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‘it happened on 5th avenue’: thr’s 1947 review.

On April 19, 1947, Allied Artists and producer-director Roy Del Ruth unveiled the holiday-themed film in theaters.

By Jack D. Grant

Jack D. Grant

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On April 19, 1947, Allied Artists and producer-director Roy Del Ruth unveiled the holiday-themed film in theaters. The title went on to earn an Oscar nomination in the writing category at the 20th Academy Awards. The Hollywood Reporter’s original review is below:

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There is more to celebrate than there is to criticize in It Happened on 5th Avenue . The modern fable the screenplay by Everett Freeman tells, based on an original by Herbert Clyde Lewis and Frederick Stephani, with additional dialogue by Vick Knight, is, in a word, brilliant entertainment. There can be many who will wish that the picture were shorter than its five minutes less than two hours running time. There will be voices raised against the corn in which the topping gags frequently indulge. But the basic worth of this yarn is consistently far superior to the carping that can be leveled against it.

The action begins as an announcer on a 5th Avenue bus points out the boarded-up home of Michael O’Connor, reported to be the second richest main in the world. As the bus passes, a happy bum and his dog are picked up entering the grounds through a loose board in the back fence. Both subsequently enter the house and make themselves charmingly at home, the tramp availing himself of O’Connor’s sumptuous wardrobe, eating his choice food, drinking his vintage liquors and smoking his private stock cigars.

When these fellows get started on a promotion to house returning service men in converted army camps, the O’Connor daughter thinks it is time her father took a hand. So she sells him the idea of returning to his own residence in the guise of a tramp. Then she works the same routine upon her mother, who some years before divorced father. The situation puts into play the development of both young and old romance.

Del Ruth leaves nothing out in his handling of a funny idea that he makes even funnier. There are moments of reaching that could have been more tightly edited, but Del Ruth’s direction of the central characters brings out some superlative performances.

Victor Moore has one of his most priceless roles as the jolly tramp, Mac. He misses none of its joy, and is matched in every respect by what Charlie Ruggles makes Michael O’Connor mean. This is a Ruggles who has dropped all of the tricks of his delivery to create an honest, believable personality. And speaking of personality, Ann Harding brings superb craftsmanship to her portrait of the divorced wife. Miss Harding comes into the picture quite late, then proceeds to dominate her every scene with the exquisite perfection of her playing.

Del Ruth’s production is uniformly handsome, and Joe Kaufman is credited as associate producer. Henry Sharp did the good-looking photography, and Lewis Creber the elaborate art direction. The music score by Edward Ward is augmented by four new songs by Harry Revel, the lyric of one by Paul Webster. Revel’s “Speak My Heart” and “It’s a Wonderful, Wonderful Feeling” are of hit calibre. — Jack D. Grant, originally published on Feb. 3, 1947.

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‘It Happened on 5th Avenue’: the Holiday Movie That Frank Capra Passed Up

This rediscovered Christmas movie has a fascinating history and is the perfect watch for this year’s turbulent holiday season.

Published December 12, 2020 Movies By Emily Kubincanek Disclaimer When you purchase through affiliate links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Beyond the Classics  is a bi-weekly column in which  Emily Kubincanek highlights lesser-known old movies and examines what makes them memorable. In this installment, she highlights the history of the holiday film It Happened on 5th Avenue.

It’s the time of year when we settle in to rewatch our favorite holiday classics. Beyond Meet Me in St. Louis  and  Miracle on 34th Street , there is plenty of old Hollywood fare that is worth revisiting year after year. It Happened on 5th Avenue , for instance. Produced and directed by Roy Del Ruth , the 1947 Allied Artists comedy holds all of the trimmings of a delightful holiday picture that’ll tug at your heartstrings in the process. And while hardly an obscure Christmas movie, it does have an interesting history connected to one of the most famous holiday films of all time.

In  It Happened on 5th Avenue , a vacant mansion of millionaire Michael O’Conner ( Charles Ruggles ) becomes a safe haven for several New Yorkers without homes. Eccentric old man Aloysius T. McKeever ( Victor Moore ) sneaks into the residence every winter when O’Conner vacations in one of his other mansions for the season. This year, McKeever takes in Jim Bullock ( Don DeFore ), a World War II veteran evicted from his apartment thanks to O’Conner’s plans for a new skyscraper.

As the men make themselves at home in the empty estate, they accumulate a troupe of Americans who are down on their luck. This bunch winds up including members of the O’Conner family themselves, disguised as homeless strangers so that their guests will take them in. As the mansion’s guests spend Christmas together, they show the grumpy O’Conner what family is all about, caring for one another without any reward in mind.

