The House I Live In (1945)

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

Director:

Mervyn LeRoy (uncredited)

Writer:

Albert Maltz

Stars:

Frank Sinatra, Teddy Infuhr, Harry McKim

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 wins.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Frank Sinatra	...	Self

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:

social problem | ethnicity | italian american | common good | do the right thing | 

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Genres:

Short | Drama | Music

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Lewis Allen, lyricist for the title song, is the pseudonym of Abel Meeropol (1903-1986), best known for the anti-lynching poem and later song 'Strange Fruit'.

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Connections

Featured in Red Hollywood (1996)

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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

A Plea For Tolerance

An RKO Short Subject.

A group of rowdy little bullies are given a lesson in tolerance by crooner Frank Sinatra, who compares America to THE HOUSE I LIVE IN.

This little film delivers a pertinent message about the evils of prejudice & bias. Sinatra is an absolute natural in front of the camera; intense & sincere, he is the perfect spokesperson for the values espoused here.

Sinatra sings ‘The House I Live In,' by Lewis Allan & Earl Robinson. This fine tune, with a solid, pro-American message, is being given something of a comeback since the horrendous events of September 11, 2001.

After Pearl Harbor, Hollywood went to war totally against the Axis. Not only did many of the stars join up or do home front service, but the output of the Studios was largely turned to the war effort. The newsreels, of course, brought the latest war news into the neighborhood theater every week. The features showcased battle stories or war related themes. Even the short subjects & cartoons were used as a quick means of spreading Allied propaganda, the boosting of morale or information dissemination. Together, Uncle Sam, the American People & Hollywood proved to be an unbeatable combination.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 November 1945 (USA)

Also Known As:

The House I Live In

Filming Locations:

RKO Studios - 780 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

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