Released – October, 1951 

Directed By - Clarence Brown

Starring – Paul Douglas (Aloysius X. ‘Guffy’ McGovern), Janet Leigh (Jennifer Paige), Keenan Wynn (Fred Bayles).

Description – In last place again the Pittsburgh Pirates abusive and foul-mouth manager Guffy McGovern is taking a beating in the press as well. It seems as though only some form of divine intervention can help a team this bad.

Well, guess what? There seems to be an ex-ballplaying angel who is willing to make a deal with the manager. If Guffy will change his habits of swearing and fighting, the angel just might be able to help. Just when it looked as though the Pirates feet were permanently rooted in last place cement the ’spirits’ of past Pirate greats begin to help the team turn their fortunes around.

It was due to the prayers of orphan Pirate fan Bridgit White that prompted the angelic visit to Guffy and just might get the Pirates win the pennant.

Enjoy this little fantasy charmer with the whole family.

NOTABLE: Look for cameo’s by Bing Crosby (who just happened to own 15% of the Pirates at the time), along with Joe DiMaggio, Ty Cobb, and Ralph Kiner.

Angels in the Outfield

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Released – September, 1951 

Directed By - Charles Crichton

Starring – Alec Guinness (Henry Holland), Stanley Holloway (Alfred Pendlebury), Sid James (Lackery Wood), Alfie Bass (Shorty Fisher).

Description – What does a timid, dedicated London bank clerk do for a little excitement? How about hatching the perfect heist of $3,000,000 in gold bullion from his employer.

Bank clerk Henry Holland has spent 20 years overseeing the safe shipment of gold buillion for his bank and now feels he would like a piece of the pie. Henry’s plan is, with a few friends, to steal the gold and smuggle it out of Britian as miniature Eifel Towers.

The plan works perfectly as far as the theft is concerned, but he rest goes comically downhill. Misunderstandings, confusion, and chaos follow with a very funny and madcap chase climax.

A very enjoyable classic comedy from our friends accross the pond.

NOTABLE: This film won an Oscar for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay, and got another nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Alec Guinness).

Audrey Hepburn, who was unable to play a larger role in the film due to other commitments, has a brief role in the films beginning as Chiquita.

Although it was a role with no dialogue, actor Robert Shaw made his film debut.

The films studio, Ealing Studios, requested a robbery suggestion from the Bank of England as to how this type of crime might be committed. Their suggestion is the plan used in the movie.

The Lavender Hill Mob

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Released – August, 1951 

Directed By - Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Starring – Cary Grant (Dr. Noah Praetorius), Jeanne Crain (Deborah Higgins), Finlay Currie (Shunderson), Hume Cronyn (Prof. Rodney Elwell), Walter Slezak (Prof. Barker).

Description – An engrossing comedy of a Doctor who, of all things, treats his patients as human beings. With somewhat of a mysterious background to go along with his unorthodox treatment methods, Dr. Noah Praetorius, finds himself being investigated by some jealous collegues who hope to discredit him.

When he decides to marry a woman who is going to have another man’s baby, eyebrows really start to raise. And just who is the always present, mysterious Mr. Shunderson?

People Will Talk

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Released – April, 1951 

Directed By - Sidney Lanfield

Starring – Bob Hope (Sidney Melbourne, The Lemon Drop Kid), Marilyn Maxwell (‘Brainy’ Baxter), Lloyd Nolan (Oxford Charley), Jane Darwell (Nellie Thursday).

Description – The Lemon Drop Kid has a problem; he owes big money to gangsters and must pay or else. Adapted from the Damon Runyon story, Bob Hope is teriffic as the incompetent bookie faced with this dilemma after convincing a woman to change a bet. Little did he know the woman ‘belonged’ to gangster Moose Moran.

The ‘Kid’ will try anything; romancing an old sweetheart, trying an old hoodlum who he has dealt with before, even playing Santa Claus on a street corner holding a kettle during the holidays.

A cast of colorful characters add to the enjoyment of this out of the ordinary holiday film.

NOTABLE: The Christmas song classic Silver Bells was introduced in this picture.

