The Great Rupert (1950) User Reviews

A Christmas WISH (Irving Pichel, 1950) **1/2

[Bunuel1976 · 6/10 · 3 January 2008]

Like BEYOND TOMORROW (1940; see my comments to that film), this is another little-known Yuletide flick which has been saved from public domain, colorized and retitled on its Fox DVD; in fact, not only was this originally shot in black-and-white but was named THE GREAT RUPERT after the amiable puppet of a kilt-wearing dancing squirrel who helps to realize the impoverished protagonists' recurring Christmas wish. In fact, Rupert proved to be the first creature animated for a feature-length film by famed sci-fi producer George Pal and is also notable as one of big-nosed multi-talented entertainer Jimmy Durante's best film vehicles.

The story starts with down-and-out animal trainer Jimmy Conlin being evicted from his ramshackle apartment by miserly landlord Frank Orth but Conlin's squirrel soon returns to Conlin's old hide which is already occupied by the equally penniless acrobatic trio, the Amendolas played by Durante, Queenie Smith and Terry Moore. Predictably enough, Orth's ne'r-do-well musician son Tom Drake falls for Moore but is soon driven to distraction by the unwarranted attention the latter is receiving from visiting Broadway agent Don Beddoe looking to re-engage Conlin for his act. Meanwhile, Rupert himself is getting annoyed with Mr. Orth's storing his weekly stash of cash in his wooden house...

Although George Pal's puppet effects are nicely enough done, "Schnozzle" Durante is practically the whole show here and, typically, he has a couple of numbers featuring his eccentric singing-and-piano-playing style. Actor/director Irving Pichel – who, apparently, also appears in the film as a "puzzled pedestrian" – hands the light material quite competently which makes this unassuming concoction a gently pleasing alternative to the usual Christmas fare.

Sweet, Charming film for Jimmy Durante and George Pal fans

[theowinthrop · 7/10 · 25 December 2005]

"The Great Ruppert" (renamed "The Christmas Promise") was made in the late 1940s. It is one of the few movies that Jimmy Durante ever appeared in where he was the main star (his work with Buster Keaton was as a comedy team; some later musicals like "Jumbo" give him leading parts, but not the starring role).

Durante and Queenie Smith are the Amendolas. They rent an apartment from Frank Orth (Mr. Dingle), a tightwad who hoards his money in the wall of his bedroom. The plot is how a talented dancing squirrel named Rupert (the squirrel, who likes cigarettes too, is the creation of George Pal - and is very cute). Rupert's master, Jimmy Conlin (best recalled from the Preston Sturgis movies) has released the squirrel for a few weeks until they get rehired by the circus. Rupert finds a hole in the wall between the Amendolas apartment and Dingle's bedroom.

Once a week Orth puts $1,500.00 into the hole (from a check from his gold mine stock). The squirrel drops it on Durante and his wife. Orth has refused to assist anyone of his neighbors, but he is a harsh landlord. Durante uses the money to help the neighborhood businesses thrive.

The story takes place around Christmas (so it is being shown right now)and has some traces of Scrooge in Orth's skinflint (except he is married and has a son). But it has a pleasant, goofy sweetness due to Durante and Rupert. When a fire breaks out at one point, for instance, Durante reminds the family to save the radio or they'll miss the Jimmy Durante show. While perhaps a trifle dated, it is amusing and worth watching at this holiday season.

Rosalinda Needs Shoes

[Christmas-Reviewer · 8/10 · 1 October 2017]

BEWARE OF BOGUS REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW. WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 300 Christmas MOVIES. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I AM FARE.

The Great Rupert, is a 1950 comedy family film, produced by George Pal, directed by Irving Pichel and starring Jimmy Durante, Tom Drake and Terry Moore. It is based on a story, written by Ted Allan, which has also been published as a children's book under the title "Willie the Squowse".

The story revolves around a little animated squirrel who, with lots of charm, accidentally helps two economically distressed families overcome their obstacles.

Rosalinda Amendola, the daughter of happy but impoverished former acrobats is in love with the boy next door, aspiring composer Pete Dingle. Though Pete's parents are wealthy, his miserly father Frank insists on hiding his money from his investments in the wall of their family home.

