This movie has all the elements of a hollywood classic: Written by Damon Runyon, who had the talent for capturing the heart of the everyday man, with his heart-of-gold gangsters and their ladies; directed by Frank Capra, whose influence in so many memorable movies is without parallel; The great Bette Davis, who cinches (like nobody else) the totally believable part of a lovable vagabond turned into a member of the hoi polloi, (like a modern day Cinderella), with the help of her loveable gangster friend, played by Glenn Ford. To round out the star-caliber supporting cast includes Hope Lange as the tough talking, soft hearted mol to Glen Fords character; Peter Falk, who has never been funnier, as Glen Fords characters' second in command, who 'just can't understand why his boss is putting all this energy in the transformation of "Apple Annie" (Bette Davis); the most memorable, and proper Edward Everett Horton, who helps this little band of misfits pull off this charade with helpful little ettiquite hints that only he, as the butler, would know. And, of course, Ann Margaret, in her introductory roll as Apple Annie's sweet young daughter who had been raised abroad, whose sudden arrival in the big apple prompts this gang into acting out this elaborate charade, in order to keep Apple Annie's daughter in the dark about Annie's "true identity". It's pure delicious escapism, without a lot of thought provoking themes, but PLENTY of heart and soul: They don't make 'em like this anymore! All this review is what I REMEMBER of the film, having not seen it for many years; it is THAT GOOD! And now, I will stop writing about this movie, and actually sit down and enjoy it, like visiting with a good old friend.Read full review
I hadn't seen this movie since the 60s, and now, half a century later, I still enjoyed it. Glenn Ford, Bette Davis, Peter Falk, Hope Lange, Arthur O'Connell, and Ann-Margaret all played their rolls with aplomb. Is the plot incredibly hokey? Sure! Unbelievable? You bet! Simplistic? Predictable? Yes! But this story of Apple Annie and her friends, who help Annie carry out an elaborate charade for her daughter and daughter's fiance, is worth seeing a first and a second time. I have not seen "Lady for a Day," so I cannot compare this as a remake....just know that it's a feel-good movie with lots of nostalgia (no cell phones, no computers, simpler times, but particularly memorable actors) for baby boomers. Others might enjoy it, as well.
I think of this film as a classic Christmas story. Although Ann Margaret is sappy, she is always sappy to me. This is a heartwarming, good feel movie. But, I am happy to say, that it lacks the better than perfect, moral charactors overcome by the spirit of Chritmas, that Frank Capra created so perfectly. Starring Bette Davis, this is a story of some not so perfect,unfortunate people acting human, and finding out what matters most in life. A must for everyone's Christmas movie list. I guarantee that it will become part of your annual holiday viewing.
This is a feel good movie for everyone. It will touch your heart and keep the tissues around because if you are like me I cried . It will make you believe that dreams can come true and that there still people out there that will help you.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This Disc plays Region 1(Canada-USA), Plays great, old classic story. It takes place in New York during the Great Depression.A Woman who had a child out of wed lock around 18 - 20 years ago,and send her away for a better life, is coming back to have her Mom,(who she think is a very well off Lady)meet the Man she is going to Marry. With the help of some friends they try to pull it off.
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