Twentieth Century Fox anthology film based around five O.Henry short stories, with each story introduced by John Steinbeck. The stories are:
"The Cop and the Anthem", directed by Henry Koster, stars Charles Laughton as a homeless man trying to get arrested so he may have shelter for awhile. He tries numerous tactics but nothing seems to work. Marilyn Monroe figures into one of these attempts. It's a humorous but brief appearance by her. This is an amusing beginning, with Laughton giving a good performance.
"The Clarion Call", directed by Henry Hathaway, stars Dale Robertson and Richard Widmark. Robertson is a cop who follows a murder clue to an old friend (Widmark). But he owes Widmark $1000 from an old debt and his honor won't allow him to arrest him. This story started off well but its contrived premise doesn't hold up and the ending I saw coming too early. Widmark is fantastic though.
"The Last Leaf", directed by Jean Negulesco, stars Anne Baxter and Jean Peters as sisters. Depressed Baxter becomes deathly ill and Peters can do nothing to help her. This is a simple story. A little corny, I suppose, but it made me smile just the same.
"The Ransom of Red Chief", directed by Howard Hawks, stars Oscar Levant and Fred Allen as two con artists who kidnap a boy, only to discover he's more than they bargained for. Hilarious story, even though we've seen whole movies built around "problem children" in the years since.
"The Gift of the Magi", directed by Henry King, stars Farley Granger and Jeanne Crain as a poor young married couple who make sacrifices for each other at Christmas. Probably O. Henry's most famous story and justifiably so. It's a beautiful, heartwarming Christmas story. They saved the best for last. This is a good anthology film. There's not a bad story in the bunch. The second story is the weakest but it's still watchable thanks to Richard Widmark. Definitely a film you should check out.
