I am a voracious channel surfer. I freely admit that. And when I was laid up with a heating pad applied to a sore neck one morning, the poor remote control was nearly smoking from the furious usage. But I stopped in my tracks as AMC portrayed Anne Baxter as Nora. She looked like the Mira Sorvino of her generation, right down to the delicate brow wrinkles of concern. Then the story drew me in. I didn't move for the next two hours. The leprechaun faded as a cultural image and became instead a vehicle of introspection and divine influence. The character played by Tyrone Power is ageless - men in the workplace are forever torn between following the dreams of their heart, or selling out to "the man" for stability and comfort. For Tyrone, the cost would have included his morality and honesty, which in today's world are sacrificed too easily and too often in the business arena. One comment worth making about the character of Nora; I was pleasantly surprised by how she never tried to manipulate situations to gain what she longed for. She accepted outcomes in a strong and self-assured manner, when it would have been easy to fall back on feminine wiles to turn things her way. A timeless film containing many lessons worth learning!
29 Reviews
Diddly day, diddly doo.
hitchcockthelegend26 August 2008
Whilst travelling through Ireland, dapper New York reporter, Steven Fitzgerald, happens across what appears to be a leprechaun. Though at first immensely sceptical, Steven comes to find out that it is in fact true, and coupled with his meeting with the lovely Nora, Steven finds himself at conflict about if he should stay in New York? With his prosperous future certain, or follow his roots to the Emerald Isle?
You know, it's just one of those films that never needs the hard sell, it's enchantingly simple and the perfect way to either while away a dark winters night, or gather the family round on a Sunday afternoon. Tyrone Power takes the lead as Fitzgerald, and after watching him in so many swashbucklers over the years, it's rather refreshing to see him in a charming and light comedy role, and he appears to be enjoying himself as well it has to be said. Lead female duties fall to a radiant Anne Baxter as Nora, whilst Cecil Kellaway is positively delightful as the leprechaun of the piece, a very astute piece of casting to be sure to be sure. I personally could have done with a bit more of Lee J. Cobb in the film, but on reflection his character is strong and business driven, and therefore too much of him could have easily detracted from this lovely little tale.
Based on the Constance Jones novel, The Luck Of The Irish is full of whimsy and romantic leanings, it is in short, delightful. 7/10
You know, it's just one of those films that never needs the hard sell, it's enchantingly simple and the perfect way to either while away a dark winters night, or gather the family round on a Sunday afternoon. Tyrone Power takes the lead as Fitzgerald, and after watching him in so many swashbucklers over the years, it's rather refreshing to see him in a charming and light comedy role, and he appears to be enjoying himself as well it has to be said. Lead female duties fall to a radiant Anne Baxter as Nora, whilst Cecil Kellaway is positively delightful as the leprechaun of the piece, a very astute piece of casting to be sure to be sure. I personally could have done with a bit more of Lee J. Cobb in the film, but on reflection his character is strong and business driven, and therefore too much of him could have easily detracted from this lovely little tale.
Based on the Constance Jones novel, The Luck Of The Irish is full of whimsy and romantic leanings, it is in short, delightful. 7/10
Hard to find
blutosbuddy5 May 2007
I saw this movie back in the mid 80's on AMC when they had the great host who introduced films(before TCM stole all their flicks) and he mentioned that the movie had not been seen in years because of legal things in the estates of some or one of the actors.I was pleasantly surprised when I watched it but it is one of those movies that seems to be shown once in a blue moon.Considering the major actors involved it's hard to comprehend the movie isn't on more often.Tyrone Power wasn't often in comic movies but he does well here and though I have read this movie is from a novel I can't help but think of Brigadoon whenever I think of it.
Lovely fantasy
blanche-219 March 2006
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.
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.
The old sod
jotix10014 October 2004
This film was shown recently on cable; it was a refreshing change of pace. This 1948 movie, directed by Henry Koster, is a delightful experience for the young at heart and for those of us enchanted by the Irish folk lore.
The movie's plot is just a pretext to present Tyrone Power, one of the most handsome actors of the period, in a light comedy that takes him to Ireland, the land of his ancestors, to discover himself. The story is a fantasy, if not, how could we believe in Stephen's transformation by what he witness at the waterfall by the river, or his encounter with Nora at the inn? Not only that, but no sooner than he is back in New York, Horace, the leprechaun, makes an unexpected entrance in his life, and suddenly he discovers Nora riding the IRT?
