Have always been a big fan of classic film and love holiday films. Especially ones set at or centered around Christmas, of which there are many classics. Most of which mentioned a lot when one brings up Christmas films. Was very interested in seeing Robert Mitchum in a lighter, more subtle role than his usual tough persona that he did so well. Had no doubt that pre--'Psycho' Janet Leigh in an early role would be an ideal choice.
While not quite 'It's a Wonderful Life', 1947's 'Miracle on 34th Street', 1951's 'A Christmas Carol', 'White Christmas' and 'The Bishop's Wife' when it comes to classic film Christmas films, 'Holiday Affair' is still irresistibly charming. As well as criminally overlooked and underseen for reasons that are at present inexplicable to me. It is occasionally a little saccharine later on, but that is pretty much the only thing that stuck out as not so good. The good things with 'Holiday Affair' are many and would go as far to call them great.
It looks lovely and is beautifully shot. The music has subtlety and whimsy, not being over sweet or syrupy and it doesn't overbear. The direction is skillful and has a lightness of touch without being too frothy, especially in the first half.
The script expertly balances charming whimsical feel good (in a way reminiscent of Frank Capra), gentle yet witty humour and poignant pathos, always sounding natural and never souds cheesy or sugary. Excelling particularly in the first half. The story moves, entertains and warms the heart, with no uncertain or sudden tonal shifts and no suspension of disbelief moments. The opening sequence for example is very sweet but not in a sickly way but a very difficult to resist one.
Furthermore the characters are worth caring about and are not too perfect and personality flaws are not overdone. Mitchum does subtle beautifully and Leigh is charmingly delectable. Wendall Corey's characer is on the bland side but Corey brings a wryness and amiable side to him. Gordon Gebert has garnered mixed reviews here, personally thought he was fine. The chemistry between the actors never looks stiff or static.
Concluding, great and unjustly overlooked. 9/10.
While not quite 'It's a Wonderful Life', 1947's 'Miracle on 34th Street', 1951's 'A Christmas Carol', 'White Christmas' and 'The Bishop's Wife' when it comes to classic film Christmas films, 'Holiday Affair' is still irresistibly charming. As well as criminally overlooked and underseen for reasons that are at present inexplicable to me. It is occasionally a little saccharine later on, but that is pretty much the only thing that stuck out as not so good. The good things with 'Holiday Affair' are many and would go as far to call them great.
It looks lovely and is beautifully shot. The music has subtlety and whimsy, not being over sweet or syrupy and it doesn't overbear. The direction is skillful and has a lightness of touch without being too frothy, especially in the first half.
The script expertly balances charming whimsical feel good (in a way reminiscent of Frank Capra), gentle yet witty humour and poignant pathos, always sounding natural and never souds cheesy or sugary. Excelling particularly in the first half. The story moves, entertains and warms the heart, with no uncertain or sudden tonal shifts and no suspension of disbelief moments. The opening sequence for example is very sweet but not in a sickly way but a very difficult to resist one.
Furthermore the characters are worth caring about and are not too perfect and personality flaws are not overdone. Mitchum does subtle beautifully and Leigh is charmingly delectable. Wendall Corey's characer is on the bland side but Corey brings a wryness and amiable side to him. Gordon Gebert has garnered mixed reviews here, personally thought he was fine. The chemistry between the actors never looks stiff or static.
Concluding, great and unjustly overlooked. 9/10.