The House I Live In (1945)

Frank Sinatra teaches a group of young boys a lesson in religious tolerance.

Writer:

Albert Maltz

Stars:

Frank Sinatra, Teddy Infuhr, Harry McKim

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 wins.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Frank Sinatra	...	Himself

Storyline

A young Frank Sinatra is in the studio with a full orchestra. He records a take of "If You Are But a Dream," then breaks for a smoke. From the studio, he steps into an alley where he sees nearly a dozen kids chasing one smaller boy. Frank stops them, asks why, and they tell him it's because of the boy's religion. So Frank asks them if they're Nazis and explains a few things about America, blood banks, World War II, and teamwork. Then he sings "The House I Live In" for them. Off the lads scamper, and the kid Frank's saved gives him a look of gratitude.

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Plot Keywords:

alley | tolerance | religious tolerance | recording studio | world war two | 

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Genres:

Short | Drama | Music

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 November 1945 (USA)

Also Known As:

Éste es mi hogar

Company Credits

Production Co:

Frank Ross Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

11 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in Hollywood Out-takes and Rare Footage (1983)

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Soundtracks

"The House I Live In"
Music by Earl Robinson
Words by Lewis Allan
Performed by Frank Sinatra (uncredited)

User Reviews

What a Nostalgic House to Live In

Frank Sinatra is known for his roles as a thug, a gangster, a bank robber, a murderer. He reportedly had connections to the mafia in real life. His father was, after all, Italian. What we don't think of Sinatra as is a uniter of people from different faiths.

In this short film, Sinatra sings some campy songs that should only exist in the 1940s. Between songs, he stops a gang of young boys from beating up a young Jewish boy. He encourages them to be friends with him because "religion doesn't matter" and reminds the kids when they get blood from the blood bank it comes from Jews and blacks. He also tells how Americans of different faiths have joined together to defeat the "jap menace".

Would this film work today? Probably not. But it's still enjoyable and a fun little romp in the park. If you want to learn about solidarity in the 1940s, or just love Frank Sinatra, check it out. Recommended, even if it is distributed by the Anti-Defamation League.