This is a movie to be enjoyed because of the marvelous cast. Tyrone Power plays Fitz who is a different man from his experiences in Ireland. Fitz, evidently, having drunk the Irish whiskey, and eaten the Irish stew, is a changed man. Mr. Power plays this man effortlessly.
Equally excellent is Cecil Kellaway. His Horace is a man that has all the magical powers to lure Fitz back to the "old sod". Horace is a clever old man who can see right through anyone. Anne Baxter is also a great asset. Ms. Baxter and Mr. Power had a nice chemistry. Her Nora shows the right balance to attract Fitz and make him fall in love with her and with Ireland.
Lee J. Cobb's Augur, doesn't have much to do, but he is good as the man who wants to please his daughter above all things. Jayne Meadows made a rare appearance in the movie as Frances, the spoiled girl that wants Fitz for herself and will do everything in her power to get him.
This movie was a rare find. Watch it and cherish it with an open heart.
The movie's plot is just a pretext to present Tyrone Power, one of the most handsome actors of the period, in a light comedy that takes him to Ireland, the land of his ancestors, to discover himself. The story is a fantasy, if not, how could we believe in Stephen's transformation by what he witness at the waterfall by the river, or his encounter with Nora at the inn? Not only that, but no sooner than he is back in New York, Horace, the leprechaun, makes an unexpected entrance in his life, and suddenly he discovers Nora riding the IRT?
This is a movie to be enjoyed because of the marvelous cast. Tyrone Power plays Fitz who is a different man from his experiences in Ireland. Fitz, evidently, having drunk the Irish whiskey, and eaten the Irish stew, is a changed man. Mr. Power plays this man effortlessly.
Equally excellent is Cecil Kellaway. His Horace is a man that has all the magical powers to lure Fitz back to the "old sod". Horace is a clever old man who can see right through anyone. Anne Baxter is also a great asset. Ms. Baxter and Mr. Power had a nice chemistry. Her Nora shows the right balance to attract Fitz and make him fall in love with her and with Ireland.
Lee J. Cobb's Augur, doesn't have much to do, but he is good as the man who wants to please his daughter above all things. Jayne Meadows made a rare appearance in the movie as Frances, the spoiled girl that wants Fitz for herself and will do everything in her power to get him.
This movie was a rare find. Watch it and cherish it with an open heart.
Catch this on Fox Movie Channel sometime!
zikzak-zikzak-zikzak17 September 2006
A hidden Gem from the stables of Fox Studios in the 1940's, "Luck of the Irish" Was probably a toss-off film for Tyrone Power. Luckily for us viewers, this picture has an undeniable charm much like "Arsenic and Old Lace" or "It's a Wonderful Life". Cecil Calloway steals scenes left and right as a somewhat over-sized Leprechaun, and there's plenty of Irish charm in this movie to satisfy all. My only regret is that Fox didn't film this in color. That being aside, I WILL add this to my DVD collection should it ever come out (HEAR THAT, FOX?). For overall ambiance, think "Brigadoon" w/out the music or color, and you have a delightful comedy suitable for the whole family.
Irish Whimsy
bkoganbing7 June 2006
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.
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.
Aside from some awful tinting, a lovely and fun film
planktonrules13 January 2009
The DVD for this film from 20th Century-Fox is interesting because it offers you the choice of seeing it in glorious black & white or in the bizarre manner that it was originally shown--with all the sequences in Ireland (almost half the film) tinted Kool-Aid green! Now tinting was common in the silent movie days, but doing so in 1948 was odd. You may wonder why they didn't just film it in color--and there's a very good reason they couldn't do that. Just like when they filmed HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY (set in Wales), they couldn't make the film a color one because there is a lot of dirt and dry scrub in Southern California where they make films--and the film was set in a very lush green land. The wrong locale would have been VERY obvious in color films and had they used color, no one might have been convinced it was "the old country" (Ireland). However, the color tinting really wasn't very clever, as it made the film butt-ugly. I watched the DVD that way but fortunately you can choose--and I strongly suggest you try any way other than tinted!!
