Star in the Night

J. CARROL NAISH gives his standard Italian accent a real workout in this story about a bitter man fed up with Christmas, attracting patrons to his hotel/diner by putting a big electric star outside. Some of his crusty customers gradually change their ways when a woman named Maria and a man called Jose arrive seeking shelter. There's no room at the inn so Naish gives them shelter in the barn.

Meanwhile, watching all of this unfold, is a humble traveler, DONALD WOODS, who gives the most sincere performance of all as a man who urges Naish to accept the Christmas message of good will toward men.

When, at midnight, a baby is born to the young woman, everyone pitches in to do what they can for the young couple. Even three stragglers, symbolizing the Three Wise Men, are eager to offer gifts.

Simplistic fable is a bit obvious by today's standards, the kind of sentimental tale that only a Frank Capra could really pull off, but Don Siegel does a good job of getting believable performances from Naish and Woods, especially.

Won an Oscar for the year's Best Short Subject.