Holiday Affair (1949) DVD5 - A Christmastime Story [DDR]

Holiday Affair is a black-and-white 1949 light romantic comedy film starring Robert Mitchum and Janet Leigh. In this modest film, directed and produced by Don Hartman, Mitchum expanded from his typical roles in film noir and war films. It was based on the story Christmas Gift by John D. Weaver, also the film's working title.

Set during the Christmas season, the film was not well received on its initial release. However, Turner Classic Movies airing the film over Christmas has led to it becoming a minor holiday classic. A made-for-television remake was produced in 1996.

    CAST:-
    Robert Mitchum as Steve Mason
    Janet Leigh as Connie Ennis
    Wendell Corey as Carl Davis
    Gordon Gebert as Timmy Ennis
    Griff Barnett as Mr. Ennis
    Esther Dale as Mrs. Ennis
    Henry O'Neill as Mr. Crowley
    Harry Morgan as Police Lieutenant
    Larry J. Blake as Plainclothesman
    Helen Brown as Emily ( Mr Crowley's secretary )
    Frances Morris as Housekeeper ( Mary )

    Directed by Don Hartman
    Produced by Don Hartman
    Written by Isobel Lennart, John D. Weaver

MOVIE REVIEW:- Holiday Affair (1949)
Steve Mason (Robert Mitchum), a veteran and drifter, is employed as a clerk during the Christmas season at Crowley's, a New York department store. He suspects customer Connie Ennis (Janet Leigh) of being a comparative shopper for a rival store when she buys an expensive toy train set without asking a single question about it. That night, her son Timmy (Gordon Gebert) becomes excited when he sneaks a peek at what he thinks is his present, only to be disappointed when his mother sets him straight. When Connie returns the train the next day, Steve tells her that he should report her to the store detective, which would lead to her firing. After she explains that she is a war widow with a son to support, Steve refunds her money, a gesture that costs him his job.

Steve becomes acquainted with Connie, her son, and her longtime boyfriend, lawyer Carl Davis (Wendell Corey). On Christmas morning, Timmy discovers the train set outside the apartment door and assumes that his mother got it for him after all. When Connie realizes who it must have come from, she finds the almost-broke Steve in Central Park, gives him a tie (originally intended for Carl), and offers to reimburse him for the expensive present. He refuses her money, saying that he wants to encourage Timmy's optimism. Connie then reveals she is marrying Carl on New Year's Day; Steve lets her know he thinks her decision is a mistake. Annoyed, Connie goes home.

Later on, Steve is arrested on suspicion of theft of a pair of stolen salt and pepper shakers, which a park bum (Frank Mills) had given to him as a gift (after Steve gave him his old tie). Carl does his best to secure his client's freedom, but only succeeds in annoying the police lieutenant (Harry Morgan). Connie explains about Steve and the bum, to the discomfort of Carl and the amusement of the lieutenant, and Steve is released. Timmy then invites Steve to have Christmas dinner with them. The meal is an uneasy affair, with Connie's former in-laws (Esther Dale and Griff Barnett) watching the two rivals for her affections. At the end, Steve stands up and announces that he is in love with Connie and that she should marry him. She tells him to leave.

The next day, Timmy takes his train set back to Crowley's to get the money back for Steve. He eventually ends up tearfully telling his story to the owner, Mr. Crowley (Henry O'Neill). After Timmy returns home, Connie and Carl drive to Steve's hotel to give him the money. When Connie asks Carl to see Steve by himself, the lawyer realizes he has no chance and gives up. Connie then sees Steve, but when he insists that she stop grieving for her dead husband, she storms out. However, she finally accepts that she loves Steve. She takes Timmy, boards the train Steve is taking to California, and embraces him.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:-
Video Codec: MPEG-2
Video Bitrate: 4999 kbps
Video Resolution: 720x480
Video Aspect Ratio: 1.333:1
Frames Per Second: 29.970
Audio Codec:  AC3
Audio Bitrate: 192kb/s CBR 48000 Hz
Audio Streams:  2
Audio Languages:English
RunTime 87 mins
Subtitles: Francais
Ripped by: Trinidad [DDR]
Duration: 87 mins