The Luck of the Irish (1948)

Just perfect...

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

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).

Tyrone Power in a comedy is a rare treat! Mr. Power was truly one of the most handsome actors ever. This movie may be light in the plot, but it is a delight to watch. A wonderful fantasy! Fitz (Tyrone Power), a jaded city man, goes to Ireland where he is enchanted by a young woman (Anne Baxter). He meets a mysterious little man by a waterfall, but no one knows of the waterfall or the little man. He returns to his job and his fiancée in New York. He hires a servant for his apartment who seems vaguely familiar. And he meets the young woman again on the subway. All these circumstances combined wreak a change in Fitz. He finds what is truly valuable and important in his life.I wish this movie were out in DVD. I copied this movie the last time it was on TV, but I would love to have a DVD instead of the VHS tape. It is a shame that more of these classics are not on DVD.

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.

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!