A Hole in the Head (4 stars)

A Hole in the Head, directed by the fabulous Frank Capra, is a delightful little film starring Frank Sinatra, Eleanor Parker, Edward G. Robinson, Thelma Ritter, and a sweet little boy named Eddie Hodges.  Part comedy, part drama, it also has a few sentimental moments.

Tony Manetti (Frank Sinatra), a widower with a young son, owns and operates a run-down hotel in Miami.  Since business isn't all that good, Tony is constantly having to worry about the mortgage and an assortment of other bills.  A gambler, Tony is always sure that his big moment is just around the corner, that very soon, he will hit the jackpot and his financial worries will be over.  All he needs is a short-term loan, just to tide him over until his riches come in. 

Tony's brother, Mario (Edward G. Robinson), and his sister-in-law, Sophie (Thelma Ritter), are quite comfortable financially, and since they've helped him out in the past, Tony is sure they'll be willing to help him out again...especially because of their love and concern for Tony's son, Ally.  Mario, though, doesn't want to enable Tony to continue gambling and living on dreams.  He wants him to settle down, to get a real job and a wife.  He wants a real home, not a hotel, for his nephew, so he tells Tony he won't give him a dime.  Unless Tony is willing to marry and settle down, there will be no money from Mario and Sophie.

Tony agrees to meet Eloise Rogers (Eleanor Parker), a kind-hearted widow his sister-in-law knows, but he's really not sure he wants to give up his carefree existence to marry her...even if it means that Mario and Sophie take Ally back home to live with them.  So, he tries once more to get the big payoff, this time asking an old friend to finance him, but when that doesn't work out, Tony is forced to make some tough decisions.

There are some very tender moments in this film...I even get lightly misty-eyed a couple of times.  There are many lighthearted moments, though, and even some hearty laughs.  I am so used to Eddie G. as a gangster, so I was unprepared for just how funny he could be.  And the way he and Thelma Ritter played off of one another was great.  She is always fabulous, and she certainly doesn't disappoint here.  Also, the chemistry between Frank Sinatra and little Eddie Hodges was amazing.  I loved watching the two of them together.  Yes, their characters had a strong bond, but I believe that bond was off-screen as well.  They just connected in a wonderful way.

Also in this movie, Frank has a chance to show his musical abilities with the delightful "High Hopes."  It's always a treat to hear Ol Blue Eyes sing.

Anyhow, this sweet movie is out on DVD and should be quite easy to track down.  I hope y'all get a chance to see it.  Happy viewing!!