The Luck of the Irish

The Luck of the Irish has Tyrone Power on holiday in the country of his ancestors. He meets a sprightly colleen in Anne Baxter and happens to capture a leprechaun's treasure. But the leprechaun pulls a whole drama scene on him and feeling sorry for him, he lets the leprechaun keep the treasure.

The leprechaun played by Cecil Kellaway wishes him good luck and travels back to America to see that Power gets it or at least what Kellaway considers good fortune. Kellaway is a bit of a scamp, but it turns out he's got a wise old Irish head on his shoulders.

This may very well have been Cecil Kellaway's career role. He rips off the film from the leads especially Tyrone Power who he has most of his scenes with. Kellaway got an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Supposedly when first released the Irish scenes had a green sepia tint to them. Not on the print I saw, it was straight black and white. One wonders why Darryl Zanuck didn't bother to do the whole thing in color for his favorite star, Tyrone Power.

Other performances of note are Lee J. Cobb as the publishing magnate whose political views Power is diametrically opposed to, but who accepts a position with him. Also Jayne Meadows who is Cobb's daughter and purportedly one of the perks that goes along with the job. She's got her eyes set on Power as a husband.

Money and the comforts of life that can be bought with it are not easy things to turn down, especially if one has a taste for them. It's led to many a good person's downfall. It's the dilemma Power is faced with and I think you can figure out how he resolves it.

The Luck of the Irish is a nice whimsical film and it's good family entertainment.

American Steven Fitzgerald doesn't believe in any of the lore he hears when visiting Ireland. But he knows a pretty lass when he sees one and becomes immediately smitten with sweet, innocent, gullible Nora (Anne Baxter) who believes in faith, family, leprechauns and God knows what else. But then there's that beautiful dame in New York-- sophisticated, smart and, did I mention, the boss's daughter. What's a fellow to do? There's also a sweet irascible, white haired fellow who keeps following Steven and who thinks he's a leprechaun.

Lighthearted basic plot has serious notes of ethics and judgment. Should Steven reach for the golden ring of corporate accomplishment or be true to his mind and heart, and follow his love to Ireland?

And should we all put a Banshee on whoever is keeping this movie out of print on DVD.

Tyrone Power is a man who encounters a leprechaun in "The Luck of the Irish," also starring Anne Baxter, Jayne Meadows Cecil Kellaway, and Lee J. Cobb.

Power plays Stephen Fitzgerald, a newspaperman who takes a job with an influential publisher turned politician, Augur (Cobb) - not because he believes in Augur, but because of the money and prestige.

Egging him on is Augur's elegant, glamorous daughter (Meadows) who's in love with him. And who can blame her. It's outrageously handsome and charming Tyrone Power.

While in Ireland, Fitz meets a young woman, Nora, to whom he's attracted, and a leprechaun with the proverbial pot o' gold. Even though Fitz gets the gold, he returns it, and the leprechaun is in his debt. When Fitz returns to New York, the leprechaun appears as a servant, Horace, and strange things begin to happen.

This is a charming film that effortlessly draws you into its whimsical story. Power did many comedies when he first signed with 20th Century Fox, and if you've seen them, you know he performed them beautifully. His reactions while a bartender is telling a leprechaun story are hilarious.

It's a shame this versatile actor didn't put down his sword and do more comic roles. He'd pay homage once again to the land of his ancestors in "The Long Gray Line" for John Ford seven years later. How sad that when the really good parts were finally coming his way, he died.

Anne Baxter is darling as Nora, and Meadows is appropriately brittle. The two are great opposites - Baxter natural and sweet, Meadows made up and bejeweled. Kellaway is excellent as Horace, the leprechaun turned houseman.

"The Luck of the Irish" will leave you with a smile on your face. Uplifting stories are hard to find - see this one.

Luck of the Irish was a totally enjoyable film which I viewed as a teenager and still remember. Tyrone Power & Anne Baxter had a chemistry somewhat like Tom Hanks & Meg Ryan of today. It is a shame the movie industry has not made a video tape of this movie. If theydid I would go out and buy it in a minute.

The Luck of the Irish is a humorous, adorable film. The casting was excellent. Tyrone Power is perfect for the role of a writer struggling between seeking wealth and staying true to himself, and Anne Baxter, as always, is a delight to see. Most actresses have difficulty doing an Irish accent believably, but Anne Baxter pulls it off quite well and is not only beautiful, but endearing as well. A good lesson can be learned from this film and there are several good quotations in it. The end is satisfying and leaves the viewer feeling happy and perhaps a little whimsical. The only pity is that this film could not have been shot in color. Can't you just imagine how gorgeous that waterfall would have been in "Glorious Technicolor?"