Post #423797 by DJ Terence Gunn on Sun, Dec 14, 2008 2:14 PM

Okay, TC'ers, I've another one; and this film I HIGHLY recommend. It's a family film but not a kiddie film; it's lightly dramatic and at times very comical; features some song and dance but is not a musical. The film is 'The Great Rupert'(aka 'A Christmas Wish' in its recent colourised version)from 1950 and stars Jimmy Durante, who is absolutely larger than life in this picture and steals every scene he's in.

'The Great Rupert' is about a down-and-out New York show business family trio that is penniless and homeless just before Christmas. They learn about a tiny, dingy groundfloor apartment and finagle their way in, promising (the landlord's son, who is instantly smitten with the daughter) to pay the required advance rent in a couple days, which doesn't sit at all well with the miserly upstairs landlord. Unbeknownst to the family (above and below) a show-business squirrel (yes, you heard correctly) named Rupert lives in the rafters of the apartment. (The squirrel was created via stop-animation, and was quite a feat at the time; even winning an award or two.) Things look pretty dismal for the family until the mother makes a wish and, thanks to Rupert, the wish brings (literally DOWN) the means with which to fulfill itself (and more).

Anyway, from there the picture develops into a joyful roller coaster ride, taking many turns and a few deviations. Things become good, then crazy, then disaster, but in the end a happy ending for all.

This is a wonderful, hidden Holiday gem.

[ Edited by: DJ Terence Gunn 2008-12-15 13:58 ]