If this plot sounds like it fits a Frank Capra movie, it’s because it nearly was one. Capra was originally offered to direct It Happened on 5th Avenue  in 1945 when Liberty Films acquired the rights to the “The Fifth Avenue Story.” The new title even mirrored Capra’s 1934 hit screwball comedy It Happened One Night . Movie magazines announced Capra’s new project, but he soon abandoned the script for another Christmas story he came across called “The Greatest Gift,” which he adapted into none other than It’s a Wonderful Life .

Capra’s holiday classic was not the American treasure we know it as today back when it was released in 1946. The film notoriously failed at the box office and only became a classic in the 1980s when it was believed to have entered the public domain and television stations could broadcast it every year without having to pay any studios for the rights.

In 1946, many critics and filmmakers considered It’s  a Wonderful Life  to be the film that signaled the end of Capra’s popularity with American audiences, making it seem like he should have made  It Happened on 5th Avenue instead. Capra wasn’t bitter towards how It Happened on 5th Avenue  turned out under Roy Del Ruth’s direction. He was just one of several celebrities who “raved” about the movie in promotional materials sent out before its release.

Even without Capra,  It Happened on 5th Avenue  achieves what we usually only associate with his films. It is able to address unfairness and hardships while still conjuring a heart-warming ending that’ll make anyone believe in the power of kindness. Jim and his veteran friends experience what many families struggled with after soldiers returned from war. In conjunction with the severe displacement of veterans, many civilians who depended on the many jobs the war created experienced homelessness as well.

Jim’s idea for converting former army barracks into affordable housing seems like a far-fetched solution as we watch the film today, but citizens were in major need of adequate homes. The Housing Act of 1949 was still two years away and citizens were looking for solutions everywhere they could. Something similar actually happened in Ohio in 1946 and perhaps other towns across the country as well. 

For many Americans watching this film in 1947, the struggles they saw on screen were what they saw every day. The movie provided a balm to their despair, presenting a story where the work of an individual has the ability to change lives. One thing Capra usually does better than anyone else is uncovering the issues within American society without ever encouraging real anger towards the American way of life.

It’s a Wonderful Life  shows how much power rich people like Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore) can have in our country, but George Bailey (James Stewart), as the everyman American, is able to defeat Potter with the help of his good-hearted neighbors. We know that in reality, this story would not happen, but in the hands of Capra and Stewart, we eat it up.

Del Ruth is able to tap into that same critical yet patriotic depiction of American society in It Happened on 5th Avenue . In the beginning, Jim refuses to leave his apartment as O’Conner’s men clear out an entire building full of people. He rants and raves about how O’Conner and men like him are a menace to society. Throughout the rest of the movie, we see just how selfish and ruthless O’Conner is. He’s just one of many millionaires living on 5th Avenue in New York who controls much of the country.

Even when Jim is offered a great paying job in another country — this is O’Conner’s attempt at separating Jim from his daughter Trudy — he refuses and claims he’d never want to live anywhere but in America. As he and his fellow veterans are mistreated upon their return from war, Jim still loves America. Del Ruth never lets the audience think that American society is beyond reform, which was the only way to criticize America in Hollywood when this movie was made.

Del Ruth shows a change in character for O’Conner by the end. He’s still a millionaire, but a reformed one who is willing to help the homeless and treat his family better. The country’s problems are not solved by the end of the film, but the lives of the characters are better, which is all we need from a feel-good holiday movie. 

It Happened on 5th Avenue  also has all the sentimental elements needed to balance the solemn aspects of the story and make for a holiday classic. Like Judy Garland’s iconic rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in Meet Me in St. Louis , “That’s What Christmas Means to Me” became a huge hit after being featured in It Happened on 5th Avenue . The unlikely band of guests in the mansion gathers around the tree on Christmas Eve to sing together. That’s when O’Conner realizes that family is what makes a home and the homeless whom he’s met are more fortunate in this regard than he has ever been as a millionaire.

Even after  It Happened on 5th Avenue  received an Academy Award nomination for Best Story, it faded from memory. The library of films made by Monogram/Allied Artists, including It Happened on 5th Avenue , was sold to MGM and Warner Bros. in 1979. When It’s a Wonderful Life  was circulating television broadcasts year after year, Del Ruth’s holiday film was kept unseen by newer generations after 1990.

For almost twenty years, It Happened on 5th Avenue was absent from holiday season broadcasts. A fan website dedicated to the film and a campaign for Turner Classic Movies to play the movie brought it back to television in 2009. Since then, it has been a staple in TCM’s holiday programming and a renewed Christmas classic.