The situation changes when Joe Mahoney, a vaudeville performer has fallen on hard times and has to leave his best friend and stage companion, Rupert a dancing squirrel, in Frank and Rosalinda's town where he will have to fend for himself with the other squirrels and live in a tree. Unsatisfied with tree life, Rupert gains access to the Dingle home and unbeknownst to Frank, has his bed in Frank's hidden cache of money. Rupert decides to clear room in his domicile by throwing Frank's money through a hole so that it floats down into the Amendola household who think the money has come from Heaven in answer to Mrs Amendola's prayers.

Now this is a very funny movie. It has lots of heart. It has charm to spare and more laughs a minute than most comedy's.

The film is also sold under the title "A Christmas Wish". Buy the film under that title. Legend Films has a restoration DVD that is sold through FOX that has the best picture and sound. It also includes a colorized version!

Rupert Wreaks Havoc

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 16 July 2009]

The Great Rupert besides being the first feature film of master Puppetooner George Pal is a pleasant, gentle, and innocuous family comedy about the innocent antics of a very smart squirrel and the changes he wreaks in a neighborhood. Ironically enough no one knows he's the responsible party right up to the highest levels of government.

Rupert who is an animated squirrel courtesy of George Pal is a trained rodent by animal trainer Jimmy Conlin, but who can't sell the act to agent Chick Chandler and because of that he's evicted for lack of rent payment by landlord Frank Orth.

As luck would have it another group of vaudevillians, the family Amendola which consists of Jimmy Durante, wife Queenie Smith and their daughter Terry Moore. Mainly because Orth's son develops big eyes for Terry, he rents them the place without a deposit nor hopes of getting one.

But Rupert returns to his nest in the roof of that house and he causes miser Orth's fortune to fall upon the Amendolas, it's where the old skinflint stores his loot because he doesn't trust banks. Remember we were not too far from the Depression when many banks failed.

I can't go any farther, but suffice it to say it all works out financially and romantically in the end. Along the way Jimmy Durante provides us with a couple of numbers in his unique style.

The film is timeless in its humor, but it does show the age of the fashions involved. It probably could be remade today, I can see Steve Martin in Jimmy Durante's part.

But not with the Schnozz.

You gotta love him!

[SanDiego · 22 February 1999]

I ran across this oddity in the video store which I assume would find most of its fans from those who collect George Pal films. He's the famous science fiction and fantasy producer/director (The Time Machine, War of the Worlds) who patented a technique known as Puppetoon visually similar to today's Claymation. It stars the great Jimmy Durante, and B-movie favorites Terry Moore (the original Mighty Joe Young), and Tom Drake. Disney animation had its pulse on the public and other studios were looking to cash in too via live action. So why not a live action film with a very talented squirrel? Why not? It's a family film, fun, original, and quite different. The squirrel looks a little like the contemporary mice in the "The Mouse and The Motorcyle" and the Jim Henson film "The Witches." This film however always has its feet firmly planted in reality with the squirrel seeming more like an organ grinder's monkey than human. This gives the animal more vulnerablity. It also gives the human race more responsiblity to take proper care of him and any animal or pet who brings us pleasure and happiness from their presence in our lives. It's also a film that is hard to resist from the film's first shot. Whereas most films wait too long into a film to show the audience what it came to see (Superman flying, ET talking, Aliens killing, etc...), The Great Rupert is introduced dancing in the very first scene! Good decision, because once you see him, you gotta love him!

Brings back great childhood memories.

[afotia · 2 January 2001]

When I was just a young boy, my uncle took my cousins, my brother and I to see The Great Rupert at an outdoor drive-in. I was nine years old, and Rupert became one of my greatest childhood memories. I thought about the movie during the past 40-50 years...when my daughter was born, I wished she could have seen it...and when my grandson was born, I wished the same for him.

My daughter has been on the internet for years, my wife and I only the past year or so. Recently I decided to see if I could find out if there was a video of The Great Rupert...and would you believe it - there was! I ordered it right away.

My wife and I, my daughter and my grandson watched it together, and although the "special effects" are certainly not "Star Wars"...the story is still heart warming. I recommend the movie for kids of all ages.

A Hidden Treasure!