As for the film, it's a lovely little fantasy film about Tyrone Power getting himself a Leprechaun "helper" in the form of Cecil Kellaway--who is adorable in the film but a bit too large to be one of the little people! Still, with such a lovely acting job, this can be forgiven. In some ways, Power having this magical friend who only wants to help straighten out his life is very reminiscent of the later Burl Ives film, THE BRASS BOTTLE--though Kellaway uses far less obvious magic and the film isn't nearly as crazy as THE BRASS BOTTLE. In fact, though there is a bit of magic, most of the help Kellaway gives is in the form of advice and a small helping hand. The problem is that Power doesn't think he needs help and is blindly walking into a life he'll soon regret. Heck, everyone in the audience and all his friends in the film recognize this, but fat-headed Tyrone is too single-minded to see it for himself.
The film is clever and cute without being too obvious and too kooky. Overall, it earns a 7 for quality, though the fun factor is higher--and if I were to score how much I enjoyed the film, an 8 might be more appropriate. It's a lovely little romantic film that deserves a look--just NOT in the (yuck) tinted version--saints preserve us!
As for the film, it's a lovely little fantasy film about Tyrone Power getting himself a Leprechaun "helper" in the form of Cecil Kellaway--who is adorable in the film but a bit too large to be one of the little people! Still, with such a lovely acting job, this can be forgiven. In some ways, Power having this magical friend who only wants to help straighten out his life is very reminiscent of the later Burl Ives film, THE BRASS BOTTLE--though Kellaway uses far less obvious magic and the film isn't nearly as crazy as THE BRASS BOTTLE. In fact, though there is a bit of magic, most of the help Kellaway gives is in the form of advice and a small helping hand. The problem is that Power doesn't think he needs help and is blindly walking into a life he'll soon regret. Heck, everyone in the audience and all his friends in the film recognize this, but fat-headed Tyrone is too single-minded to see it for himself.
The film is clever and cute without being too obvious and too kooky. Overall, it earns a 7 for quality, though the fun factor is higher--and if I were to score how much I enjoyed the film, an 8 might be more appropriate. It's a lovely little romantic film that deserves a look--just NOT in the (yuck) tinted version--saints preserve us!
Leprechaun in New York City???--what next?
renfield541 September 1999
Tyrone Power and Cecil Kellaway (the leprechaun) make this modern day, comic, fairy tale a wonder to behold (and I'm not even Irish). Their performances are excellent and make a possibly hokey story into a gem. The old traditions that may seem "quaint" to an outsider, or in this case, our sophisticated hero (visiting the bumpkins), are just as odd to a displaced leprechaun in New York City (there to settle a debt of honor). The traditions and ties borrowed from the old country will touch your heart and help better define what is true-ly important in life.
Our leprechaun is a bit unorthodox (of course), but he makes a believer our of our hero, cynical to the extreme. "Luck of the Irish" makes you want to believe, and at the end of the movie, will leave you warm and content, with a smile on your face.....
Our leprechaun is a bit unorthodox (of course), but he makes a believer our of our hero, cynical to the extreme. "Luck of the Irish" makes you want to believe, and at the end of the movie, will leave you warm and content, with a smile on your face.....
You don't have to be Irish to enjoy this blarney!
mark.waltz23 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers
In a premise very similar to the recent musical "Brigadoon", two men (Tyrone Power and James Todd, I believe) end up in the Irish countryside (as opposed to the Scottish location of "Brigadoon") and encounter the beautiful Anne Baxter, while Power continually has visions of leprechaun Cecil Kellaway. Baxter and Power of course fall in love, but he must return to obligations in New York City. Hired by powerful politician Lee J. Cobb, Power becomes involved with his daughter (Jayne Meadows), but must deal with the presence of his rather clumsy new valet, played by none other than Mr. Kellaway. Is he or isn't he the leprechaun from Ireland? Kellaway won't say, but in dropping hints, it appears he is. Like the leprechaun, he has a taste for whiskey, and is very prankish as well. (He steals the milk from all of Powers' neighbors so it won't spoil.) After being pick-pocketed in the crowded New York subway, Power encounters a visiting Anne Baxter and they renew their friendship in spite of his engagement to Meadows. Powers now has choices to make-will he pursue his own happiness or follow what he believes to be his destiny? This enchanting comedy is an excellent follow-up for Cecil Kellaway's Academy Award Winning performance in "The Miracle on 34th Street", and had he not won the year before, he would certainly have had a better chance (although the winning Walter Huston was certainly deserving of the award). Had Kellaway's role been expanded just a bit more, he would actually be the leading man!
