Review of Holiday Affair

"Holiday Affair" the 1949 comedy, produced and directed by Don Hartman, is a sweet Christmas picture set in the New York of those years. The film was written by Isobel Lennart, a woman who knew about what to give to the public, as proved by this satisfying comedy in which two unlikely people find love without really trying hard.

A pleasant surprise this film turned out to be. The unusual casting of Robert Mitchum, an actor notorious for playing heavies on the screen, and Janet Leigh, a sweet presence in the movies, seemed doomed from the start. How wrong could anyone be in judging what the creators had in store for their audience? Robert Mitchum showed he was an actor of tremendous range, as he demonstrates here. Janet Leigh had great chemistry playing opposite Mr. Mitchum. Both principals make us believe that anything is possible when one is in love.

The great Wendell Corey also is seen in the film as a lawyer who finds himself out of the picture once the strong presence of the Robert Mitchum character shows up. Gordon Gebert has some good moments without being bratty. Henry Morgan and Henry O'Neil are seen in supporting roles.

"Holiday Affair" will warm anyone's heart especially during the Christmas season.