I love watching Christmassy movies at Christmas time, and this is one of the best! Janet Leigh is Connie, a young widow who lives with her cute young son Timmy. She is going out with Carl, who wants to marry her, but Connie is not sure. When she meets Steve (Robert Mitchum) and accidentally gets him sacked from his job in a department store, they become friends. As their feelings grow, Connie has to choose between Carl and Steve.
Sounds like a romantic drama, but actually this is a lovely, touching light comedy. I loved all three main stars – especially Mitchum, who was adorable and sweet, in a role which was something of a departure. Janet Leigh looks beautiful, and is gorgeous as Connie. Wendell Corey is great as the reliable and straight laced Carl…but young Gordon Gebert as Timmy was a real scene-stealer! This young boy was just adorable – so cute and cheeky! There were some genuinely funny moments – I couldn’t stop giggling at the scene where Steve and Carl first meet – their awkwardness with each other was so funny and well played by both actors.
This was the perfect film to relax with in the holiday season – I’m planning on making it part of my Christmas movie schedule every year..it may not be as well known as other classics like It’s A Wonderful Life, or Miracle on 34th Street (both of which are excellent films), but Holiday Affair is a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend an hour and a half. Highly recommended!
Year of release: 1949
Director: Don Hartman
Producer: Don Hartman
Writers: John D. Weaver (story “Christmas Gift”), Isobel Lennart
Main cast: Robert Mitchum, Janet Leigh, Wendell Corey, Gordon Gebert
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