It Happened on Fifth Avenue

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.

In some ways, IT HAPPENED ON FIFTH AVENUE is like a reworking of the marvelous 1941 film, THE DEVIL AND MISS JONES. Both films consist of an old rich crank (in THE DEVIL it was Charles Coburn, here it is Charlie Ruggles) assuming the identity of a poor man--and finding friendships and love among the working poor. However, the set up for this film is truly bizarre and clever. It seems that hobo Victor Moore has made a career out of breaking into mansions while the owners are away and living like a king. But, in an odd twist, his solo act starts to include others--others who are homeless due to the housing shortage following WWII. Soon, there are eight living in the mansion of the second richest man in the world (Ruggles) and soon Ruggles himself pretends to be in need of a home--at the insistence of his lovely young daughter (who has fallen for one of the squatters, Don Defore). There's a heck of a lot more to the film's plot than this but I don't want to spoil the film by discussing the plot further.

If you think too much, the movie really is quite silly and hard to believe. However, it works very well--mostly because of the marvelous direction. While the film could have been played for wacky laughs (and there are many opportunities for this), the director instead chose to emphasize the humanity of the characters as well as a fundamental sweetness to them. In many cases, the laughs take a back seat to allowing this goodness to slowly come out through the course of the film. In doing this, it avoided overt laughs but instead is a very sentimental and nice film--but never cloying. Of course, the acting sure helped as well. Victor Moore was a joy to behold and this is one of his best roles (for his best, I suggest you see MAKE WAY FOR TOMORROW). Likewise, Ruggles is excellent as the rather befuddled but ultimately likable mega-millionaire. As for the rest of the cast, they were very good as well and it was nice to see Ann Harding (who had virtually retired from films since being a star in the 1930s), Don Defore ('Mr. B' from "Hazel") and Alan Hale, Jr. (in a non-goofy role that is light-years from "Gilligan's Island").

This a movie for all to see for it is so superb in the story, the actors and the directing!!! I would recommend it to everyone and it sure would be wonderful to be able to see it on television or even better to have a copy on DVD or VHS. It is so sad that great movies like this are forgotten in lieu of action films of today that are all too often do NOT have a good story or acting! Most are full of foul language and sex scenes which are not at all necessary for a truly great film such as "It Happened On Fifth Avenue". In summary this is a wonderful Family Film that will truly bring tears to your eyes.

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?

This is a very enjoyable holiday film that gets no press. I learned about it because it was included in a set of holiday films.

If you are familiar with and enjoyed the 18th century play, "She Stoops to Conquer," the same social commentary about relations between the upper and lower classes appears here with a Dreppression era - post World War II twist. It requires you to suspend your sense of logic, but if you can do that, you will have a lot of fun. It's a holiday film that you will enjoy viewing year after year.

The professional critics big knock on this film is that it is too long. That is valid criticism for the ending. A scene or two could have been cut or shortened without damaging the plot. That weakness is more that offset by a great many laughs and chuckles and honest warmth which make the first 90 minutes fly by.

Watch for Gail Storm as the run-away college student who was a very popular TV personality in the early 1950s and Alan Hale, Jr., as one of World War II veterans, who was the captain on "Gilligan's Island."