When Barbara Stanwyck gets arrested for stealing a diamond bracelet, she unknowingly sets the scene for a Christmas romance. Fred MacMurray, the prosecutor, feels sorry for her because she'll end up spending Christmas in jail, so he pays her bail and agrees to drive her home to her family on the way to his.
There are many sadnesses to be found in this movie, but the greatest one in my opinion is seeing the unused talent in Fred MacMurray. Yes, he did enjoy enormous success on television, but when you watch this movie, it's clear he could have easily stepped into James Stewart's shoes. Any role James Stewart played Fred could have played, including George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life. Fred can play frustrated, romantic, dedicated, hopeful, devastated, and passionate. He could have won an Oscar for wooing Katharine Hepburn, instead of merely playing her beau in Alice Adams. He could have become a favorite in Hitchcock thrillers, instead of merely playing the sucker in Double Indemnity. And he could have been watched in every household in America at Christmastime, instead of acting in this forgettable, obscure Christmas drama.
Fred shines in this film, believing in Barbara Stanwyck when even she doesn't see the good inside. He's romantic, sweet, and thoughtful, the perfect guy to take home to your mother. Beulah Bondi plays Fred's mother-another sad "almost" since she played Ma Bailey in 1946. Fred also sings in this film, yet another talent Hollywood didn't utilize as often as it could. He has a lovely voice, adding another layer of sweetness to the movie.
Don't get suckered in forthe songs and holiday cheer; this is a heavy drama. Barbara Stanwyck has to go back to jail after Christmas! If you're not in the mood for Hallmark cheer, though, you can rent this one. You'll just love Fred.
There are many sadnesses to be found in this movie, but the greatest one in my opinion is seeing the unused talent in Fred MacMurray. Yes, he did enjoy enormous success on television, but when you watch this movie, it's clear he could have easily stepped into James Stewart's shoes. Any role James Stewart played Fred could have played, including George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life. Fred can play frustrated, romantic, dedicated, hopeful, devastated, and passionate. He could have won an Oscar for wooing Katharine Hepburn, instead of merely playing her beau in Alice Adams. He could have become a favorite in Hitchcock thrillers, instead of merely playing the sucker in Double Indemnity. And he could have been watched in every household in America at Christmastime, instead of acting in this forgettable, obscure Christmas drama.
Fred shines in this film, believing in Barbara Stanwyck when even she doesn't see the good inside. He's romantic, sweet, and thoughtful, the perfect guy to take home to your mother. Beulah Bondi plays Fred's mother-another sad "almost" since she played Ma Bailey in 1946. Fred also sings in this film, yet another talent Hollywood didn't utilize as often as it could. He has a lovely voice, adding another layer of sweetness to the movie.
Don't get suckered in forthe songs and holiday cheer; this is a heavy drama. Barbara Stanwyck has to go back to jail after Christmas! If you're not in the mood for Hallmark cheer, though, you can rent this one. You'll just love Fred.