Watch It Happened on Fifth Avenue

It Happened on Fifth Avenue is a heartwarming and timeless comedy-drama film that dates back to 1947. Directed by Roy Del Ruth, the movie tells a story that is relevant even today – about the importance of community, empathy, and selflessness. The lead character, a WWII veteran named Aloysius T. McKeever (played by Victor Moore), is the quintessential homeless person who lives a life of whimsy and freedom. He has made a cozy refuge for himself in an abandoned mansion located on the posh Fifth Avenue in New York City. As winter sets in, Aloysius is joined by a few other homeless men who also need some respite from the cold.

However, things take a dramatic turn when a newly rich businessman, Michael J. O'Connor (Don DeFore), returns home to his mansion after a long trip. Much to his surprise, he finds Aloysius's homeless refuge in his residence. Instead of throwing the homeless men out of his property, O'Connor decides to go along with this strange situation, undercover. He keeps his identity a secret and befriends the homeless men.

As O'Connor becomes more involved in their lives, he discovers their individual stories and what led them to choose a life of homelessness. Aloysius's beautiful daughter, Trudy (Gale Storm), arrives in town and joins her father at the mansion. O'Connor falls in love with Trudy but keeps quiet about his feelings, as he does not want to betray Aloysius's trust.

In the meantime, Trudy's mother, Mary (Ann Harding), arrives from Florida and is unaware of the situation. Mary is also the ex-wife of O'Connor's business rival, who coincidentally is looking to buy out the mansion on Fifth Avenue. As the story develops, Mary joins the group at the mansion but is oblivious to O'Connor's identity.

The rest of the movie deals with the hilarious and heartwarming moments that arise as the characters navigate their complex relationships. Aloysius's delightful quirkiness, the charming romance that develops between Trudy and O'Connor, and the heart-stirring portrayal of the realities of homelessness make for a beautiful and engaging film.

It Happened on Fifth Avenue is a delightful reminder that we all have something to gain from being part of a community. The movie portrays the power of empathy and an open heart while tackling important themes such as homelessness, class disparity, and familial issues. The film is a treat to watch, featuring exceptional performances from the cast, led by Victor Moore, Don DeFore, and Ann Harding.

Charles Ruggles stars as the building's superintendent, Max, who often lends his comedic talents to bring a lightheartedness to the more serious moments. Similarly, Gale Storm brings charm and grace to her role as Aloysius's daughter in her first film appearance.

The cinematography is also noteworthy, with the film showcasing the luxurious Fifth Avenue mansions of the time. The contrast with the homelessness of the characters makes for powerful visual storytelling that underscores the film's themes.

Overall, It Happened on Fifth Avenue is a delightful and poignant movie that overflows with positivity, humor, and charm. It evokes a sense of community and human connection that remains relevant to this day. The film is a classic that deserves a spot on everyone's watch list.

It Happened on Fifth Avenue is a 1947 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 66.