Intro.
I took a break from holiday movies the night before last. As I near my 100 film goal, I decided I wanted to review one last Sinatra film, and this one was fresh on my DVR and also one I hadn't seen. The premise sounded good, but after watching, I still have some mixed feelings. Overview
An owner of a run-down Miami hotel, Tony Manetta (Frank Sinatra) tells his story straight: "If anyone thinks I'm a well-heeled bigshot out on a spree, they've got a hole in the head. Truth is, I'm broke." Not only is he broke, but he is trying to support his twelve year old son Ally (Eddie Hodges) and raise enough dough to dodge their eviction. Tony's respectable, business-owner Mario (Edward G. Robinson) and Mario's wife Sophie (Thelma Ritter) come down from Brooklyn, worried about Ally's well-being, as Tony is notorious for living recklessly and often going broke. At first they want to take Ally back to live with them, but then they hatch a plan to get Tony married to some nice, respectable girl (Sophie's friend Mrs. Rogers (Eleanore Parker) happens to fit the part) so Mario can get him set up with a shop and a nice, respectable home. But Tony can't quite shake his get-rich-quick schemes or his penchant for "wild" women and good times. What comes across though is how strong his bond is with Ally, who loves him unconditionally. It's that bond which takes center stage in the film and ultimately saves Tony.Highlights
Okay, Eddie Hodges has to be one of the cutest kids ever. He is so much fun to watch and a complete scene stealer. I loved his reaction when he sees Mrs. Rogers for the first time and is shocked at how lovely she is. And his interaction with Frank Sinatra is really something to admire; they work very well together, which is great because their relationship is really the heart of the film. Tony might not be in the running for best father of the year, but it isn't for his lack of trying. I think Sophie says it best when she tells Ally that "He's a child of 41 and you're a grown man of 11." He decides to have Ally go and live with Mario and Sophie in the end and hates himself for it and hates that he can't be the kind of father Ally deserves. The ending, not to give too much away, is really bittersweet. I also loved Edward G. Robinson in this non-gangster role! What a treat to see him as the respectable older brother. And Thelma Ritter makes a great match for him. But especially good is Eleanore Parker, who is undeniably sweet and charming and helps Tony sort things out in the end. And then there's Frank, who does a great job. I think the reason I felt so conflicted about this movie is because I both loved and hated Tony a little, but in the end just kind of felt sorry for him. I wanted to be on his side the whole time, but when he went to the dog track, I just knew something bad would happen. He just didn't know when to quit. I think it gets summed up best in the song that Frank sings during the opening credits. The song is "All My Tomorrows" and the line I loved was "And all the dreams I can beg, steal or borrow on some bright tomorrow belong to you." Basically this movie will not follow a traditional pattern of a romantic comedy or family drama - it falls somewhere in-between and seems at times a bit superficial. I wish I could have had more time with these characters and gotten to know them better.
Review and Recommendation
While I found this movie entertaining, I wouldn't say it was extraordinary. It was a pretty standard film; like I said, about middle of the road. The cast is all very good and the little boy is adorable, but there is still that vein of despair mixed in with the humor. I haven't really made up my mind about recommending it, but if anyone out there has seen it and would like to comment, please do!