[filmloverlady · 10/10 · 24 April 2005]

Until recently I had never heard of this film. After seeing some reviews on Amazon.com, I had to see it. Well, all I can say is why isn't this film known as a classic Christmas film like Miracle on 34th Street. What a delightful movie! This is perfect family fare- This is the kind of movie I only wish they would make today. Jimmy Durante is as usual the lovable looser! He is perfect for the role of Terry Moore's father. The original title of this film was 'The Great Rupert', Rupert being a magical squirrel – The use of a puppet type squirrel was very innovative in 1950, but of course is very campy by today's standards. It would be interesting to see what they could do with today's technology. All in all this is a fun family film that is a must for all to see- Now that it is available on DVD maybe more people will get the opportunity to see it. If you have not yet gone over to DVD, be aware that this film is also available on VHS. Take a chance; I think you will enjoy it!

The New DVD

[BijouBob8mm · 15 November 2003]

Although released to DVD by Image a couple of years ago, Fox has reissued the film to DVD just in time for the 2003 holiday season...under a new title, A CHRISTMAS WISH. While a nice marketing move for the Christmas season, it is a little misleading, since the last half of the film is not holiday-oriented. Otherwise, a decent DVD offering the film in both original B&W, as well as a colorized version, all on the same DVD. (The colorized version also offers us a chance to hear co-star Terry Moore talk about the film on an optional soundtrack. While we hear about the tricks used with the live-action squirrels during production, little mention is made of the stop-motion technique in several key sequences with the title character of Rupert the Dancing Squirrel.) While the colorization process is not quite as good as that of, say, Disney's ZORRO or Laurel & Hardy's MARCH OF THE WOODEN SOLDIERS, it is better than many other attempts to "improve upon" black and white imagery. There are a couple of spots where the colorization process slips, however. Watch, in the soda shop, as one customer tells the clerk to "Cut me in on 40% of the winnings." The red Christmas stocking in the background suddenly reverts back to its original black and white image by the end of the line. Still, this overlooked fantasy--producer George Pal's first feature--may finally find a more mainstream audience, courtesy of Fox Home Video.

I liked this movie!

[German-5 · 6/10 · 21 January 1999]

The Great Rupert is a funny, heart-warming tale of prayer and faith, poverty and philanthropy, in which hard-hearted greed gets its comeuppance and everything turns out for the best. And a cute little dancing squirrel is the agent driving the action behind the scenes!

Cute Family Movie

[medrjel · 6/10 · 18 May 2003]

This George Pal classic is a nice story for the family. It's a definite morality play, but with a fun comical twist. Rupert (the "animated" squirrel) ends up being a catalyst to set the fun in motion for everyone involved, though nobody really knows.

Jimmie Durante is ok in this film. This is not his best. Don't expect a lot, but do expect some fun. I hope families could try to get together and enjoy this forgotten holiday classic (as it should of been remembered).

A Christmas Wish (1950) **1/2

[JoeKarlosi · 6/10 · 9 December 2009]

Originally known as THE GREAT RUPERT, this is a charming tale about a talented squirrel (that would be Rupert) who lives in the attic of a down and out family of struggling vaudevillians, and who accidentally helps them gain wealth and prosperity during the Christmas season. The vigorous Jimmy Durante is a lot of fun to watch as the well-meaning father who sings, and he's got a couple of silly "so bad they're funny" lines that made me laugh, though it's too bad he wasn't given more. Terry Moore (MIGHTY JOE YOUNG) is his young daughter who falls for Tom Drake (MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS). This is a somewhat charming, if not great, family film to watch for the holidays. Rupert the Squirrel is brought to life via George Pal's animation. **1/2 out of ****

Inoffensive and Christmas Cute

[gftbiloxi · 12 June 2007]

When a slightly miserly landlord takes to hiding his savings he inadvertently intrudes into a squirrel's nest--which wastes no time in shoving the money out of his nest and into the hands of the down-on-their-luck Amendola family, who rent an apartment below. Originally released under the title of THE GREAT RUPERT, in 1950 the film was primarily admired for its then-artful blend of live action and puppet animation to create Rupert, the squirrel; today, however, it is best regarded as a very mild mannered and entirely inoffensive little movie that just happens to offer the legendary Jimmy Durante one of his final film roles.

