It Happened On Fifth Avenue

“It Happened on Fifth Avenue” was released in 1947.  It stars Don DeFore, Ann Harding, Charles Ruggles, Victor Moore, and Gale Storm.

To read my review click here.   I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.

This movie a homeless man, Aloysius McKeever, who moves into the mansion of the second richest man in the world, Michael J. O’Connor, every winter when O’Connor goes to his other house in a warmer climate.  This particular winter, McKeever meets Jim Bullock, an army veteran who has recently been evicted from his apartment and offers to share the mansion with him. It's not long before the mansion has a few more guests, including: Jim's army buddies and their wives and children; runaway heiress Trudy; and even Michael J. O'Connor, himself.

What’s special about this movie?  It’s the perfect combination of humor, kindness, love, hope, and pretty much all the feels.  It’s got drama but still stays light enough to just enjoy it.  There are a lot of characters but it’s easy to keep track.

It’s just funny how McKeever taking in Jim snowballs into this bizarre combination of people.  O’Connor in disguise in his own house is really funny.

Due to when it takes place there are veterans of WWII.  That may make it a little confusing for children who don’t know about WWII but I think most children are familiar with the term veteran.  The movie isn’t rated so use your judgement.

The main messages are that the true value of things are not in their price tag and friends are invaluable.  What could be better at Christmas than to be reminded to be grateful and appreciate the people in our lives?

If you haven’t seen it, I hope you give it a try.  If you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie.  Happy Viewing!