Del Ruth does a splendid job bringing a wonderful holiday story to life in It Happened on 5th Avenue . Audiences can return to the film to see a representation of post-war American life while enjoying a somewhat silly plot at the same time. And the holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy its hopeful ending.

Now, when so many of us cannot be with our traditional families, it’s comforting to see the family McKeever and Jim create by welcoming those around them into their celebration. As so many people are experiencing a tough year, It Happened on 5th Avenue  is the best movie to make us appreciate what we have and how we can help others.

Tagged with: Beyond the Classics Holiday Movies

Emily Kubincanek

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THE SCREEN IN REVIEW; ' It Happened on Fifth Avenue,' With Victor Moore in Bright, Gay Mood, Opens at Rivoli -- Charles Ruggles Also in Cast ' Dear Ruth' Based on Krasna's Successful Play, Is Feature at the Paramount -- Holden and Coalfield in Top Roles

By Bosley Crowther

• June 11, 1947

A favorite Hollywood pastime—in its films, anyhow—is that of deflating stuffed shirts and melting frigid hearts. The boys go for such an opportunity like a snowball goes for a silk hat. And so it is not surprising to find this ancient monkeyshine indulged again in the Rivoli's current antic, "It Happened on Fifth Avenue." It is not surprising to find it, but it is surprising to discover it done with as much geniality and humor as is evident in this modest comedy.For Roy Del Ruth and the others who helped him in making this film apparently went about it as though they were on a new tack. They took that dog-earred story of the hard-hearted millionaire given a lesson in human relations by a kindly disposed vagabond and they dressed it up in such trimmings as to make it look almost fresh. And they found themselves fortunately supported by a charming performance from Victor Moore.As a hobo who lets his winter sojourn in the empty mansion of a New York millionaire be complicated by a curious assortment of deserving but nonpaying guests, Mr. Moore gives a funny imitation of a tramp living like a king. And as the granite-grained gent who owns the mansion and perchance joins the guests as a tramp himself, Charlie Ruggles is equally competent in his contribution to the topsy-turvy farce. Happy to say, the batch of authors have played off the two men artfully and have got some amusing social comment in the temporary reversal of their roles.In the inevitable romantic department, Gale Storm is pretty and pert as the millionaire's willful daughter who falls in love with a jobless ex-GI and Don DeFore is popularly noble and bright-eyed as this lad. Ann Harding is mostly sentimental as the moneybag's cast-off wife and a gang of nondescript young people play beneficiaries of Mr. Moore's charity gratefully.Indeed, there is nothing about this picture more deserving of gratitude than Mr. Moore, Without him—or a reasonable facsimile—it would be just another hopeful try.

IT HAPPENED ON FIFTH AVENUE, screen play by Everett Freeman, based on a story by Herbert Clyde Lewis and Frederick Stephani, with additional dialogue by Vick Knight; directed and produced by Roy Del Ruth and released by Monogram. At the Rivoli.McKeever . . . . . Victor MooreO'Connor . . . . . Charles RugglesJim . . . . . Don DeForeTrudy . . . . . Gale StormMary . . . . . Ann HardingFarrow . . . . . Grant MitchellWhitey . . . . . Alan Hale Jr.Alice . . . . . Cathy CarterHank . . . . . Eddie RyanMargie . . . . . Dorothea KentFelton . . . . . Edward BrophyBrady . . . . . Arthur HohlProducer Paul Jones, who recently went over to Metro after making a long and successful series of comedies, including the fabulous Crosby-Hope "Road" pictures at Paramount, has turned out another hilarious comedy hit for his former employers. "Dear Ruth," which follows closely in spirit and pattern the Norman Krasna stage romp of three years ago, yesterday took what promises to be a long lease on the Paramount Theatre's screen, and everybody should be infinitely happier this morning. For here is one of those simon-pure excursions in fun, which bubbles and sparkles its way into your heart and completely disarms any resistance which an unadorned outline of its conventional plot might invoke.While the framework around which this sprightly tale of mis-directed love is spun won't win any prizes for originality, there is zest to the dialogue and it is played with the best of good humor by a small and expert cast. As the harassed Judge Wilkins, father of the impish 16-year-old Miriam, and her beautiful big sister Ruth, Edward Arnold has tackled this role with all the comic gusto at his command. If he is not giving the best performance of his career then we have not seen Mr. Arnold at his best before this. He is closely seconded by Billy De Wolfe as Ruth's exasperated suitor, and by Mona Freeman as the mischievous kid sister. There is, too, an easy naturalness about William Holden's performance as the Army lieutenant that was not apparent in his previous acting, and Joan Caulfield is a vision of loveliness (as well as a good actress) in the title role.As you may recall, "Dear Ruth" was a wartime comedy—and it remains so today, but don't let that deter you—about how a brash kid sister sent mash notes, signed with her sister Ruth's name and the latter's picture, to a lonely lieutenant overseas. Comes the day when William Seacroft lands in Kew Gardens on a two-day leave to meet his ever-loving correspondent and make her his wife. The secret of the love affair becomes known in due time to all except the ardent lieutenant, and the zany complications which follow Ruth's decision to carry through the deception in the hope that he will forget her when he goes back overseas produce a steady and assorted degree of laughter, ranging from hearty to chucklesome.The amazing thing about "Dear Ruth" is that the pace never drags, even though the slim story is stretched out over ninety minutes. Of course there are lulls, but then an expert blending of scriptwriting and directing carries the action along and there always seems to be some bit of business going on, which is good for a quiet smile in any event. Mr. De Wolfe has some king-size rages as the hapless fiancé who has to stand by and watch the lieutenant make love to his girl, and he does those scenes with relish. All in all, you can count on having a richly amusing time with "Dear Ruth."Featured on the Paramount's stage are Perry Como, Lloyd Shaffer and his orchestra, Helen Carroll and the Satisfiers, Larry Storch and the Four Evans.

