Paddy O'Day

"Paddy O'Day" is an enjoyable Jane Withers film from MGM. However, I could see folks today thinking this is a bit too old fashioned and schmaltzy--but I don't mind old fashioned and schmaltzy!

The film begins as a ship from Europe is about to dock at Ellis Island. A young girl, Paddy (Withers) is excited as she'll soon see her mother. However, unknown to Paddy, her mother had recently died! However, the immigration officers didn't tell her that--they told her that her mother was very sick. So, while awaiting deportation back to her native Ireland, Paddy sneaks off in search of her mother.

The trail leads to a mansion where a nerdy ornithologist and his dried up old aunts live. However, instead of returning her to Ellis Island, the servants like the child and hide her. Later, after the grouchy aunts leave, she is discovered by the nerdy Mr. Ford--and he takes an instant liking for the girl.

What's next? Well, see the film--and see this adorable child as well as a very young Rita Cansino (later, given a huge makeover and rechristened Rita Hayworth). My only complaint about this cute film is that it has a few songs too many. Still, clever writing and a really nice job by Jane and Pinky Tomlin (as Mr. Ford) make this one well worth seeing.