor?"

Whilst travelling through Ireland, dapper New York reporter, Steven Fitzgerald, happens across what appears to be a leprechaun. Though at first immensely sceptical, Steven comes to find out that it is in fact true, and coupled with his meeting with the lovely Nora, Steven finds himself at conflict about if he should stay in New York? With his prosperous future certain, or follow his roots to the Emerald Isle?

You know, it's just one of those films that never needs the hard sell, it's enchantingly simple and the perfect way to either while away a dark winters night, or gather the family round on a Sunday afternoon. Tyrone Power takes the lead as Fitzgerald, and after watching him in so many swashbucklers over the years, it's rather refreshing to see him in a charming and light comedy role, and he appears to be enjoying himself as well it has to be said. Lead female duties fall to a radiant Anne Baxter as Nora, whilst Cecil Kellaway is positively delightful as the leprechaun of the piece, a very astute piece of casting to be sure to be sure. I personally could have done with a bit more of Lee J. Cobb in the film, but on reflection his character is strong and business driven, and therefore too much of him could have easily detracted from this lovely little tale.

Based on the Constance Jones novel, The Luck Of The Irish is full of whimsy and romantic leanings, it is in short, delightful. 7/10

Tyrone Power is a man who encounters a leprechaun in "The Luck of the Irish," also starring Anne Baxter, Jayne Meadows Cecil Kellaway, and Lee J. Cobb.

Power plays Stephen Fitzgerald, a newspaperman who takes a job with an influential publisher turned politician, Augur (Cobb) - not because he believes in Augur, but because of the money and prestige.

Egging him on is Augur's elegant, glamorous daughter (Meadows) who's in love with him. And who can blame her. It's outrageously handsome and charming Tyrone Power.

While in Ireland, Fitz meets a young woman, Nora, to whom he's attracted, and a leprechaun with the proverbial pot o' gold. Even though Fitz gets the gold, he returns it, and the leprechaun is in his debt. When Fitz returns to New York, the leprechaun appears as a servant, Horace, and strange things begin to happen.

This is a charming film that effortlessly draws you into its whimsical story. Power did many comedies when he first signed with 20th Century Fox, and if you've seen them, you know he performed them beautifully. His reactions while a bartender is telling a leprechaun story are hilarious.

It's a shame this versatile actor didn't put down his sword and do more comic roles. He'd pay homage once again to the land of his ancestors in "The Long Gray Line" for John Ford seven years later. How sad that when the really good parts were finally coming his way, he died.

Anne Baxter is darling as Nora, and Meadows is appropriately brittle. The two are great opposites - Baxter natural and sweet, Meadows made up and bejeweled. Kellaway is excellent as Horace, the leprechaun turned houseman.

"The Luck of the Irish" will leave you with a smile on your face. Uplifting stories are hard to find - see this one.