At the ParamountDEAR RUTH, screen play by Arthur Sheekman, based on the play by Norman Krasna; directed by William D. Russell; produced by Paul Jones for Paramount Pictures.Lieut. William Seacroft . . . . . William HoldenRuth Wilkins . . . . . Joan CaulfieldAlbert Kummer . . . . . Billy De WolfeJudge Harry Wilkins . . . . . Edward ArnoldMiriam Wilkins . . . . . Mona FreemanMrs. Wilkins . . . . . Mary PhilipsMartha Seacroft . . . . . Virginia WellesSgt. Chuck Vincent . . . . . Kenny O'Morrison

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It Happened on 5th Avenue Reviews

Lightweight box office hit.

Full Review | Original Score: B- | Dec 24, 2021

There's nothing very original about either the theme or the plot. The idea of a poor man being rich in all-that-matters is as old as is the notion that rich men can be spiritually poor. Yet Del Ruth blends these clichés into a minor masterpiece.

Full Review | Oct 7, 2020

In the long run the sour millionaire is sweetened up, all disguises are cast off, and everybody is happy, including the audience.

Full Review | Mar 2, 2018

Ruggles and Moore steal the show with their buoyant performances.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 11, 2008

It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947)

Directed by roy del ruth.

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Description by Wikipedia

It Happened on 5th Avenue is a 1947 American comedy film directed by Roy Del Ruth and starring Victor Moore, Ann Harding, Don DeFore, Charles Ruggles and Gale Storm. Herbert Clyde Lewis and Frederick Stephani were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Story, losing to Valentine Davies for another Christmas-themed story, Miracle on 34th Street.

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Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

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IT HAPPENED ON 5TH AVENUE

• Post author: Dennis Schwartz
• Post published: December 24, 2021
• Post category: Uncategorized

(director: Roy Del Ruth; screenwriters: Herbert Clyde Lewis, Frederick Stephani, Everett Freeman; cinematographer: Henry Sharp; editor: Richard V. Heermance; music: Edward Ward; cast: Charles Ruggles(Mike O’Connor), Victor Moore (Aloysius “Mac” McKeever), Don DeFore (Jim), Gale Storm (Trudy), Ann Harding  (Mary O’Connor), Edward Brophy (Patrolman Cecil Felton), Edward Ryan (Hank) Alan Hale Jr. (Whitey Temple), Dorothea Kent (Margie Temple), Grant Mitchell (Farrow); Runtime: 115; MPAA Rating: NR; producer; Roy Del Ruth : Allied Artists/Monogram/Warner Bros.; 1947)

“L ightweight box office hit . ” 

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz The humor connected with this feel good Capra humanistic comedy, a farce,  revolves around that the title refers to New York City’s Fifth Avenue as the “richest avenue in the world.”

