It Happened on Fifth Avenue 1947
Directed by
Roy Del Ruth
Made by
Allied Artists Pictures
Plot Summary
On the bustling streets of New York City, specifically on Fifth Avenue, known as the “richest avenue in the world,” a tour bus narrator draws attention to the dilapidated townhouse of Michael O’Connor, the world’s second wealthiest individual. Amidst this backdrop, a middle-aged drifter named Aloysious T. McKeever, or “Mac,” accompanied by his loyal dog Sam, stealthily enters the O’Connor residence through a loose board and a manhole cover, seeking shelter for the night.
Meanwhile, O’Connor finds himself in the midst of evicting tenants from another one of his properties to make way for an ambitious eighty-story building. Among the displaced is Jim Bullock, a down-and-out veteran struggling to find work, who adamantly resists leaving. After an unfortunate encounter that leads to him being thrown out, Jim, while resting on a park bench, crosses paths with Mac. Seeing an opportunity, Mac invites Jim to come stay with him at the O’Connor estate, which he has unofficially inhabited for three winters while O’Connor spends his time in Virginia.
As the plot unfolds, O’Connor is preoccupied with plans to purchase Camp Kilson, a deserted army facility, to establish a significant air cargo network. His situation turns more complicated when he learns that his daughter Trudy has run away from her finishing school. Upon her arrival at the townhouse, Jim mistakenly assumes Trudy is a thief but allows her to stay, unaware of her true identity. Strikingly, she quickly develops feelings for Jim, opting to keep her wealthy background hidden to ensure he loves her for who she truly is.
When the night patrol arrives for a routine check, Mac devises a plan for everyone to hide and ultimately reveals to both Jim and Trudy that he is merely an intruder. In a heartfelt twist, Jim encounters fellow veterans Hank and Whitey along with their families, who are living in their car due to post-war housing shortages. Inspired by Mac, the group begins to brainstorm renovations to repurpose vacant army barracks as housing solutions and sets their sights on bidding for Camp Kilson.
As the narrative continues, O’Connor returns to New York to find Trudy headed off to her new job at a local music shop. Although he insists she return to school, Trudy stands her ground, revealing she has felt isolated her entire life and desires to be with Jim. The situation thickens when O’Connor, intent on meeting Jim, agrees to disguise himself as a drifter. Much to everyone’s surprise, Trudy persuades Mac to permit O’Connor to join their makeshift household.
However, O’Connor grows increasingly frustrated with his unexpected house guests, threatening to involve the police. To sway the situation, Trudy brings in her mother, Mary, who had left O’Connor years ago due to his workaholic tendencies. As sparks rekindle between Mary and O’Connor, Mac unwittingly encourages their reunion, believing they might marry. Problems arise when Mary learns of O’Connor’s plans to undermine Jim by offering him a job far away in Bolivia. Fueled by exit anger, she decides to leave him, and with Trudy’s support, ultimately convinces O’Connor to allow Jim to purchase the property.
On New Year’s Eve, the impromptu family gathers to celebrate their upcoming contract as they prepare to part ways. Though Trudy and Jim, alongside Mary and O’Connor, extend an offer for Mac to stay, he assures them he has arrangements at O’Connor’s estate in Virginia while bidding goodbye. In a heartfelt send-off, O’Connor promises Mary that come next November, Mac will find his way back through their front door.
Timeline
Introduction to Fifth Avenue
The bustling streets of New York City, specifically Fifth Avenue, often referred to as the richest avenue in the world, set the scene for the story. A tour bus narrator highlights the opulence surrounding them, drawing attention to the dilapidated townhouse of Michael O'Connor, the world's second wealthiest individual.
Mac's Arrival
Aloysious T. McKeever, known as Mac, is introduced as a middle-aged drifter seeking shelter. Accompanied by his loyal dog Sam, he sneaks into the O'Connor residence through a loose board, seeking refuge for the night.
O'Connor and the Eviction
Michael O'Connor is preoccupied with evicting tenants from one of his properties to make way for a grand eighty-story building. Among the displaced is Jim Bullock, a struggling veteran who protests his eviction vehemently, revealing the human cost of O'Connor's ambitions.
Jim Meets Mac
After being thrown out during the eviction process, Jim Bullock finds himself resting on a park bench. There he encounters Mac, who invites him to stay at the O'Connor estate, which he has unofficially inhabited during the winters.
O'Connor's Business Ambitions
O'Connor plans to purchase Camp Kilson, a deserted army facility, to establish an air cargo network. His focus on business is soon overshadowed by personal troubles when he discovers that his daughter Trudy has run away from her finishing school.
