TCM showed this movie for the first time last night. I love seeing old films come out of the mothballs! I didn't think the movie lived up to Robert Osborne's (TCM host) hype before the movie was shown. However, I did enjoy it.
Joseph Schildkraut as Mr. M. was just enchanting to watch. The character's behavior was unpredictable and he played it perfectly. I especially enjoyed his telling of A Christmas Carol.
Billie Burke's voice has always annoyed me and it did in this film, but it was perfect for her role as daffy Mrs. Pidgeon. At times it was a bit much, but at other times her voice was perfect for the lines she had to deliver.
The one thing I really didn't like about the movie was the transformation of one of the daughters. She started out as being totally spoiled and refusing to lift a finger. Then she was cheerful and willing to help out. I can buy that as character development, but it literally occurred in about 5 seconds. It was completely ridiculous.
I also thought the final scene of the movie was a bit odd and out of place. I understand Mr. M and Florie talking and making a connection, but think it could have been a better scene.
Overall, this was a nice holiday film. I look forward to watching it on TCM every Christmas.
Joseph Schildkraut as Mr. M. was just enchanting to watch. The character's behavior was unpredictable and he played it perfectly. I especially enjoyed his telling of A Christmas Carol.
Billie Burke's voice has always annoyed me and it did in this film, but it was perfect for her role as daffy Mrs. Pidgeon. At times it was a bit much, but at other times her voice was perfect for the lines she had to deliver.
The one thing I really didn't like about the movie was the transformation of one of the daughters. She started out as being totally spoiled and refusing to lift a finger. Then she was cheerful and willing to help out. I can buy that as character development, but it literally occurred in about 5 seconds. It was completely ridiculous.
I also thought the final scene of the movie was a bit odd and out of place. I understand Mr. M and Florie talking and making a connection, but think it could have been a better scene.
Overall, this was a nice holiday film. I look forward to watching it on TCM every Christmas.