The so-so veteran studio director Roy Del Ruth (“Red Light”/”The West Point Story”) dutifully directs this overlong pic that’s set during the Christmas season and meant to be a poignant humanist and humorous holiday film. It’s satisfactorily written by the team of writers Herbert Clyde Lewis, Frederick Stephani, and Everett Freeman. But the directing seems strained for this lightweight box office hit. As the plot goes, for the last three winters when millionaire businessman Michael J. O’Connor (Charles Ruggles), the second richest man in the country, leaves his Fifth Avenue mansion until springtime to go south, Aloysius “Mac” McKeever (Victor Moore), a harmless homeless man, moves in and lives like a king until O’Connor’s return. Things go differently this time when Mac shelters there a young down-on-his-luck free-loader named Jim (Don DeFore), whom he meets on a park bench after he was evicted from his apartment building that will no longer exist. O’Connor’s independent-minded daughter Trudy (Gale Storm) comes home unannounced after going truant from her finishing school and stays in the mansion without letting anyone know who she is, as Jim lets her stay because he thinks she’s also homeless. Later Jim invites his service buddies (Edward Ryan & Alan Hale Jr.) and their wives and children to stay, who because of the housing shortage are living in their cars.  Meanwhile Trudy falls in love with Jim and persuades her reluctant father to come to the house incognito as just another drifter and asks him to give her his honest opinion of the man she intends to marry (as she doesn’t want Jim to marry her just for her money). It’s an unfulfilling but genial comedy that offers no edge for its superficial dive into the ranks of society, whereby it safely suggests that someone from the lower classes could be good enough for one of the elites–especially if she’s rebellious.

REVIEWED ON 12/24/2021  GRADE: B-

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It Happened on Fifth Avenue Reviews

• 66   Metascore
• 1 hr 55 mins
• Music, Comedy
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A vagabond moves into a New York City mansion while the owner is wintering down South and opens the doors to a number of unfortunates, including the vacationer's daughter, whom the squatter mistakes for a down-on-her-luck runaway from an abusive father.

Ruggles is a millionaire who allows Moore, a local vagabond, to live in his Fifth Avenue mansion every winter, while he vacations in South Carolina. Leading a life of luxury, Moore befriends DeFore, an ex-GI, and takes him in. Before long he has a houseful of visitors, including the millionaire and his daughter, both in disguise. Fun at times, but somewhat long. Songs include: "Speak My Heart," "That's What Christmas Means to Me," "It's a Wonderful, Wonderful Feeling" (Harry Revel), "You're Everywhere" (Revel, Paul Francis Webster).

