Pennies from Heaven

Bing Crosby plays a drifter serving a stretch in prison when he's asked by a condemned inmate to deliver a letter to the family of the man the inmate killed ("Anybody that can sing sappy, sentimental songs in prison wouldn't double cross a guy taking his last walk"). When he's released, he fulfills his promise and delivers the letter to a family of two -- a befuddled old man and his precocious granddaughter. He takes an immediate liking to these two and wants to help them, even though he would also like to get back on the road. He also finds himself at odds with a pretty social worker whose job it is to see the young girl is properly cared for.

An enjoyable bit of fluff with nice comedy and some mild tugging at the heartstrings. Crosby is likable and has a good chemistry with everybody he shares the screen with. He croons several tunes, including the title one. Child actress Edith Fellows is wonderful here, never cloying but just the right amount of corny to be appreciated. Donald Meek is fun as the grandfather. Madge Evans has a thankless role she does her best with. Louis Armstrong is terrific in a small part. Love the haunted house and carnival scenes. It's not a challenging movie but it is a pleasant one. Fun for the whole family, as they say. It should also hold some interest for those who like Depression-era material (Townsend Plan, anyone?). Crosby fans will, of course, love it.