Holiday Affair
Directed by Don Hartman
Written by Isabel Lennart from a story by John D. Weaver
1949/USA
RKO Radio Pictures
First viewing/Amazon Instant
[box] Connie Ennis: If you wish for things you can get, you’re gonna be happy. If you wish for real big things, all you’re gonna get is real big disappointments.[/box]
The stars’ irresistible charisma lightens this utterly predictable Christmastime romantic comedy.
War widow Connie (Janet Leigh) works as a comparison shopper. She meets salesman Steve (Robert Mitchum) when she buys a toy train set in a most business like way. When she takes the train home, we meet her adorable little boy, Timmy, and Carl (Wendell Corey), an attorney who has been courting her for years.
The next day, when she returns the train, Steve confronts her and threatens to expose her. She tells him she will lose her job and Steve takes pity on her. They have lunch in the park where Connie finds out that Steve is actually a free-spirit who dreams of a career designing sail boats. His kindness ends up getting him fired instead. Janet’s meeting with Steve shakes her up so much that she agrees to marry Carl.
Will Steve and Timmy bond over toy trains? Who will get the girl? Neither of these questions are in doubt for a single minute.
The chemistry between Janet Leigh and Robert Mitchum is palpable and makes the movie enjoyable despite all the cliches. Another one to possibly add to one’s holiday viewing list for one Christmas, at least.
Trailer