Power seems much more comfortable here than he did in the same year's "That Wonderful Urge", perhaps because his character is much more realistic, and the script feels very modern. The subway scene in New York is quite refreshingly real. How many light-hearted films actually show a pickpocketing? It bogs down a bit with the political story, and the romance between Power and Meadows seems doomed from the start. Anne Baxter, fresh from her own Oscar for "The Razor's Edge" (also opposite Power), is perfectly sweet and feisty as the Irish lass. She makes me think of a young Maeve (Helen Gallagher) on "Ryan's Hope". The wedding reception scene is straight out of "Ryan's Bar" and is only missing Gallagher hopping onto the bar to sing "Danny Boy". The scenes in Ireland are filmed with a mystical feeling, particularly the stream and waterfall where Power initially sees Kellaway.
Thank You, 20th Century Fox, for opening up your archives to audiences to see these classics not frequently seen on TV. This is one of the best.
Power seems much more comfortable here than he did in the same year's "That Wonderful Urge", perhaps because his character is much more realistic, and the script feels very modern. The subway scene in New York is quite refreshingly real. How many light-hearted films actually show a pickpocketing? It bogs down a bit with the political story, and the romance between Power and Meadows seems doomed from the start. Anne Baxter, fresh from her own Oscar for "The Razor's Edge" (also opposite Power), is perfectly sweet and feisty as the Irish lass. She makes me think of a young Maeve (Helen Gallagher) on "Ryan's Hope". The wedding reception scene is straight out of "Ryan's Bar" and is only missing Gallagher hopping onto the bar to sing "Danny Boy". The scenes in Ireland are filmed with a mystical feeling, particularly the stream and waterfall where Power initially sees Kellaway.
Thank You, 20th Century Fox, for opening up your archives to audiences to see these classics not frequently seen on TV. This is one of the best.
So so
Philipp_Flersheim9 October 2021
Fundamentally this is a nice enough story, but at least for my taste it is lacking magic. Once the leprechaun turns up in New York, he behaves like an irritating and poorly trained butler; one wonders why Fitzgerald does not get rid of him at the first opportunity. And why Fitzgerald is supposed to prefer Nora to Auger's attractve and obviously intelligent daughter is a mystery to me.
Leprechauns don't really exist -- or do they?
mcdowelldjl23 June 2005
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.
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.
What profit a man if he loseth his soul?
rmax30482324 October 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This is an amusing and charming Irish fairy tale. A reporter and columnist, Steven Fitzgerald (Tyrone Power) gets lost on a visit to Ireland and finds himself at a country inn run by Nora (Ann Baxter) and her father. He bumps into a leprechaun (Cecil Calloway), forces him to offer up his pot of gold, and, thinking the little guy is some kind of fruitcake, gives it back to him. Calloway promises eternal gratitude and gives him a Spanish doubloon as a good luck piece. Power and Baxter are attracted to one another but Power has other plans in New York and takes his leave.
In New York, he's been hired at a high salary to write speeches and essays in support of a politician, Lee J. Cobb. Cobb's influential, rich, and powerful daughter (Jayne Meadows) goes with the job. But Power and Cobb have their disagreements. On top of that, a "man" shows up, claiming to have been sent by the agency, to take care of Powers' modern new apartment. He bears a suspicious resemblance to the leprechaun and is played by the same actor. Baxter shows up in New York to attend a kinsman's wedding and meets Power by accident on a crowded subway. Powers' dissatisfaction with his new responsibilities grows until he finally leaves his fiancée and his job, marries Baxter, and returns to Ireland to work.
The first half hour and the last few minutes are set in the Irish village and they're as charming as a child's fairy tale. The much longer center section is a morality tale with serious overtones, and I'm afraid it turns into a story of a man who discovers his life is empty and decides to change it radically. (Power has done this trip before, in "The Razor's Edge.") The "peasants" are pretty generic. So are the cold-hearted cosmopolites back in New York. The former all have large families, are fun loving, cheerful, a little careless about punctuality, believe in legends, know how to drink, have dances and play lots of music, and put away big meals, and don't much worry about money. This is true of all generic peasants. It doesn't matter whether they're Irish or Jewish or Italian or Polish or Greek or anything else. Zorba the Mick.
But that doesn't matter much. It's still fun. There are some people in Ireland who believe that Americans have a fairy-tale view of the Auld Sod, but although H. L. Mencken argued that nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people, I think we're all smart enough to know a fairy tale when we see one. Why are all such Irish fantasies set in a green countryside, with stone walls, rolling hills, patches of woodland, and softly flowing brooks? Partly because so much of the country actually looks like that, and partly because the cities do not. Anyone for Belfast? Power is handsome. Baxter and Calloway all do respectable Irish accents. Rod Serling probably would have enjoyed adapting this for a Twilight Zone episode. Overall, it's quite enjoyable.
