12 Days of Cinematic Christmas #7: It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947)
Directed by Roy Del Ruth. Written by Frederick Stephani. Starring Don DeFore, Victor Moore, Ann Harding, Charles Ruggles, and Gale Storm.
In New York in 1947, just a few blocks down from the Miracle on 34th Street, "it" happened on 5th Avenue. New York's famous 5th Avenue: Millionaires' Row. Home to some of the most gorgeous (or gaudy) Gilded Age mansions every built. But every winter the millionaires flee to sunnier climates, and Aloysius T. McKeever, a delightful philosopher-drifter, moves into their homes and assumes some aspects of their lives. McKeever invites Jim Bullock, a down-on-his-luck WWII veteran, to live with him at the home of real estate baron Michael J. O'Connor for the winter, and soon the two of them attract a crowd of friends to the boarded up mansion, including the house's actual owners in disguise!
Everything about It Happened on Fifth Avenue is absolutely delightful. The characters are wonderful. The dialogue is witty, and if it's not quite as snappy and fast-paced as something like His Girl Friday or Bringing up Baby it only adds to the cozy pleasantness of the story. The situations and jokes are clever and funny, and all the set-ups are paid off in a satisfying and endearing way.Â
The heart of the story comes from the change wrought in the O'Connor family, especially Michael O'Connor himself. O'Connor is a self-made man, but seems to have forgotten everything but greed and power on his way to the top of the business world. He has acquired many possessions, but none of them bring him happiness. He has forgotten that these things, these material goods, are means, not ends. Seeing the happiness that they bring these less fortunate people who ride out the winter in his house helps to bring back some of the humanity he has lost. Caught up in the happiness of community and family, he finds that joy and contentment he has been missing for years.Â
Every character here is unique and well-played, all playing off each other with extraordinary chemistry. McKeever leads the whole merry band with a combination of worldly wisdom and a count-your-blessings philosophy which guides the other characters out of their respective difficulties. He exudes a love of life and of other people which is a true joy to watch. The climactic scene on Christmas Eve breaks through the various selfishnesses and petty vices of the new group of friends and exudes the joy and warmth of Christmas.Â
Overall, while this is not a bona fide masterpiece, it's a fun and cozy classic that deserves a place in the annual rotation of Christmas movies. Its endearing characters, focus on love and community, and reminder that money is a means, not an end, all put me in the Christmas mood. It feels very Capra-esque, in the best ways, and it makes a fitting companion to It's a Wonderful Life and your favorite adaptation of A Christmas Carol. May we all learn to appreciate and share our blessings with friends, family, and the wider community at Christmastime and throughout the year!