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It Happened on Fifth Avenue

• Two homeless men move into a mansion while its owners are wintering in the South.
• Every winter, Michael J. O'Connor, the second richest man in the world, vacates his 5th Avenue mansion for his winter home in warmer climes. Every winter, Aloysius T. McKeever, a homeless man, and his dog moves into vacated mansions. 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 two of Jim's army buddies and their wives and children; runaway heiress Trudy Connor; her mother and even Michael J. O'Connor, himself. — L. Hamre
• For the past twenty years, vagabond Aloysius T. McKeever - Mac - has squatted in some of the best homes while the owners have been away, he wearing the owners' clothes and using their supplies, including eating the food in their pantry, just little enough so that the owners would not notice anything missing upon their return. For the past three winters, he has chosen the Manhattan Fifth Avenue mansion of Michael J. O'Connor, the second richest man in the world, his money all self-made in various business ventures. This winter, Mac invites two people in need of shelter to stay with him in the mansion, they who invite a few other needy people. The first invitee is Jim Bullock, a war veteran who was evicted from his last apartment owned by O'Connor, who is tearing down the building to construct a luxury high rise in its place. Jim's own experience and that of colleagues has led to Jim having a grand plan to provide housing for veterans, he having his eye on some government property outside the city that will soon be up for sale. Jim's subsequent invitees into the house are two fellow veterans and their families who could not find housing as many places will not accept children. The second invitee is eighteen year old Trudy Smith, a runaway. In having fallen in love with Jim and in love with what Mac is doing with the house, Trudy does not tell her housemates that while she truly is a runaway, her last name is not really Smith, but O'Connor - the daughter of Michael J. O'Connor - she who ran away from finishing school in her unhappiness and who snuck into the house to get some of her own clothes. She is unhappy because of her broken family, her parents who divorced years ago as Trudy's mother felt Michael was unfaithful, his mistress being his unending quest for more and more wealth at all cost and no matter who he hurt, people like Jim, in the process. Because Trudy wants to marry Jim, she invites two other vagabonds into the house. The first is Mike, who she has invited in the caveat that he not divulge that he is really her father, Michael J. O'Connor, who returned to New York from his annual winter getaway in Virginia to deal with some business. The second is Mary, who ends up being the cook of the group. She is really Mary O'Connor, Trudy's mother and Michael's ex-wife who Trudy called in both to meet Jim and to neutralize Mike's effect in the house. Beyond Mike's anger about what Mac and the others are doing in his house which includes he seeing Jim as a freeloader, further potential fireworks between housemates may occur as Mike is eyeing that same government property as Jim for what is arguably his largest business venture to date. — Huggo
• As he does every winter, hobo Aloysius T. McKeever ( Victor Moore ) moves in to a mansion on New York City's 5th Avenue while its owners are away for the winter and invites all his hobo friends in from the cold. But this Christmas, Mary O'Connor ( Ann Harding ) comes home unexpectedly after a quarrel with her boyfriend to find her house occupied by jovial street dwellers. To make matters even worse, her father ( Charles Ruggles ) disguises himself as a hobo to get an invitation to stay in his own home -- and keeps his identity secret in this perennial Christmas favorite about rediscovering family and the joy of being together.
• On New York City's Fifth Avenue, the "richest avenue in the world," a tour bus announcer points out the boarded-up townhouse of "industrial wizard" Michael O'Connor, the world's second richest man. As the bus passes, a middle-aged drifter and his dog Sam enter the O'Connor house through a loose board in the fence and a manhole, and spend the night. Meanwhile, O'Connor evicts the tenants of one of his city apartment houses in order to erect an eighty story building. One of his tenants, Jim Bullock, an out-of-work veteran, refuses to leave. He is eventually thrown out, and while sleeping on a park bench, meets the drifter, Aloysious T. McKeever, or "Mac." Mac invites Jim to stay with him at O'Connor's townhouse, which he has occupied for the last three winters while O'Connor resides in Virginia, and Jim assumes that Mac is O'Connor. Currently, O'Connor is preparing to buy Camp Kilson, a deserted army camp outside Manhattan, in order to build a massive air cargo network. He receives word that his daughter Trudy has run away from her finishing school. When Trudy arrives at the townhouse, Jim concludes that she is a thief, but lets her stay. Trudy quickly falls in love with Jim, and is determined to keep her identity a secret so that he won't love her for her money. When the night patrol arrives to check the house, Mac makes everyone hide and finally confesses to Jim and Trudy that he is an interloper. Later, Jim meets two friends from the service, Hank and Whitey, and their wives and children, who are living in a car due to the postwar housing shortage, and invites them to stay at the townhouse, too. With Mac's help, Jim, Whitey and Hank are inspired to design a model to renovate vacant army barracks into housing projects, and decide to bid on Camp Kilson. Soon O'Connor arrives in New York and finds Trudy leaving for her new job at a music shop. Although he orders her back to school, she insists that she has spent her life being lonely and now wants Jim. O'Connor wants to meet Jim and reluctantly agrees to pose as a drifter, after which Trudy and Jim convince Mac to let O'Connor become another "guest" at the mansion. It is not long before O'Connor is fed up with his house guests and threatens to call the police. Trudy sends for her mother, however, who years before reluctantly divorced O'Connor because business was his first priority. Mary and O'Connor rekindle their love for each other, and on Christmas Eve, Mac encourages them to marry, unaware of their true relationship. When Mary finds out that O'Connor outbid Jim on Camp Kilson, and tried to give him a job in Bolivia, to take him away from Trudy, however, she determines to leave him. After Trudy also scolds him, O'Connor lets Jim buy the camp. On New Year's Eve, the house-guests all celebrate the contract, and prepare to leave the townhouse. Although Trudy and Jim and Mary and O'Connor offer Mac a room, he assures them he has a place to stay, O'Connor's house in Virginia, then says goodbye. O'Connor tells Mary that next November, Mac will be coming through the front door.

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It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947)

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30 Facts About The Movie It Happened On Fifth Avenue

Written by Batsheva Leavitt

Modified & Updated: 05 Sep 2024

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

Get ready to dive into the delightful world of “It Happened on Fifth Avenue,” a classic movie that has charmed audiences since its release. This heartwarming film, directed by Roy Del Ruth and released in 1947, takes viewers on a whimsical journey filled with laughter, romance, and a touch of holiday magic. Set in New York City, the movie revolves around the unconventional story of an empty mansion on Fifth Avenue that becomes the temporary home for a group of unexpected residents. From there, a series of delightful events unfolds, showcasing the power of human connections and the importance of finding happiness in unexpected places. In this article, we will reveal 30 fascinating facts about “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” that will make you appreciate this timeless gem even more.

Key Takeaways:

• “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” is a heartwarming holiday movie set in New York City, showcasing themes of generosity, family, and the magic of Christmas. It continues to be a beloved classic.
• The film’s captivating story, talented cast, and beautiful portrayal of New York City during the holiday season make it a timeless treasure that leaves viewers feeling warm and happy.

The movie It Happened on Fifth Avenue was released in 1947.

It is a heartwarming holiday comedy film that has become a classic.

The movie is set in New York City.

This iconic city serves as a backdrop for the heartwarming story.

It Happened on Fifth Avenue was directed by Roy Del Ruth.

