Watch The Lemon Drop Kid

The Lemon Drop Kid is a classic Christmas-themed comedy film released in 1951. The film is directed by Sidney Lanfield and stars the legendary Bob Hope as the lead character, Sidney Milburn, aka The Lemon Drop Kid. Based on a short story by Damon Runyon, the film is set in the bustling city of New York during the holiday season. Sidney, a small-time conman, is in desperate need of money to pay off a gangster named Moose Moran (played by Lloyd Nolan) whom he swindled in a horse race bet. With Christmas around the corner, Sidney hatches a plan to raise money by posing as a charity worker collecting funds for a non-existent old ladies' home.

Sidney's scheme initially works, as he manages to fool the innocent people of New York into donating money. However, things take a turn when he is caught by Moose Moran and is given a deadline to repay the debt or face the consequences. With time running out, Sidney must come up with a plan to raise enough money to pay off Moose Moran and save his skin.

As a longtime fan of Bob Hope, The Lemon Drop Kid is one of his finest comedic performances. Hope's charming and hilarious portrayal of Sidney Milburn keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. He uses his sharp wit, impeccable timing, and sarcastic humor to entertain the viewers.

Marilyn Maxwell plays the role of Brainy Baxter, Sidney's love interest, who is also a part of his grand plan to raise money. Maxwell's bubbly personality and stunning beauty add a touch of glamour to the film. Her chemistry with Hope is delightful to watch and elevates some of the film's most memorable scenes.

Lloyd Nolan holds his own as Moose Moran, the gangster who Sidney owes money. Nolan's performance as the tough and intimidating gangster is impeccable. He manages to add depth to the character without overshadowing the comedic elements of the film.

One of the most iconic moments in the film is the rendition of the classic Christmas song, "Silver Bells," by Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell. The song, which was originally written for the film, has since become a staple of Christmas playlists worldwide.

The Lemon Drop Kid is a heartwarming and hilarious classic that encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season. The film's charming performances, witty dialogues, and impressive visual gags make it a must-watch for any fan of classic comedy.

In conclusion, The Lemon Drop Kid serves as a reminder of the golden age of Hollywood and the timeless talent of Bob Hope. It's a nostalgic journey back in time to an era when films were simpler yet packed with entertainment. The film is a perfect treat for the whole family during the holiday season.

The Lemon Drop Kid is a 1951 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.