In New York, he's been hired at a high salary to write speeches and essays in support of a politician, Lee J. Cobb. Cobb's influential, rich, and powerful daughter (Jayne Meadows) goes with the job. But Power and Cobb have their disagreements. On top of that, a "man" shows up, claiming to have been sent by the agency, to take care of Powers' modern new apartment. He bears a suspicious resemblance to the leprechaun and is played by the same actor. Baxter shows up in New York to attend a kinsman's wedding and meets Power by accident on a crowded subway. Powers' dissatisfaction with his new responsibilities grows until he finally leaves his fiancée and his job, marries Baxter, and returns to Ireland to work.
The first half hour and the last few minutes are set in the Irish village and they're as charming as a child's fairy tale. The much longer center section is a morality tale with serious overtones, and I'm afraid it turns into a story of a man who discovers his life is empty and decides to change it radically. (Power has done this trip before, in "The Razor's Edge.") The "peasants" are pretty generic. So are the cold-hearted cosmopolites back in New York. The former all have large families, are fun loving, cheerful, a little careless about punctuality, believe in legends, know how to drink, have dances and play lots of music, and put away big meals, and don't much worry about money. This is true of all generic peasants. It doesn't matter whether they're Irish or Jewish or Italian or Polish or Greek or anything else. Zorba the Mick.
But that doesn't matter much. It's still fun. There are some people in Ireland who believe that Americans have a fairy-tale view of the Auld Sod, but although H. L. Mencken argued that nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people, I think we're all smart enough to know a fairy tale when we see one. Why are all such Irish fantasies set in a green countryside, with stone walls, rolling hills, patches of woodland, and softly flowing brooks? Partly because so much of the country actually looks like that, and partly because the cities do not. Anyone for Belfast? Power is handsome. Baxter and Calloway all do respectable Irish accents. Rod Serling probably would have enjoyed adapting this for a Twilight Zone episode. Overall, it's quite enjoyable.
Enjoyable romantic wholesome film
AC-212 October 1999
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.
Cute Irish flick
HotToastyRag6 May 2019
I've got Irish blood in my veins, so I'll watch any movie with the title Luck of the Irish, no matter the cast or synopsis. I didn't find out a thing about this movie before renting it, and it turned out to be pretty cute. All in all, I liked Top o' the Morning better, another cute comedy about an American who goes to Ireland, but this one was enjoyable.
Tyrone Power chances upon a leprechaun by a waterfall after his car breaks down and he's trying to find his way to a local Irish inn. No one believes his sighting, and when he tries to prove it, the mysterious waterfall is nowhere to be found! He knows he was right, so he follows the little man the next time he sees him and forces him to reveal his pot of gold. It was merely for sport, and Ty returns the treasure without taking any of it. The leprechaun is eternally grateful, but how will he show his gratitude? You'll have to watch the movie to find out more.
Hollywood showed its forgiveness for Cecil Kellaway turning down the lead in Miracle on 34th Street by nominating him for an Oscar the following year for Luck of the Irish. It's a very cute role, and Cecil is very cute in it, easily stealing every scene. With his penchant for hard liquor, his waddling walk, and his gentle Irish wisdom, it's easy to see why the Academy adored his performance. Lee J. Cobb serves as the foil, a hard-nosed New York politician who has Ty's worst interests at heart. Anne Baxter and Jayne Meadows face off as rival love interests, one sweet and Irish and the other glamorous and modern. And to top it all off, even though he plays an American, Ty gets to show off his very good Irish accent in a few lines!
Tyrone Power chances upon a leprechaun by a waterfall after his car breaks down and he's trying to find his way to a local Irish inn. No one believes his sighting, and when he tries to prove it, the mysterious waterfall is nowhere to be found! He knows he was right, so he follows the little man the next time he sees him and forces him to reveal his pot of gold. It was merely for sport, and Ty returns the treasure without taking any of it. The leprechaun is eternally grateful, but how will he show his gratitude? You'll have to watch the movie to find out more.
