Star in the Night

Star in the Night (1945)

**** (out of 4)

Brilliant updating of The Nativity Story has a small diner owner (J. Carrol Naish), a bitter man, opening his doors to a wide range of people on Christmas Eve. Included in this group are a hitchhiker (Donald Woods), a couple expecting a baby and three cowboys. Even though this film only runs 21-minutes I still think it's one of the best of the decade. The film won an Oscar for Best Short but it also marks the directorial debut of Don Siegel who would go onto direct several Clint Eastwood films. The movie tells a story we're all familiar with but it takes it to the next level with its warm characters and strong message. There's a mysterious undertone to the hitchhiker character that really reminds me of something we'd see decades later in The Twilight Zone. The future TV shows had the same feelings that are present in this film, which of course was made years later. Another strong thing are the performances with Naish leading the way. Naish was always a fine character actor but his performance here is chilling and might be the best I've ever seen from him. The same with Woods who brings so much life to his character even though he says very little. This film is flawless from start to finish so it's a real shame more people don't know it but thankfully Turner Classic Movies show it each year around the holiday.

According to his autobiography, "A Siegel Film", the action-oriented director did not like his own first directorial effort, finding it "over-sentimental, cloying with syrup and gooey molasses"; consequently, he was surprised when it eventually won the Oscar for Best Short Subject! Personally, I have to disagree with him completely because this wonderful short, a surprising Christmas allegory, turned out to be one of the great, unsung Yuletide films. The three wise men are here replaced by rambling cowboys, a young married woman gives birth in a barn and there is even a benign tramp that vaguely represents John The Baptist! There are all-round fine performances, led by J. Carroll Naish as a cynical barkeeper (who manages to overcome a stereotypical Italian characterization) redeemed through the influence of the aforementioned stranger. Siegel never again did anything with this kind of warmth afterwards preferring to lean mostly towards hard-hitting subjects…which is perhaps why he (injudiciously) eyed this gem of a film with suspicion in his memoirs.

This black and white short made almost 60 years ago is one sweet surprise to anyone who happens upon it. Turner classic movies airs this from time to time during the holidays and even though I saw it by accident last Christmas I'm so thankful I had the idea to tape it "just in case" it was a keeper. It takes place on Christmas eve long ago as three cowboys happen to show up at a small place where others also are wanting a place to stay for the night. Most are bitter and full of complaints until something happens to bring these people together on this freezing Christmas eve. A poor young couple wander in and are in obvious discomfort as the young woman is close to having a child. The people earlier so full of scorn and complaints all learn the true meaning of Christmas when they come together giving the couple the things they need so that this new little baby can safely be born.

It will make your heart swell and bring a tear or two to your eyes as you experience this sweet tale.

I also saw this movie on TCM and found it to be quite touching..I had listened years earlier to a Hallmark Playhouse Radio Drama from 12-16-1948 on Cassette called "The Desert Shall Rejoice". XM Satellite radio just played this same program recently and I was struck by the similarities between it and "Star In The Night"

Main Characters-Nick, Rosa. Though J. Carroll Naish wasn't as bitter as Nick played by John Hodiak in the Radio Drama..

Jose, Maria..Baby born..

Problems with a lighted star.

3 cowboys show up with gifts..don't know what to do with them.

Main differences..man in the film was Nick's conscience throughout..In the radio play "Dusty" Robbed Nick but later gave the money back..

There were several other customers in the "Auto Court" as portrayed in the film..

Summary:Both told the story well, though It was obvious that the Radio Drama was adapted from the film script..

This is touching vintage short that usually appears between movies on TCM during the Christmas season. Now you can get it with the new DVD release of "Christmas In Connecticut" with Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan. It's included as a short on the DVD. Now I don't have to try and catch it with my TiVo this holiday season. "Star" is a wonderful Christmas featurette and is highly recommended. Will really get you into the Christmas spirit, guaranteed! The mysterious hitchhiker, Donald Woods, is really interesting. He seems to be guiding each individual through a process of recognizing the real spirit of Christmas. You may remember him from "True Grit" and many other movies. He made no less than 5 features and this featurette in 1945 (although his scenes in "God Is My Co-Pilot" were left on the cutting-room floor).