This film was shown recently on cable; it was a refreshing change of pace. This 1948 movie, directed by Henry Koster, is a delightful experience for the young at heart and for those of us enchanted by the Irish folk lore.
The movie's plot is just a pretext to present Tyrone Power, one of the most handsome actors of the period, in a light comedy that takes him to Ireland, the land of his ancestors, to discover himself. The story is a fantasy, if not, how could we believe in Stephen's transformation by what he witness at the waterfall by the river, or his encounter with Nora at the inn? Not only that, but no sooner than he is back in New York, Horace, the leprechaun, makes an unexpected entrance in his life, and suddenly he discovers Nora riding the IRT?
This is a movie to be enjoyed because of the marvelous cast. Tyrone Power plays Fitz who is a different man from his experiences in Ireland. Fitz, evidently, having drunk the Irish whiskey, and eaten the Irish stew, is a changed man. Mr. Power plays this man effortlessly.
Equally excellent is Cecil Kellaway. His Horace is a man that has all the magical powers to lure Fitz back to the "old sod". Horace is a clever old man who can see right through anyone. Anne Baxter is also a great asset. Ms. Baxter and Mr. Power had a nice chemistry. Her Nora shows the right balance to attract Fitz and make him fall in love with her and with Ireland.
Lee J. Cobb's Augur, doesn't have much to do, but he is good as the man who wants to please his daughter above all things. Jayne Meadows made a rare appearance in the movie as Frances, the spoiled girl that wants Fitz for herself and will do everything in her power to get him.
This movie was a rare find. Watch it and cherish it with an open heart.