Hollywood showed its forgiveness for Cecil Kellaway turning down the lead in Miracle on 34th Street by nominating him for an Oscar the following year for Luck of the Irish. It's a very cute role, and Cecil is very cute in it, easily stealing every scene. With his penchant for hard liquor, his waddling walk, and his gentle Irish wisdom, it's easy to see why the Academy adored his performance. Lee J. Cobb serves as the foil, a hard-nosed New York politician who has Ty's worst interests at heart. Anne Baxter and Jayne Meadows face off as rival love interests, one sweet and Irish and the other glamorous and modern. And to top it all off, even though he plays an American, Ty gets to show off his very good Irish accent in a few lines!
Slow, light comedy romance and fantasy
SimonJack5 March 2022
"The Luck of the Irish" is a comedy fantasy with romance at the end. The film is based on a novel of the same year by Guy Jones, entitled, "There Was a Little Man." Cecil Kellaway's leprechaun, Horace, is the best part of the film, and he was nominated for an Oscar for his performance. The film has a considerable cast for such a lightweight subject and screenplay. I probably enjoyed this film more the first time I would have seen it on late night TV runs, when I was much younger. But, the plot seems awfully light to one who is older. It's a morality tale as well, but that does nothing for the comedy.
There's nothing exceptional about the film, and the comedy in the screenplay is mostly Kellaway's Horace hopping around in a couple of scenes, and a few humorous lines. Most audiences today might quickly become bored. Older viewers might find it okay and not mind nodding off.
Here are the better lines in this film.
Stephen Fitzgerald, "Let me see that map. Well, the road isn't even marked." Bill Clark, "That's the Irish of it."
Fitzgerald, "I'll scout up the road a bit. Must lead somewhere." Clark, "Don't be too sure. Irish paths are whimsical - like the Irish character."
Horace, "I never stole anything in my life except what was rightly mine."
Fitzgerald, "I was never one to argue with miracles."
Fitzgerald, to D. C. Augur, "My agreement with you calls for perjury, but not under my own byline."
Senator Ransom, "How much do you want for Mr. Fitzgerald, D. C.?" D. C. Augur, "He's not for sale." Ransom, "Really? I understood he was."
Frances Augur, "Of course, you'd use the power for good, Fitz, but the important thing is to have it."
Horace, "I offered you gold. 'Tis not my fault you preferred a pebble."
There's nothing exceptional about the film, and the comedy in the screenplay is mostly Kellaway's Horace hopping around in a couple of scenes, and a few humorous lines. Most audiences today might quickly become bored. Older viewers might find it okay and not mind nodding off.
Here are the better lines in this film.
Stephen Fitzgerald, "Let me see that map. Well, the road isn't even marked." Bill Clark, "That's the Irish of it."
Fitzgerald, "I'll scout up the road a bit. Must lead somewhere." Clark, "Don't be too sure. Irish paths are whimsical - like the Irish character."
Horace, "I never stole anything in my life except what was rightly mine."
Fitzgerald, "I was never one to argue with miracles."
Fitzgerald, to D. C. Augur, "My agreement with you calls for perjury, but not under my own byline."
Senator Ransom, "How much do you want for Mr. Fitzgerald, D. C.?" D. C. Augur, "He's not for sale." Ransom, "Really? I understood he was."
Frances Augur, "Of course, you'd use the power for good, Fitz, but the important thing is to have it."
Horace, "I offered you gold. 'Tis not my fault you preferred a pebble."
The Luck of the Irish
CinemaSerf5 January 2023
"Fitzgerald" (Tyrone Power) returns to New York after a trip to his ancestral homeland of Ireland to pick up his successful job working for the "DC Augur" (Lee J. Cobb) political machine. What he didn't count on was that returning also from his trip was a young girl he met - "Nora" (Anne Baxter) and his own personal leprechaun "Horace" (Cecil Kellaway). Pretty soon he is conflicted between his love for the boss's daughter and his newfound friend - and his personal "minder" is never far away trying to keep him on the straight and narrow as the political and personal machinations start to become more difficult to navigate. Kellaway steals this - he is great in the role of the mischievous sprite, but otherwise this is all just a bit twee. Anne Baxter's Irish accent ebbs and flows and Power himself seems largely to just be going through the motions. There is some gentle humour to be found but I found it quite a long 100 minute watch that perhaps was just of it's time.