The script and story are as memorable as school cafeteria banana pudding, but the performances are reasonably engaging. As head of Amendola family, Durante is brash is only Durante could be, doing doubletakes and pounding out an occasional tune on the piano in his unique style. He is well supported by the likes of Terry Moore, Tom Drake, and such veteran character actors as Queenie Smith, Frank Orth, Sara Haden, and Jimmy Conlin. It's all in good fun.

The 20th Century Fox DVD release consists of two versions of the film: the original black and white and a colorized version. There is nothing visually impressive about the film, so it is not hurt by colorization per se; as for the colorization, it is reasonably well done, at least so far as such effects go. Most astonishingly, the release includes a commentary track by Terry Moore and various people associated with the colorization and the DVD release.

The commentary track is not tremendously informative; Moore freely admits that she had seen the film only once before, and that some fifteen years earlier. Even so, Moore proves good company, offers the occasional insight into the cast, and now and then proves unwittingly amusing--with her comments on actor Tom Drake, who was both gay and deeply closeted, a case in point. On the whole, I'd say the commentary is actually more engaging than the film itself, but whatever the case Durante fans, Moore fans, and those in search of truly innocent family fare should find it pleasing.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

" Rupert Is A Pleasant Surprise "

[PamelaShort · 7/10 · 28 October 2013]

Knowing my love for older movies, my mother gave me the DVD titled A Chrismas Wish. I was leery as to whether I would enjoy this colorized and retitled film. What a pleasant surprise this adorable film is. The story begins during the holiday season, with out of work vaudevillian actors the Amendola family, Jimmy Durante, Queenie Smith, and daughter Terry Moore renting a small ground-floor dwelling from skinflint Mr. Dingle, Frank Orth who lives with his wife Sara Haden and son Tom Drake. The previous tenant had a very talented dancing squirrel named Rupert, who unknown to the Amendola family moves back into their room. The stingy landlord hides his money routinely in a hole made in a baseboard, which he believes is safe, but it actually is the home of Rupert who throws the money out of his nest. While praying for badly needed new shoes for daughter Rosalinda, Mrs.Amendola is shocked as money comes floating down landing on the floor. The Amendola's are overjoyed celebrating Christmas with all the trimmings. The money keeps coming and so does the charm of this story. Jimmy Durante is at his comical best, Queenie Smith is very sweet, beautiful Terry Moore and Tom Drake fall in love in this very delightful movie. I am not a fan of colorized films, but I appreciate that this film is at least available to enjoy, and I do every Christmas season.

You gotta love him!

[SanDiego · 22 February 1999]

I ran across this oddity in the video store which I assume would find most of its fans from those who collect George Pal films. He's the famous science fiction and fantasy producer/director (The Time Machine, War of the Worlds) who patented a technique known as Puppetoon visually similar to today's Claymation. It stars the great Jimmy Durante, and B-movie favorites Terry Moore (the original Mighty Joe Young), and Tom Drake. Disney animation had its pulse on the public and other studios were looking to cash in too via live action. So why not a live action film with a very talented squirrel? Why not? It's a family film, fun, original, and quite different. The squirrel looks a little like the contemporary mice in the "The Mouse and The Motorcyle" and the Jim Henson film "The Witches." This film however always has its feet firmly planted in reality with the squirrel seeming more like an organ grinder's monkey than human. It's also a film that is hard to resist from the film's first shot. Whereas most films wait too long into a film to show the audience what it came to see (Superman flying, ET talking, Aliens killing, etc...), The Great Rupert is introduced dancing in the very first scene! Good decision, because once you see him, you gotta love him!

Cute and quirky -- great for young kids.

[DanMazur · 5 March 2000]

An odd little movie with a nice "b" cast (Besides Durante, there's Tom Drake from "Meet Me in St. Louis," Terry Moore from "Mighty Joe Young") and a truly original comic plot-twist as the premise. A cute puppet squirrel makes this a fun movie for young children, and I recommend it for the parents too, if you like obscure old movies -- you really can't predict where this story is headed.

