Half Angel (1951)

Lack of good storyline.

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

Copyright 11 May 1951 by 20th Century-Fox Film Corp. New York opening at the Roxy: 15 June 1951. U.S. release: May 1951. U.K. release: 24 September 1951. Australian release: 2 November 1951. 6,819 feet. 76 minutes.SYNOPSIS: A reserved young nurse with a split personality pursues her subconscious love while sleep-walking.NOTES: Commenced shooting late July 1950 with director Jules Dassin at the helm. COMMENT: The only scene that may be Dassin's is the first in the hospital — a long take with some complex camera movements. True, there are other long takes in the film — indeed the direction is generally more stylish than Sale's norm — but nothing else that would indicate any mastery of the cinema. The script is too lightweight for Dassin anyway, so his exit comes as no surprise. It's a very slight bit of whimsy indeed, unusual for a Robert Riskin script in that it is such a trifle. All the same, Riskin has added some attractive conceits. These find their full expression in the amusement park sequence (photographed on location at Long Beach) in which Edwin Max as a delightfully disgruntled attendant is induced to ride the roller-coaster. The following courtroom episode continues the jest neatly.Why dress up this slight trifle with Technicolor? Well it needs color to give it a bit of substance. In fact it's the color photography more than the script and the acting that makes the story and its people reasonably interesting. Of course Technicolor also benefits the attractive Loretta Young no end and makes her costumes especially appealing. It also enhances both the real locations in downtown Los Angeles and the extensive back-lot filming.Mockridge's music score is suitably lively. Miss Young sings/breathes the Newman/Blane ballad with appropriate finesse.The support players are also very able. Max, as mentioned, is a stand-out, but even glum Cotten is quite watchable. And there's Backus, Ruysdael, Ryan, Kellaway (though Cecil does seem to be trying a bit too hard).

Misshapen piece of fluff, a capricious bit of harmless whimsy that may go down easier at three in the morning when one is apt to be less demanding. Loretta Young is a starchy, spinsterish nurse, about to marry the cloddish man she's been putting off for five years, when suddenly her repressed desire to flirt with a strictly-business attorney takes over her body while she's sleepwalking, leading to a series of romantic confusions. Robert Riskin is responsible for the script, which he adapted from a story by George Carleton Brown; both men are strictly behind-the-times in terms of a saucy bedroom comedy (although Young is certainly attractive dressed in a very sheer negligee!). Joseph Cotten looks rather incredulous at being caught in such a juvenile scenario, and the tone of the picture is wobbly right from the start. Colorful supporting players (Jim Backus, Irene Ryan, and the always-reliable Cecil Kellaway) add some sparkle, however the movie hinges on Young's performance and she's much more annoying than seductive. ** from ****

Half Angel (1951) *** 1/2 (out of 4) Incredibly charming and sweet romantic comedy about a shy and ordinary girl (Loretta Young) who doesn't know it but is in love with a lawyer (Joseph Cotten). She's about to be married to another man but she also sleepwalks and this is when she's able to confess her love for the lawyer. When she's awake, she hates him. This film doesn't have the best reputation but I loved nearly every second of it. You've certainly gotta wonder how Young can walk and talk while "sleepwalking" but that minor quibble aside, this is a great little gem. Young and Cotten have great chemistry together and both are very light on their feet and give terrific comedic performances. I've never seen Cotten so funny, although I haven't seen him in too many comedies. Young is a charming as ever and the supporting cast offers nice laughs as well. This Technicolor film is yet another Young film in the vaults of Fox.

I just saw this movie on one of the cable channels, and it is adorable. Loretta Young is as beautiful as ever, and Joseph Cotton is his usual handsome self! The supporting players are also wonderful and you will recognize each one-The story line is a little silly, but you must take into consideration that the film is from 1951- As a film buff, I am aware that this era was a time for musicals and light comedies, and this film is light- You won't have to figure out plot twists or hidden meanings, the film is straight forward fun-If you are looking for a film that is entertaining and fine for the whole family than try this one-Stay with it,and I am sure you will enjoy it. A fun film!