Del Ruth skillfully brings the story and characters to life on the big screen.

The film stars Don DeFore, Ann Harding, Charles Ruggles, and Victor Moore.

These talented actors deliver captivating performances that will keep you entertained throughout.

The movie follows the story of a man named Aloysius T. McKeever.

McKeever, played by Victor Moore, lives in a luxurious mansion on Fifth Avenue during the winter months.

McKeever secretly allows homeless people to stay in his mansion while the owners are away.

This heartwarming gesture showcases the kindness and generosity of the main character.

The plot takes an interesting turn when the daughter of the mansion’s owner arrives unexpectedly.

This adds a layer of complexity to the story and leads to comedic and heartwarming moments.

It Happened on Fifth Avenue explores themes of homelessness, generosity, and the true meaning of family.

These themes resonate with audiences and make the film relatable and thought-provoking.

The movie received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.

It has become known as a hidden gem of holiday cinema.

It Happened on Fifth Avenue showcases the charm and beauty of New York City during the holiday season.

From the bustling streets to the enchanting decorations, the film captures the essence of the city during this magical time of year.

The screenplay was written by Everett Freeman.

Freeman beautifully crafted a story that combines humor, romance, and heartwarming moments.

The film’s original score was composed by Edward Ward.

Ward’s music adds depth and emotion to the scenes, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

It Happened on Fifth Avenue was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Story.

This recognition highlights the exceptional storytelling and scriptwriting of the film.

The movie’s runtime is approximately 116 minutes.

This allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the story and develop a connection with the characters.

It Happened on Fifth Avenue is known for its witty dialogue and memorable one-liners.

These moments add humor and lightheartedness to the film, making it an enjoyable watch for audiences of all ages.

The film’s production design beautifully captures the essence of the time period.

From the glamorous interiors to the stunning costumes, every detail contributes to the film’s visual appeal.

It Happened on Fifth Avenue was a box office success, earning over $2 million in ticket sales.

This commercial success further solidifies its status as a beloved film among audiences.

The movie continues to be a holiday favorite, with many people including it in their annual watchlist.

Its timeless themes and heartwarming story make it a film that can be enjoyed year after year.

It Happened on Fifth Avenue has inspired other films and TV shows with similar premises.

Its impact on the genre is evident in the various adaptations and tributes that have followed.

The film’s success led to a Broadway musical adaptation in 1951.

This further expanded the reach of the story and introduced it to a new audience.

It Happened on Fifth Avenue showcases the importance of compassion and empathy towards others.

It serves as a reminder to always look beyond appearances and see the true value in every individual.

The movie’s title refers to the iconic Fifth Avenue in New York City.

This prestigious location adds to the allure and grandeur of the story.

It Happened on Fifth Avenue received positive reviews for its portrayal of complex characters.

The depth and development of the characters is one of the film’s strongest elements.

The movie beautifully captures the spirit of Christmas and the magic of the holiday season.

From the twinkling lights to the heartwarming moments, it fills viewers with a sense of joy and nostalgia.

The original trailer for It Happened on Fifth Avenue featured scenes that captured the essence of the film.

It effectively enticed audiences to watch the movie and discover the heartwarming story for themselves.

The film’s success led to a re-release in 1953, further solidifying its status as a holiday classic.

Its popularity continues to grow with each passing year.

The movie features a talented ensemble cast that brings the characters to life with their performances.

The chemistry and camaraderie among the actors shine through in every scene.

It Happened on Fifth Avenue is a feel-good film that leaves viewers with a sense of warmth and happiness.

Its uplifting message resonates long after the credits roll.

The film’s cinematography captures the beauty of New York City during the winter season.

From the snow-covered landscapes to the iconic landmarks, every shot is visually stunning.

It Happened on Fifth Avenue stands the test of time, continuing to be a beloved film among audiences of all generations.

Its heartwarming story and timeless themes make it a true cinematic treasure.

In conclusion, “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” is a timeless movie that continues to captivate audiences with its heartwarming story and memorable characters. From the iconic Fifth Avenue setting to the themes of friendship, love, and the true meaning of home, this film has stood the test of time and remains a beloved classic. Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies or simply enjoy a feel-good movie, “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” is definitely worth watching. So grab some popcorn, gather your loved ones, and embark on a journey filled with laughter, love, and a touch of holiday magic.

Q: When was “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” released?

A: “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” was released on November 19, 1947.

Q: Who directed “It Happened on Fifth Avenue”?

A: The movie was directed by Roy Del Ruth.

Q: What is the runtime of the movie?

A: “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” has a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes.

Q: Who are the main actors in the film?

