It Happened on Fifth Avenue

In 1946 Monogram Pictures decided to upgrade their image by creating a new bigger budget style of film and presenting them by new in-house section ALLIED ARTISTS..... and this delicious humane film was their second big budget outing. IT HAPPENED ON 5TH AVENUE has been mostly lost to TV and cinema goers for over 40 years and now it is available on WB label DVD.... The first Allied Artisis film was BLACK GOLD which also wonderfully humane and kind shows what a focus on viable films they embarked upon. IT HAPPENED ON 5TH AVENUE is a very funny and witty and ultimately wise family comedy about how a group of genuinely homeless people (in every sense of the word) re discover their home and family. As a Christmas movie it is terrific...and there are some hilarious sequences, notably an old tailor who delivers an uproarious monologue about moths and a waiter in a restaurant trying to set a table from wobbling (while Ted FioRito plays the violin). With a perfect cast for each role and the $1.4m budget resulting spectacularly well decorated and very elaborate sets, this Monogram-Allied Artists film must have been a box office bonanza. Other films they made in this period that reflected their new image are THE GANGSTER and SUSPENSE both equally compelling, well made and worth a DVD release soon.... what a find IT HAPPENED ON 5TH AVENUE is and presented in a spotless gleaming DVD. I really applaud WB for releasing this charming humane and delicious film. Nominated for an Oscar for script, it should have also been nominated for Victor Moore's wry turn as the hilarious hobo who secretly babysits mansions while their owners go to another house for their holiday. Gale Storm is gorgeous and her clothes - as are all the qualities of this well made film - peppered with Blake Edwards' added sight gags - are A grade.

Victor Moore is fantastic as a homeless man who journeys between a wealthy, self made man's (Charlie Ruggles) winter and summer homes when the wealthy man is at his other home. The last words by Charlie Ruggles will make you cry for joy. "Remind me to board up that fence next year. He's coming in the front door." A unique, wonderful story. I wish everyone could see it, especially around Christmas time when it would be most appropriate.

Of all the Christmas movies produced over the last 50-60 years I vote it in the top 5. It's heart-warming, funny, and thought provoking. Hey, I'm a man and I like to cry during a movie every once in a while, and this movie is one that will surely leave a lump in your chest and a tear or two on your cheek. I can't remember the last time I saw this movie. It's one of my favorite classics and I hope that it will make it to the video/laser/DVD format before it becomes too late. Ted Turner, is this one in your TCM library?

One of the cutest holiday movies for the entire family to see. I just wish that Del Ruth had allowed Gale Storm to sing instead of having to lipsinc someone elses voice. Mr. Del Ruth decided that you can either act or sing; pick one. Had he put Gales voice in the movie in 1947 we would not have had to wait another decade before she started recording hits. The movie has a beautiful story to tell; showing that even when you invade some one elses property, you do it with grace and respect. And when you leave, you improve the conditions from your original arrival. All the actors were meshed in the scenes and created a realistic holiday cine that should be released on disc so all familys can rent or buy. James Stewarts Christmas classic did not hit at the theatres, but time made it into a classic. This movie could earn the same admirers. It's ready for holiday release, it's ready for the family to see and enjoy...and it's ready to show the talents of these young performers. You might even recognize many who went on to stardom either on television or in the cinemas. Almost all of those who appear in this keeper of a money went into television and became quite successful.

"Sort of a Christmas movie and not really a musical" is how a friend described this to me. Kind of a perfect description and is the reason I decided to watch it. And finding out it starred Gale Storm was icing on the cake. I watched My Little Margie and The Gale Storm Show when I was a kid and she was a family favorite in those days.

It's a little uneven and could've used some better continuity in spots, but I loved it. And seeing Alan Hale, Jr as a young man was a delightful surprise.

Heartwarming, sweet, and just the right amount of sappy, I highly recommend this one.