Whmsifcal, but a bit dated
ctomvelu123 August 2009
Low-key back-lot 1940s fantasy, set partly in Ireland, about a journalist's encounter with a leprechaun, and what happens when the writer turns down the leprechaun's pot of gold. Tyrone Power, who we tend to think of as an action hero, is wonderful as the wandering writer and Cecil Kellaway is the rather large leprechaun. This is not some special effects-laden spectacle. In fact, we never see the leprechaun do anything specific, although we know he is responsible for many of the things that happen to the kindly journalist upon his return to New York and to a new job with a ruthless publisher (Cobb) who has decided to run for the Senate. Anne Baxter is the love interest. Kellaway is at his peak, as is Power. A bit dated, but fun, especially two scenes set in an Irish restaurant in Manhattan/
A Very Charming Film
slthompson224 April 2005
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?"
Make that 7.5.
JohnHowardReid11 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Cecil Kellaway and Jayne Meadows are the people who make The Luck of the Irish such an enjoyable experience. Tyrone Power is no more than okay. He's too stiff. What was really needed for the principal part was someone who was much more relaxed – Bing Crosby, for instance. Power neither looks nor acts like a man who could make friends with a leprechaun. He is too serious and has no trace of whimsy in his make- up. Kellaway was nominated for an Academy Award for best Supporting Actor. He deserved to win in my opinion, but lost out to Walter Huston for his role in Treasure of the Sierra Madre. Another problem I have with the movie is Henry Koster's undistinguished and rather flat-footed direction. I think it was a really clever idea of producer Fred Kohlmar to dress up the Irish scenes with a green tint. True, he had to do something, but reverting back to the heyday of silent movies when tinting was commonplace, was a masterstroke.
If you liked "Miracle on 34th Street" you'll like "The Luck of the Irish"
waynegmarsh29 July 2006
I have to believe this movie was inspired by "Miracle on 34th Street." In both, a supposedly fantastical person (Santa Claus, leprechaun) puts his oar into the lives of some cynical, unhappy people, makes them realize What's Truly Important, and changes their lives forever, for the better. Sappy nonsense, but absolutely enjoyable from start to finish.
This is one of Jayne Meadows' first films. I thought I recognized her from an early TV panel show, and I did. She appeared many times on the old "What's My Line" show. She is the sister of Audrey Meadows, who played Alice Cramden on many of Jackie Gleason's "The Honeymooners" shows. Thanks to IMDb for the details that make these old films more interesting.
This is one of Jayne Meadows' first films. I thought I recognized her from an early TV panel show, and I did. She appeared many times on the old "What's My Line" show. She is the sister of Audrey Meadows, who played Alice Cramden on many of Jackie Gleason's "The Honeymooners" shows. Thanks to IMDb for the details that make these old films more interesting.
THE LUCK OF THE IRISH (Henry Koster, 1948) **1/2
Bunuel197621 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Mildly entertaining romantic comedy with a touch of whimsy, rather too slight to live in the memory but, nevertheless, worthwhile for Cecil Kellaway's delightful Oscar-nominated performance as a mischievous leprechaun.
Newspaperman Tyrone Power is on his way to meet gruff boss Lee J. Cobb (with a bicarbonate-of-soda bottle never far from reach!), who harbors political ambitions and wants to appoint the hero as his 'ghost writer' even if their views on the matter are on a different wavelength! Actually, Cobb's daughter (Jayne Meadows), who's also Power's fiancée is the one pulling the strings; the trouble is that, while passing through Ireland, he falls for inn-keeper's daughter Anne Baxter not to mention running into 'cobbler' Kellaway by a waterfall (although the residents deny the existence of both man and location!).
Back in the States, Power beckons to the will of Cobb (or rather Meadows); he's even given a plush apartment to live in but, when calling for a manservant, it's Kellaway who turns up! Besides, a chance encounter actually 'arranged' by the genial leprechaun with Baxter (who has come to America for some private family business) relights his interest, obviously reciprocated, in the girl; consequently, he begins to neglect his work in order to be with her. Eventually, though, Cobb is ready to appoint Power as editor of his old newspaper if he's elected to the Senate himself a position he politely declines; realizing she's beaten, Meadows gives him up and Power and Baxter are free to return to carefree Ireland.
In the last scene, Power now married and living at Baxter's father's tavern is shown following a local custom (which he had himself witnessed the old man perform earlier on) by placing a whiskey bottle outside the tavern door which is then said to be picked up by a leprechaun (and, just as he had done before, the prancing and giggling Kellaway appears soon after to retrieve it).