Nuts In May

[writers_reign · 7/10 · 18 October 2007]

If you approach this as what it is, unashamed feelgood family fare then you'll probably enjoy it without necessarily wanting to see it again for a few years. It's basically a morality tale in which good defeats bad and everyone lives happily ever after. In a nutshell - sorry about that - Jimmy Durante with wife and daughter, who haven't got change of a match between them, move into an apartment owned by miser Frank Orth, who deposits $1,500 behind the baseboard each week. The last resident was Jimmy Conklin and his vaudeville act The Great Rupert, a gifted squirrel who returns to the apartment when Conklin releases him, takes up a position behind the baseboard and drops the money into Durante's apartment as fast as Orth deposits it. The twist is that Durante uses it to do good and help those less fortunate. Love interest is provided by Durante's daughter, Terri Moore and Orth's son, Tom Drake and the only jarring note is Moore's unexplained volte-face when she ditches the sugar-daddy she's been dating in favor of Drake's penniless songwriter. This cavil to one side this is a seriously pleasant movie and if families still exist this is the sort of stuff they should be watching en masse.

Awesome movie

[johnc2141 · 10/10 · 19 December 2008]

I Had seen the great Rupert on a religious channel that has been showing all the great Christmas movies like scrooge,and the bishops wife.and i loved it.its somewhat a Christmas movie about a family led by the great Jimmy Durante.and a squirrel named Rupert that shares the same household.the great Rupert also stars the dazzling and beautiful; Terry Moore(mighty Joe young)who i think looks great in this movie,playing jimmy Durante's daughter.if you like sentimental comedies,you will love the great Rupert.i totally recommend it.if you spot it on DVD buy it.i hate myself for passing it up as a dollar movie a while back,but i see it again I'm grabbing it.although I'm not sure its a public domain movie,its well worth repeated viewings,I'm not giving away the plot.no spoilers here.all i can say is watch it,you will love it.and its the first movie produced by the late great George Pal.10 out of 10.

Squarely Squirrelly!

[redryan64 · 6/10 · 14 December 2011]

IF WE WERE to choose one word to describe today's honoree, THE GREAT RUPERT (George Pal/Eagle-Lion Films, 1950) it would have to be the above mentioned "Squirrely". Beyond that obvious pun and reference, the next one up in this lexicon would have to be offbeat.

BEING WHAT WOULD today be classified as a "G" Rating, as approved fare for Family Viewing, the cast and story,nonetheless, do manage to keep even an adult clientèle interested. In much the same way that future family oriented cute-animal movies such as BENJI (Mulberry Square, 1974) and DIGBY: THE BIGGEST DOG IN THE WORLD Walter Stehnsen Film 1973), manage to simultaneously balance story line with equal portions of the madcap-comic, romance and mini-dramatic happenings*;in the final analysis, RUPERT accomplishes the same sort of results.

EXAMINATION OF THE cast reveals an unusual, yet solidly balanced blend of veteran talent. We are presented with newcomer, Tom Drake, in the juvenile male lead and love interest for ingénue, Terry Moore.

TOPPING THE VETERAN cast is Jimmy Durante. The "Old Schnozolla", himself turns in a performance that was at once funny, dramatic and believably entertaining. With all of his vast experience on stage, the radio and in the movies, it was truly a part that Jimmy could have "phoned in"; which he obviously did.

IN SUPPORTING ROLES we have the always reliable characterizations from Frank Orth, Jimmy Conlin and Chic Chandler; whose character pulled the unlikely double-duty as both romantic rival and in saving the day by getting young Dingle's (Drake)song published (and even recorded, yet!).

BEFORE WE GO ANY further, let's get back to Miss Moore. This part would mark the second straight year in which she would find herself playing in a cast which featured a stop-motion animated character. It was in the previous year's MIGHTY JOE YOUNG Argosy Pictures/RKO Radio Pictures, 1949) that her costar was a movable doll character of a relative few inches in length. With this two picture run, that Miss Moore would work with three of the biggest names in animation; namely Willis O'Brien & Ray Harryhausen (in MIGHTY JOE YOUNG) and finally with George Pal (in RUPERT THE GREAT).