The Lemon Drop Kid

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Released – December, 1950 

Directed By - George Cukor

Starring – Judy Holliday (Emma ‘Billie’ Dawn), Broderick Crawford (Harry Brock), William Holden (Paul Verrall), Howard St. John (Jim Devery).

Description – Millionaire junk-dealer Harry Brock, his girlfriend Billie, and his crooked lawyer travel to Washington, D.C. with Harry’s sites set on ‘buying’ a politician.  Although he is quite crude himself, Harry is worried that Billie, who can be a little dizzy, might reflect badly on him. 

In an effort to educate her on how to behave with a little class, Harry hires Professor Paul Verrall to do the job.  It turns out that Billie is not as dumb as she may appear and she and Paul really hit it off.  A very funny and entertaining film.

NOTABLE: This film won the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Judy Holliday), and was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Writing, Screenplay, and Best Costume Design, Black and White.

Judy Holliday was the third choice for the role of Billie Dawn even though she played the role on Broadway.  Both Jean Arthur, and Rita Hayworth were considered first.  As it turned out, Judy was clearly the best choice and won an Oscar.

Garson Kanin sold the movie rights to Columbia Pictures for a then record $1,000,000.

The Broadway run of Born Yesterday lasted for 1642 performances.

Personal Comment:  I am happy to have this in my own movie collection as it truly is one of the great classic comedies of all time.  Judy Holliday’s performance in this film is widely known as a great one, but don’t overlook Broderick Crawfod… he’s hysterical.

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Released – October, 1950 

Directed By - Henry Koster

Starring – James Stewart (Elwood P. Dowd), Josephine Hull (Veta Louise Simmons), Peggy Dow (Miss Kelly), Charles Drake (Dr. Lyman Sanderson), Cecil Kellaway (Dr. Willie Chumley).

Description – Based on Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize winning play, this is the story of mild-mannered Elwood P. Dowd who claims to have a six-foot-eight-and-a-half-inch tall invisible friend who just happens to also be a rabbit named Harvey.

Not being sure if Elwood has a mental illness, or if his invisible friend is a product of his tendency to drink a little too much, his sister Veta tries to have him committed.  A great deal of fun follows as the doctors try to find out just who is really crazy.

NOTABLE: This movie was nominated for two Academy Awards; winning for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Josephine Hull), and nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

This film is ranked #35 on AFI’s 100 Years…100 Laughs.

In the film, Josephine Hull reprised her role in the Broadway production of Harvey which ran for 1775 performances.

This was the first film project for Fess Parker, who is best known for his portrayal of Davy Crockett.

Personal Comment;  I first saw this film when I was 10 or 11 years old and have never forgotten just how much good-natured fun this movie really is.  Now, I am looking forward to showing it to our grandchildren in a few more years.

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Released – June, 1950 

Directed By - Robert Hamer

Starring – Dennis Price (Louis Mazzini), Alec Guinness (All 8 D’Ascoynes), Valerie Hobson (Edith), Joan Greenwood (Sibella), John Penrose (Lionel).

Description – A black comedy that makes murder funny.  Louis Mazzini stands, along with eight others, to inherit a dukedom.  Louis, however, is not inclined to wait his turn in the long line of succession and plots to murder all eight members of the D’Ascoynes that stand in his way.

A number of complications arise along with a cruel twist of fate.

NOTABLE: Alec Guinness was originally asked to play four roles, but after reading and loving the screenplay he asked to play all eight roles.

Concerned with performing an accident scene in a hot air balloon, Guinness asked for a large amount of insurance to be provided by the studio.  The studio balked at this request and filmed the scene with an experienced balloonist wearing the costume of his character.  His concern turned out to be valid, as the balloonist was blown 50 miles off course and into a river.

In 2004, Total Film voted this the 7th greatest British film of all time.

Kind Hearts and Coronets – Criterion Collection

Alec Guinness Collection (Kind Hearts and Coronets / The Lavender Hill Mob / The Man With the White Suit / The Captain’s Paradise / The Ladykillers)

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