Newspaperman Tyrone Power is on his way to meet gruff boss Lee J. Cobb (with a bicarbonate-of-soda bottle never far from reach!), who harbors political ambitions and wants to appoint the hero as his 'ghost writer' even if their views on the matter are on a different wavelength! Actually, Cobb's daughter (Jayne Meadows), who's also Power's fiancée is the one pulling the strings; the trouble is that, while passing through Ireland, he falls for inn-keeper's daughter Anne Baxter not to mention running into 'cobbler' Kellaway by a waterfall (although the residents deny the existence of both man and location!).
Back in the States, Power beckons to the will of Cobb (or rather Meadows); he's even given a plush apartment to live in but, when calling for a manservant, it's Kellaway who turns up! Besides, a chance encounter actually 'arranged' by the genial leprechaun with Baxter (who has come to America for some private family business) relights his interest, obviously reciprocated, in the girl; consequently, he begins to neglect his work in order to be with her. Eventually, though, Cobb is ready to appoint Power as editor of his old newspaper if he's elected to the Senate himself a position he politely declines; realizing she's beaten, Meadows gives him up and Power and Baxter are free to return to carefree Ireland.
In the last scene, Power now married and living at Baxter's father's tavern is shown following a local custom (which he had himself witnessed the old man perform earlier on) by placing a whiskey bottle outside the tavern door which is then said to be picked up by a leprechaun (and, just as he had done before, the prancing and giggling Kellaway appears soon after to retrieve it).
Fun and a completely enjoyable transatlantic surprise...with a leprechaun!
cgvsluis25 April 2023
This was sweet fun and an utterly unexpected surprise. It starts on a bouncy mad dash open car ride across the Irish countryside.
"Is everybody balmy in this country?"
Our driver is Steven "Fitz" Fitzpatrick a journalist who is taking a big time job in New York. Only he gets waylaid in Ireland when a bridge collapses with the weight of their car...and he takes a little walk only to discover a picturesque waterfall and meeting a leprechaun.
"Don't be too sure, Irish paths are whimsical like the Irish character"
Only he doesn't know it's a leprechaun. Marooned in Ireland for a few days he meets the lovely Nora at the local B&B. Once he makes it to New York and his new job...which is less about journalism and more about getting his boss elected into political office and marrying his daughter. The job comes with a furnish apartment and a unique manservant...who has some ideas of his own, and a wee bit of a drinking problem.
"Drape that over your tonsils."
This was filled with comedy...and the leprechaun Horace really steals the show! Tyrone Power is wonderful as the handsome lead. At times the Irish yarns were so convoluted I got lost, but I think that was the point.
"I offered you gold, it's not my fault you prefer a pebble."
This was wonderful and I highly recommend...it would make a great St. Patrick's day film.
"Is everybody balmy in this country?"
Our driver is Steven "Fitz" Fitzpatrick a journalist who is taking a big time job in New York. Only he gets waylaid in Ireland when a bridge collapses with the weight of their car...and he takes a little walk only to discover a picturesque waterfall and meeting a leprechaun.
"Don't be too sure, Irish paths are whimsical like the Irish character"
Only he doesn't know it's a leprechaun. Marooned in Ireland for a few days he meets the lovely Nora at the local B&B. Once he makes it to New York and his new job...which is less about journalism and more about getting his boss elected into political office and marrying his daughter. The job comes with a furnish apartment and a unique manservant...who has some ideas of his own, and a wee bit of a drinking problem.
"Drape that over your tonsils."
This was filled with comedy...and the leprechaun Horace really steals the show! Tyrone Power is wonderful as the handsome lead. At times the Irish yarns were so convoluted I got lost, but I think that was the point.
"I offered you gold, it's not my fault you prefer a pebble."
This was wonderful and I highly recommend...it would make a great St. Patrick's day film.
Without a Doubt.. a St Patty's day film.
MennoMan17 March 2020
A True 'Pot of Gold' @ The Rainbow's Edge...
jon-890-67706023 March 2019
A clever film w a number of we'll hidden nuggets of treasure that is, scattered throughout the entire movie. From the obvious, but well disguised metaphor, to the subtle shifting in each character's personality.
An entertaining, yet profoundly-inspiring story that, contains its own 'Pot of Gold' after 90- minutes, for those patient enough, to dig up & watch this dated classic... {'The Luck of The Irish '48}:
An entertaining, yet profoundly-inspiring story that, contains its own 'Pot of Gold' after 90- minutes, for those patient enough, to dig up & watch this dated classic... {'The Luck of The Irish '48}:
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