A: The main actors in “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” include Don DeFore, Ann Harding, Charles Ruggles, and Victor Moore.

Q: What is the plot of the movie?

A: The movie revolves around a homeless man who secretly lives in a vacant mansion owned by a wealthy family during their winter vacation. Unexpectedly, the family returns, leading to a series of comedic and heartwarming encounters.

Q: Is “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” based on a true story?

A: No, “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” is not based on a true story. It is a work of fiction.

Q: Has the movie won any awards?

A: Unfortunately, “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” did not win any major awards, but it remains a beloved classic among movie enthusiasts.

Q: Where was the movie filmed?

A: The majority of the movie was filmed on location in New York City.

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Is this the most glamorous place to stay during New York Fashion Week?

The 5th Avenue Suite in The Fifth Avenue hotel in New York I felt I inhabited Steichen’s photograph of the flat iron building as my car passed Madison Square Gardens and drew up outside a luxurious mansion from the Gilded Age . Its windows lit the gloomy night like a party in the Roaring Twenties. The Fifth Avenue hotel's manager was waiting for me. I have stayed in hotels throughout the world but this was the first time I had been welcomed so punctiliously by a manager with special powers of divination - how had he judged how long immigration, the traffic etc would take? My enchantment with the hotel had begun as I caught myriad skewed reflections of myself in Graham Caldwell’s Glimpse Machine - an installation of mirrors that shifted and shook my perception of where I was or how I saw things. The art curation in the hotel is spellbinding, focusing on the eye of the beholder and the possibilities of the world that is finally seen. As I checked in to a smiling front desk I was mesmerised by Pae White’s shimmering hallucinogenic tapestry of insects, opium poppies and golden brocaded mushrooms hanging behind the efficient blonde concierge. This was no ordinary hotel. Cabinets of wondrous curiosities lined the lobby - a mica book, a glass slipper, a water bag with a goldfish. Jet lag was beginning to kick in and I had the feeling I was being led into a parallel universe where you step into a Belle Époque flânerie with Baudelaire, whose portrait by Michael Mapes hangs by the lifts - it is itself a collage of intricate objects pinned like an entomologist’s specimen collection including tiny tortoises (the symbol of Flaneur Hospitality inspired by the flaneurs who strolled through Paris observing life in detail, slowly, with a tortoise on a leash and the insignia of the Fifth).  The gorgeous bar, which evokes the glamour of the Jazz Age grafted onto the Bohemian romanticism of the Belle Epoque The Martin Brudnizki design throughout the hotel brilliantly evokes the glamour of the Jazz Age grafted onto the Bohemian romanticism of the Belle Epoque.  My suite was spacious and incredibly comfortable - 19th century symbolist pinks and teal blue velvets, duck egg and cyclamen paintwork, lacquered chinoiserie chairs and Indian inlaid marble tables. Everything worked. The bathroom was a 21st century version of 30’s chic - scrupulously clean and shining. I was assigned a butler - Phillip Lewis - tall, discreetly attentive as if transported from the 1920’s with a suave elegance that never left him whether it was 8am or late at night when I had locked myself out of part of my suite and had to go down to the lobby past revellers heading for the bar in my Charvet pyjamas to get another key card. A rather luxurious, and well appointed, home away from home My experience of butlers in hotels is that you see them once when you arrive and then never again. They don’t even appear when you ring, but Phillip was exemplary finding an adaptor for my toothbrush charger (most hotels fall at this first fence) to leaving a brace of blue glass bottles of water outside my door at night. But this is the Fifth Avenue Hotel and from the manager to the Front Desk via your butler, everything is magically organised - early morning pickups for a photoshoot in Chelsea to very very early pickup to catch the morning flight back to London . My perception of a hotel had been recalibrated. It became my home, albeit a very well appointed luxurious home in NYC.

It Happened on 5th Avenue

1 HOUR 55 MINS

A hobo shares a New York mansion with an unemployed veteran and others in winter.

Movie Trailer

Cast & Crew

Don DeFore Jim Bullock

Ann Harding Mary O'Connor

Victor Moore Aloysius T. McKeever

Charles Ruggles Mike O'Connor

Gale Storm Trudy O'Connor

Grant Mitchell Farrow

Edward Brophy Patrolman Cecil Felton

Alan Hale Whitey Temple

Dorothea Kent Margie Temple

Roy Del Ruth Director

Herbert Clyde Lewis Writer (Story)

Frederick Stephani Writer (Story)

Everett Freeman Writer (Screenplay)

Roy Del Ruth Producer

Joe Kaufman Associate Producer

Henry Sharp Cinematography

Richard Heermance Film Editing

Edward Ward Original Music

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