Trudy Arrives
Trudy arrives at the townhouse, and Jim mistakenly assumes she is a thief. He allows her to stay, sensing a connection. Unbeknownst to Jim, Trudy hides her wealthy background, hoping to be loved for who she truly is.
Concealed Identities
As the night unfolds, the night patrol arrives for a routine check. Mac devises a plan for everyone to hide, revealing his status as an intruder to Jim and Trudy. The tension of hidden identities builds within the household.
Inspiration Strikes
Jim encounters fellow veterans Hank and Whitey, who are living in their car due to housing shortages post-war. Inspired by Mac’s spirit, they brainstorm ideas to repurpose vacant army barracks into housing solutions, igniting community hopes.
Trudy’s Defiance
O'Connor returns to find Trudy pursuing a job at a local music shop against his wishes. She reveals her desire to be free and to be with Jim, standing up against her father's imposing expectations.
Disguises and Revelations
Trudy persuades her father to disguise himself as a drifter to meet Jim. The unlikely arrangement leads to humorous and awkward revelations about identity for all involved, complicating relationships within the makeshift family.
Growing Tensions
O'Connor's frustration with his unexpected house guests mounts, leading to threats of police involvement. The dynamics within the house escalate as Trudy attempts to bridge the gap between her father and her new friends.
Mary's Return
Mary, O'Connor's estranged wife, returns due to Trudy's insistence. Old sparks reignite between her and O'Connor, and their relationship begins to be re-evaluated as they confront past issues.
Conflict Over Jim's Future
Mary learns of O'Connor's plans to undermine Jim by offering him a job far away in Bolivia. Angered by this betrayal, she decides to leave him, rallying Trudy’s support to stand up against O'Connor's control.
Celebrating New Beginnings
On New Year’s Eve, the newly formed family comes together to celebrate their future contracts as they prepare to embark on new journeys. The sense of community grows stronger as they reflect on their shared struggles and hopes.
Farewell and Promises
As the celebration winds down, O'Connor assures Mary that Mac will return through their front door come November. The promise highlights their enduring connections and sets the stage for future reunions.
Characters
Aloysious T. McKeever
Aloysious, or 'Mac', is a resourceful middle-aged drifter who seeks shelter in the O'Connor townhouse. He showcases kindness and ingenuity, effortlessly navigating the challenges of homelessness while forming vital connections with Jim and Trudy. His character embodies resilience and a spirit of generosity in uncertain times.
Michael O'Connor
Michael is a wealthy but oblivious landlord, embroiled in his ambition and plans for expansion. His journey throughout the film reveals a lack of awareness regarding the struggles of his tenants, making him a symbol of the divide between the rich and the poor. Ultimately, he faces the consequences of his actions and learns the value of compassion.
Trudy O'Connor
Trudy, Michael's daughter, experiences a profound transformation throughout the film as she seeks authenticity away from her privileged background. Disguising her identity, she develops feelings for Jim, highlighting her desire for genuine connections and a meaningful life beyond societal expectations.
Jim Bullock
Jim is a down-and-out veteran facing the struggles of life post-war and resisting eviction from his home. His resilience and determination drive him to connect with Mac and Trudy, as he finds hope amidst despair. Jim's character represents the average person's fight for dignity and a better future.
Setting
Time period
The movie does not specify an exact time period but is set in the post-World War II era, a time marked by housing shortages and a struggle for many veterans to reintegrate into society. This period is characterized by significant social change and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Location
New York City, Fifth Avenue
New York City, particularly Fifth Avenue, is known as the 'richest avenue in the world', lined with luxury shops and historic landmarks. The avenue represents wealth and status, while also contrasting with the struggles of its less fortunate inhabitants. It's a vibrant hub of life and culture, showcasing both opulence and the need for community.
Themes
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Family
Family dynamics play a crucial role in the movie, emphasizing the importance of connections and support systems during challenging times. The interactions between Trudy, Jim, and Michael O'Connor highlight the complexities of familial relationships, reconciling past grievances, and forging new bonds. Ultimately, the film illustrates how love and understanding can bridge divides.
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Home
The concept of home is central to the narrative, explored through various characters seeking shelter, belonging, and stability. As Aloysious and Jim navigate their living situation, the film raises questions about what constitutes a home and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect it. The townhouse becomes a refuge, bringing together unlikely allies in a shared quest for security.
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Friendship
Friendship serves as a lifeline for the characters, showcasing the strength found in camaraderie amidst adversity. Mac and Jim's bond evolves from a chance encounter into a supportive partnership, reflecting the importance of community and friendship in overcoming hardships. Their collective efforts inspire others, fostering a sense of unity and hope.
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