AS FOR THE ANIMATION that made up a truly small portion of RUPERT, it is outstanding. It was well blended and interspersed with footage of a real, live squirrel; in order to give the furry nut-eater the chance to dance and 'perform' what could be only described as cute comic relief.* OUT OF A CURIOSITY that has existed for some years, we forced ourselves to watch RUPERT THE GREAT, yesterday evening over the Cable Channel Turner Classic Movies; which described it as a Christmas Picture. Whereas Christmas did play a part in the beginning of the movie; it did cover a lot more of a time span.

AS SILLY AS the whole premise seems to us today, with a much more cynical and jaded view of the World, the story does give us a sort of latter day fairy tale; what with all ending well in the end.

WE ALL NEED this now and again, even you and I. Right Schultz?

NOTE: * As far as the interplay between Miss Terry Moore and Rupert, there is none. Other than dropping the ca$h, while unseen to Durante's wife and being 'saved' from a burning building by a Fireman, 'Rupert' only had scenes with Jimmy Conlin.

Who wouldn't want such a squirrel in their attic?

[SimonJack · 7/10 · 3 June 2019]

For a few years after "The Great Rupert" debuted on the silver screen, it became something of a holiday favorite and was shown on TV in the early 1950s. It definitely has a Christmas theme. By 1950, vaudeville was all but forgotten by movie-goers and a public that was streaming to stores to buy TV sets. The younger generation who were small children before World War II never got to see stage shows anyway.

So, this story based around a vaudeville family in 1950 must have seemed even a little strange in 1950. Of course, the younger folks would have heard about the old shows from parents and grandparents. And the adults - well, they might just have recalled a favorite routine or act they had seen on the stage of the past.

"The Great Rupert" is one of the few films in which Jimmy Durante had top billing and the lead role. With his gruff voice and kooky, knee-jerk movements, Durante was known to hit the ivories and belt out a tune at the drop of a hat. The rest of the cast of this film are good in a decent story about people down on their luck suddenly coming into wealth out of nowhere. The nowhere they think is a miracle in answer to prayers of Momma, Mrs. Amendola. In reality, the trained squirrel, Rupert, has something to do with this, from his squirrel hole in the rafters.

In the holiday spirit, Durante's Louie Amendola, shares their new wealth with down and out neighbors. The story has a nice twist for an ending, and there is a nice subplot romance with the Amendola's daughter in a love triangle. Rupert the Squirrel is an obvious animated insertion in the film. His dancing and other movements appear jerky. Yet, the fill with live action shots of a squirrel between Rupert's gigs, make the trained rodent seem real.

This is a pleasant film that very young audiences may still enjoy for the squirrel's antics. Some of we older youngsters might still get a kick out of Rupert, Jimmy and the rest of this gang too.

I love this movie. It is so charming. It is sooo weird!

[nazz55 · 5/10 · 21 April 2006]

I can see the story, and it is quite charming. Rupert is cute and lovable. But the dialog the direction and the staging makes this one of the most awkward movies I have ever seen. First off it's got Jimmy Durante. A first class, scenery chewing, scene stealer! The director let him loose and I guess everyone else thought they could do the same. It's not good, but it is very entertaining!! Some of the dialog is a scream in an ironic way. And there are many priceless deliveries, quotable, even. I believe I have found a new Christmas tradition, The Great Rupert! And what's with the unexpected horn flourish and the end of Durante's, xmas song. Out of nowhere! This should have been given the MST3K treatment, but I still love it. I love the way Rupert has his one elbow resting coolly on the wall as he tosses the money out the hole. He's so cool. And a character named Peter Dingle!! This will crack you up! It's actually a good story.

Why you shouldn't squirrel away money.

[yonhope · 8/10 · 28 July 2007]

Jimmy Durante is having a lot of fun playing a vaudevillian. His character happens to play piano and sing. As wild as he is when performing in this movie, he was much wilder on stage when he did his shows with Clayton and Jackson and later with Sonny Knight.

In this film, Jimmy's character never meets the title character, but The Schnozz still shares some scenes with Rupert. The story is nice and should please all family members.

The most fun in this movie is the opportunity to look back at the US in 1950 where we see the cars and fire engines and even a soda fountain which were all very ordinary for that time period, but which now would be found in museums. $32 a month for an apartment. Seems steep.

