L'énigmatique Monsieur Horace

This film was shown recently on cable; it was a refreshing change of pace. This 1948 movie, directed by Henry Koster, is a delightful experience for the young at heart and for those of us enchanted by the Irish folk lore.

The movie's plot is just a pretext to present Tyrone Power, one of the most handsome actors of the period, in a light comedy that takes him to Ireland, the land of his ancestors, to discover himself. The story is a fantasy, if not, how could we believe in Stephen's transformation by what he witness at the waterfall by the river, or his encounter with Nora at the inn? Not only that, but no sooner than he is back in New York, Horace, the leprechaun, makes an unexpected entrance in his life, and suddenly he discovers Nora riding the IRT?

This is a movie to be enjoyed because of the marvelous cast. Tyrone Power plays Fitz who is a different man from his experiences in Ireland. Fitz, evidently, having drunk the Irish whiskey, and eaten the Irish stew, is a changed man. Mr. Power plays this man effortlessly.

Equally excellent is Cecil Kellaway. His Horace is a man that has all the magical powers to lure Fitz back to the "old sod". Horace is a clever old man who can see right through anyone. Anne Baxter is also a great asset. Ms. Baxter and Mr. Power had a nice chemistry. Her Nora shows the right balance to attract Fitz and make him fall in love with her and with Ireland.

Lee J. Cobb's Augur, doesn't have much to do, but he is good as the man who wants to please his daughter above all things. Jayne Meadows made a rare appearance in the movie as Frances, the spoiled girl that wants Fitz for herself and will do everything in her power to get him.

This movie was a rare find. Watch it and cherish it with an open heart.

I am a voracious channel surfer. I freely admit that. And when I was laid up with a heating pad applied to a sore neck one morning, the poor remote control was nearly smoking from the furious usage. But I stopped in my tracks as AMC portrayed Anne Baxter as Nora. She looked like the Mira Sorvino of her generation, right down to the delicate brow wrinkles of concern. Then the story drew me in. I didn't move for the next two hours. The leprechaun faded as a cultural image and became instead a vehicle of introspection and divine influence. The character played by Tyrone Power is ageless - men in the workplace are forever torn between following the dreams of their heart, or selling out to "the man" for stability and comfort. For Tyrone, the cost would have included his morality and honesty, which in today's world are sacrificed too easily and too often in the business arena. One comment worth making about the character of Nora; I was pleasantly surprised by how she never tried to manipulate situations to gain what she longed for. She accepted outcomes in a strong and self-assured manner, when it would have been easy to fall back on feminine wiles to turn things her way. A timeless film containing many lessons worth learning!

A hidden Gem from the stables of Fox Studios in the 1940's, "Luck of the Irish" Was probably a toss-off film for Tyrone Power. Luckily for us viewers, this picture has an undeniable charm much like "Arsenic and Old Lace" or "It's a Wonderful Life". Cecil Calloway steals scenes left and right as a somewhat over-sized Leprechaun, and there's plenty of Irish charm in this movie to satisfy all. My only regret is that Fox didn't film this in color. That being aside, I WILL add this to my DVD collection should it ever come out (HEAR THAT, FOX?). For overall ambiance, think "Brigadoon" w/out the music or color, and you have a delightful comedy suitable for the whole family.

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.

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