JAMES CRAIG and MARSHA HUNT have the adult leads in LOST ANGEL but it's obvious that MGM was hoping the vehicle, specially written for child star MARGARET O'BRIEN, would prove to boost her box-office popularity at a time when she was being groomed for big time stardom. It did.
At six, she was quite a little actress, able to turn on the tears on cue and spoke in that quivering little voice that most viewers found enormously appealing. She plays a child prodigy who's been raised by a psychological clinical institute but robbed of a normal childhood. When reporter Craig is sent to do a story on her, he gets stuck with the kid because the clinic is quarantined for measles. The rest of the plot has to deal with Craig's handling of a difficult situation, including the child's jealousy over his relationship with Hunt.
Margaret still had all of her childish appeal at this stage and she does well with her character, except for an unnecessary crying scene at a nightclub. Craig and Hunt exhibit some good chemistry in their byplay and are always a pleasure to watch. And, of course, there's a predictable happy ending for all.
Trivia note: Sharp-eyed fans will note AVA GARDNER in a bit role as the girl behind the checkroom counter in the nightclub scene and BOBBY BLAKE as a little boy who confronts Margaret. Another future child star, little BOBBY DRISCOLL, makes a brief appearance as the boy on the train playing with his toy train.
Summing up: O'Brien fans will like this one.
At six, she was quite a little actress, able to turn on the tears on cue and spoke in that quivering little voice that most viewers found enormously appealing. She plays a child prodigy who's been raised by a psychological clinical institute but robbed of a normal childhood. When reporter Craig is sent to do a story on her, he gets stuck with the kid because the clinic is quarantined for measles. The rest of the plot has to deal with Craig's handling of a difficult situation, including the child's jealousy over his relationship with Hunt.
Margaret still had all of her childish appeal at this stage and she does well with her character, except for an unnecessary crying scene at a nightclub. Craig and Hunt exhibit some good chemistry in their byplay and are always a pleasure to watch. And, of course, there's a predictable happy ending for all.
Trivia note: Sharp-eyed fans will note AVA GARDNER in a bit role as the girl behind the checkroom counter in the nightclub scene and BOBBY BLAKE as a little boy who confronts Margaret. Another future child star, little BOBBY DRISCOLL, makes a brief appearance as the boy on the train playing with his toy train.
Summing up: O'Brien fans will like this one.