Money can either change people, or make them more like what they already were. We see the effect sudden income from above has on two families here. We also have some fine music from a tuba, a harp and a concertina. And Jimmy at the piano.

All the characters are likable, including an IRS agent and an FBI agent and police investigators. Nice for Christmas viewing.

Tom Willett

Family Christmas Fantasy

[Rainey-Dawn · 7/10 · 21 November 2022]

The colorized version of this film seems to be titled "A Christmas Wish" from what I can tell.

This film stars Jimmy Durante and Rupert the dancing, money giving squirrel. Durante is Mr. Louie Amendola, a down on his luck man with a wife and daughter. The three of them move into a rundown flat and a landlord who is a bit of a Scrooge. Landlord hides money in the wall but Rupert pulls out the money and accidentally tosses it out of his hole into the hands of the Amendola family who gives some of it to the poor.

This is a nice holiday film - one I would watch again. Worth watching along with other holiday classics.

7/10.

This should be considered a Christmas Classic!

[KennethEagleSpirit · 9/10 · 27 January 2007]

Why isn't it? I have no clue. Some very fine movies, for no very good reason, simply seem to get lost in time. I suppose this is one of those. Well put together and with wonderful talent Jimmy Durante and Terry Moore shine. The stop motion animation used for Rupert is neat given the day in which this was made. Cute, silly, funny, sweet, campy, good natured family fun this movie made me, being the sentimental sap that I am, laugh until I cried. Given the very repetitious nature of Decembers television line up over the past several decades I don't know why someone doesn't latch onto this thing and promote it. But being able to view it at will on DVD makes it, well, what can I say? It makes it a wonderful life.

Durante in priceless

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 7/10 · 22 December 2011]

If you're as old as I am, you remember Jimmy Durante as the lovable and classic vaudevillian, who maintained his popularity well into the 1970s (I particularly remember his appearance on Sonny & Cher's variety series in 1972).

Of course, this movie doesn't give the Schnozzola the freedom to be as zany as he could be on television, but it is a nice way to remember Durante. It's a very pleasant family comedy about a trained squirrel who just happens to inadvertently help a family of down-on-their-luck vaudevillians get back on their feet. There's a little romance along the way, and their landlord -- a bit of a Scrooge -- is redeemed when he learns the true value of friendship.

Yes, it's a bit hokey, but I actually mean that in a good way! It begins around Christmas, so it is often classed as a holiday movie, although the second half of the film takes place well after Christmas.

Durante is vibrant. Terry Moore, a Durante's daughter and the love interest in the film is fine. Tom Drake, as the skinflint neighbor's son and Moore's beau is fine also...such a pleasant actor. The other supporting actors are fine, the only one of which you might really recognize is Sara Haden, who portrayed Mickey Rooney's aunt in most of the Andy Hardy films.

This is probably not one for your DVD shelf, but it is worth watching at least once, simply for the joy of Durante!

Stands the test of time. A very good Christmas Classic long overdue for a remake

[Ed-Shullivan · 8/10 · 10 January 2023]

Jimmy Durante is a one of a kind veteran actor who could sing, dance and tell a good joke. In The Great Rupert, Jimmy Durante plays Louie Amendola, the father of a washed up circus troupe which consists of himself, his wife (Queenie Smith), and his attractive young daughter Rosalinda (Terry Moore). The family is weary from travelling from town to town performing small gig after small gig and as it is near Christmas they are looking for a cheap place to rent. They stumble upon an old circus pal who was just evicted from his rental property and he suggests they try taking over his apartment.

The cagey Louie Amendola agrees to the landlords rental terms without any real intention of paying for the apartment since they have no money. The landlords son Pete Dingle (Tom Drake) is quickly smitten by the attractive young Rosalinda and he uses his own influence to advise his father to cut the Amendola some slack while they make much needed repairs to the apartment.

Without giving away any spoilers the comedy comes into play when the worried Mrs. Amendola starts praying for a small Christmas miracle and lo and behold her prayers are miraculously answered. The string of comedy scenes that follow are quite enjoyable and if a producer had an inkling to remake this Christmas classic I am sure it would do quite well with todays audiences.

I give The Great Rupert a rewarding and entertaining 8 out of 10 IMDb rating.