It could happen anywhere, at anytime, but as the film's title declares, this time, "It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947)." This is always one of my favorite "go to" films to screen during the Christmas holiday. Nicely directed by Roy Del Ruth, it stars Victor Moore, Ann Harding, Don DeFore, screen veteran Charles Ruggles, a very young and vibrant Gale Storm (My Little Margie), Herbert Lewis, Frederick Stephanie, and a surprisingly slim Alan Hale Jr. (he would later be fondly remembered as the "Skipper" in the popular television series, Gilligan's Island, 1962).
It Happened on 5th Avenue was an immediate hit with audiences. Not surprisingly it was nominated for a "Best Story" Oscar, and would have won had it not been for another charming Christmas film released that same year, "Miracle On 34th Street" featuring child actress Natalie Wood.
Given the global increase in homelessness as of this review (2021), the plot of It Happened on 5th Avenue seems surreally as sad and relevant today as it did in 1947. Fortunately, Hollywood was able to offer a more pleasant storyline for the people in this film who find themselves in the unfortunate position of not having a job or adequate shelter from the bitterly cold streets of Manhattan. Sadly, in real life, being homeless and jobless isn't as nice.
Victor Moore plays the opportunistic vagabond, Aloysius T. McKeever, a remarkably resourceful hobo who ingeniously finds shelter in a seasonally boarded-up classy 5th Avenue mansion. When the ultra-wealthy owner, Michael J. O'Connor, vacates his Manhattan mansion to spend the winter at his Virginia estate, Aloysius quietly moves in. It's a pretty simple plan, albeit not as plausible in modern times given the amount of security devices available to homeowners.
Although Aloysius's routine winter occupation of O' Connor's splendid home is clearly unlawful, his demeanor and casualness somehow justifies his actions. It doesn't take long before other "intruders" join Aloysius in the mansion, and though initially reluctant to accept more boarders, he makes it clear to all of them that they must respect the O'Connor mansion and belongings, and at the end of the holiday season, they must leave the mansion in the same pristine condition they found it.
All in all, this is one of a broad list of post WWII American films that glows eternally hopeful and optimistic. It's playful, a film to be savored and enjoyed, particularly during the holidays where the themes of charity, budding romance, and even rekindled love seem to blossom with each new scene.
No spoilers here, but I will reveal you will likely be quite intrigued to learn about "Slumgullion Stew." And don't you dare cheat by Googling it!
It Happened on 5th Avenue was an immediate hit with audiences. Not surprisingly it was nominated for a "Best Story" Oscar, and would have won had it not been for another charming Christmas film released that same year, "Miracle On 34th Street" featuring child actress Natalie Wood.
Given the global increase in homelessness as of this review (2021), the plot of It Happened on 5th Avenue seems surreally as sad and relevant today as it did in 1947. Fortunately, Hollywood was able to offer a more pleasant storyline for the people in this film who find themselves in the unfortunate position of not having a job or adequate shelter from the bitterly cold streets of Manhattan. Sadly, in real life, being homeless and jobless isn't as nice.
Victor Moore plays the opportunistic vagabond, Aloysius T. McKeever, a remarkably resourceful hobo who ingeniously finds shelter in a seasonally boarded-up classy 5th Avenue mansion. When the ultra-wealthy owner, Michael J. O'Connor, vacates his Manhattan mansion to spend the winter at his Virginia estate, Aloysius quietly moves in. It's a pretty simple plan, albeit not as plausible in modern times given the amount of security devices available to homeowners.
Although Aloysius's routine winter occupation of O' Connor's splendid home is clearly unlawful, his demeanor and casualness somehow justifies his actions. It doesn't take long before other "intruders" join Aloysius in the mansion, and though initially reluctant to accept more boarders, he makes it clear to all of them that they must respect the O'Connor mansion and belongings, and at the end of the holiday season, they must leave the mansion in the same pristine condition they found it.
All in all, this is one of a broad list of post WWII American films that glows eternally hopeful and optimistic. It's playful, a film to be savored and enjoyed, particularly during the holidays where the themes of charity, budding romance, and even rekindled love seem to blossom with each new scene.
No spoilers here, but I will reveal you will likely be quite intrigued to learn about "Slumgullion Stew." And don't you dare cheat by Googling it!