IT HAPPENED ON 5TH AVENUE (1947)

Film of the Day #242 - 25 Days of Christmas Movies #21

Dec 22, 2023

IT HAPPENED ON 5TH AVENUE
1947 • Roy Del Ruth
Cast: Don DeFore, Ann Harding, Charles Ruggles, Victor Moore, Gale Storm, Grant Mitchell, Edward Brophy, Arthur Hohl, Alan Hale Jr., Dorothea Kent
Screenplay: Everett Freeman; Story by Herbert Clyde Lewis, Frederick Stephani
Cinematography: Henry Sharp
Music: Edward Ward
Producer: Roy Del Ruth

Allied Artists

And I would like to feel that you're all my friends. For to be without friends is a serious form of poverty.

From the outset, the set-up of It Happened On 5th Avenue is undeniably bizarre and clever. The plot revolves around a hobo, Aloysius T. McKeever (played by the endearing Victor Moore), who takes up residence in a billionaire's mansion while he spends the winter in Virginia. Along the way, he picks up WW2 veteran who has just been evicted and needs a place to stay. Unbeknownst to them, the billionaire’s daughter (Gale Storm), returns unexpectedly, leading to a series of comical misunderstandings and heartwarming moments.

The narrative, if scrutinized too closely, may seem quite silly and hard to believe. However, the brilliance lies in the execution. Director Roy Del Ruth skillfully navigates the thin line between absurdity and sincerity, infusing the film with a sense of whimsy that captivates audiences. Rather than playing for cheap laughs, Del Ruth emphasizes the humanity of the characters and brings out a fundamental sweetness that makes the implausible scenario oddly plausible.

The thoroughly charming script, by Everett Freeman (with a story credit to Herbert Clyde Lewis and Frederick Stephani), earned a well-deserved Academy Award nomination. The writing strikes a perfect balance between humor and heart, gently poking fun at class and social differences without descending into mockery. The characters, no matter how eccentric their circumstances, are relatable and endearing, making the audience root for them.

The film benefits greatly from the stellar performances of its cast. Charles Ruggles plays the cranky billionaire well, but never crosses over into unlikability. This is especially important since it is ultimately the redemption we are hoping for. Ann Harding is lovely and charming and Gale Storm delivers as the young heiress slumming it as a squatter in her own home. She gets a lovely musical performance in the midpoint of the filming, singing “That’s What Christmas Means To Me.” (This is not the current version of the song, but another version that never quite became a Christmas standard.) Don DeFore, as the returning GI is funny and Gale’s love interest, is funny and likable, and you’re rooting for him to get the girl.

But the film belongs to Victor Moore’s traveling hobo, McKeever. He is the beating heart of this charming comedy. As the clever hobo navigates the intricacies of a wealthy family's home, Moore infuses the character with a blend of wit and warmth. His portrayal not only elicits laughs but also tugs at the heartstrings, grounding the film in a genuine and relatable humanity. Moore's comedic timing makes every scene he graces a delightful experience.

It Happened On 5th Avenue seems to have fallen through the cracks of cinematic history. It’s a hidden treasure, starting to be discovered by those seeking lost gems in old movies. For years, it was mostly lost to TV and cinema-goers. However, thanks to its inclusion in Christmas DVD sets and airings on Turner Classic Movies, it has found new life. Audiences can now revisit or discover this overlooked film, allowing it to reclaim its rightful place in the pantheon of Christmas cinema.

It Happened On 5th Avenue is a delightful little gem that seamlessly blends humor, heart, and a touch of social commentary with the magic of Christmas.