Three Wise Fools

I'm sure, reading the other reviews, you already know the gist of the story! BUT, what I loved about it was the actors and acting! A nice, fanciful tale blending the talent of a young Margret O'Brien, with seasoned actors Arnold, Barrymore, Stone & Mitchell! Just a pleasure to watch, but a bit sad to know movies like this are not being made anymore, because everyone (i.e. The new audience) seems so entrenched in "reality"! If you want a nice family film, or even a "date" film you won't be embarrassed to take your new special someone to, this is it! You won't be disappointed! What talented people these actors were. How Margret O'Brien, in particular, remembered all her lines just amazes me!

This is one of the best fantasy/comedies I can recall. I would love to see it released on VHS or DVD so that I can add it to my collection. Margaret O'Brien's acting and her interaction with the "wee folk" has never been equalled. The entire cast is great and this movie should not be forgotten.

At the start of this movie, we see a beautiful woman pursued by three handsome suitors. They promise her wealth, success, and good standing, but instead she chooses love and flees with a high spirited Irishman. Before they leave, her boyfriend curses the three remaining, wishing that they get everything they say they want. Of course, the men think it's a blessing, but as we see, forty years later, their lives are empty. Elderly, wealthy, successful, and in good standing, they have never married or fallen in love again. They live together and complain about everything. Perfectly cast, they are Lionel Barrymore, Lewis Stone, and Edward Arnold.

When Margaret O'Brien shows up on their doorstep, with her faithful manservant Thomas Mitchell, they discover that they've been named her legal guardians. She's the granddaughter of the woman they loved and now has no living relatives. She also comes with the deed to a large chunk of land, so the three curmudgeons think if they pretend to love her, she'll surrender the land and let them sell it. Of course, since this is a sweet movie with fairies, magical trees, and Irish curses, you can bet that Margaret will soften all three hearts and teach them what's really important in life. It's not as charming as your average Shirley Temple flick, but it's along the same vein. You can try it for St. Patrick's Day, if you have young kids who still believe in fairies.

Maggie O'Brien was one of my favorites when I was a kid. Her delicate pixie looks and intensity, plus her flexible ability to mimic dialects at an early age made her a choice favorite in kid roles in the 40s. Born in 1937, the same year as Dyan Cannon, Natalie Woods and Jane Fonda, she never made it beyond a few potboilers in her late teens and a few TV spots. In this film as an immigrant Irish orphan who is able to see fairy folk attached to an old tree, she plays well off of the original grouch, Lionel Barrymore, perennial villain, Edward Arnold and veteran character actor, Thomas Mitchell. Add to that Henry Davenport and the host of MGM vets and you have a great kid feel-good classic on your hands.

I remember seeing this film at that time when WW2 was over and we all were full of hope about the future. I was born the same year as Maggie and those previously maintained women and she has always connected me with those times during my youth when fantasy was as important as the future.

I read this movie was not a big hit when released but I am glad it has endured! It took awhile to actually see it. I knew I would love it! It was recently seen on Ok.ru. Delightful site for many old films even TCM doesn't show! I recently found the DVD as well and enjoy it! For a long time it was not available and still not easy to find.

This is strictly a fantasy film so don't overthink it! What makes it so good is the FUN cast. Margaret O'Brien trying to soften up three old bachelor croons who are very cute in their respective roles. Lionel Barrymore, Lewis Stone, and Edward Arnold. I especially enjoy the interaction between Margaret and Lionel Barrymore. The two were apparently very close in real life from what I've read.. She was his favorite child actress. You can tell his fondness for her. In real life he lost two daughters in infancy and never had any other children and no chance for grandchildren. In several films he showed his soft spot for little girls. It is so touching. And Margaret referred to him as the Grandpa she never had. She also did an episode with him on the Dr. Gillespie series. She was so adorable!

Also great supporting cast of Thomas Mitchell, Harry Davenport, and Jane Darwell gives an impressive appearance as a nun. Fun stuff!