The Luck of the Irish (3 stars)

The Luck of the Irish, from 1948, is a fun little romantic comedy starring Tyrone Power and Anne Baxter.  Featuring Cecil Kellaway, who received a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award nomination for his work here, Jayne Meadows, and Lee J. Cobb in supporting roles, this film was one our family enjoyed as part of our St. Patrick's Day celebration this year.

While traveling in Ireland, American newspaperman, Steven "Fitz" Fitzgerald (Ty Power), encounters car problems.

In a hurry to get back to New York and the job awaiting him there, Fitz sets out in search of assistance, and he soon discovers an old man (Cecil Kellaway) sitting beside a waterfall.

Though the man is a bit odd, he, nevertheless, directs Fitz to a nearby inn, where he makes the acquaintance of the beautiful Nora (Anne Baxer).  Fitz and Nora click immediately, and when Fitz mentions the old man and the waterfall to her, he is told that no such waterfall exists.  Sure enough, when he makes another visit to that location, there is no waterfall; however, he does come upon the old man, and he soon realizes the man is a leprechaun...unless, of course, it was all just a strange dream.

Leaving the lovely Nora behind, Fitz returns to America, where his writing abilities will be used developing speeches for his politically-minded boss (Lee J. Cobb).

Engaged to the boss's daughter, Frances (Jayne Meadows), and with a fancy apartment and servant to call his own, things appear to be looking very fine for Fitz.  But with Nora suddenly arriving in New York and his new servant none other than Horace, the Irish leprechaun---whose one goal is to give Fitz gold, instead of the pebble he is willing to settle for---Fitz's life is soon to be turned upside-down.

Will Horace and his "pot of gold" get Fitz's life back on track?  Or will Fitz continue to compromise his beliefs to satisfy his boss's political plans?  These are the questions which play out in the balance of this adorable little film.

While not a spectacular film, The Luck of the Irish is, nevertheless, very sweet and fun.  Ty Power is great in this role...as is Anne Baxer.  Both of them are completely beautiful...and you will love the soft brogue Anne sports here.  Cecil Kellaway is absolutely delightful as the little leprechaun.  He more or less bounces around Ty's apartment and is quite adorable.  Though nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role here, quite honestly, since Walter Huston was nominated that year for Treasure of the Sierra Madre, Mr. Kellaway didn't have a hope of winning.  Even so, though, he was wonderful in the role and played the part perfectly.  Another delightful aspect of this film is the lovely Irish score.

This film is out on DVD as part of the Tyrone Power Matinee Idol Collection, so it ought to be fairly easy to track down. Plus, it's available in its entirety on YouTube (HERE). Really, it's loads of fun...and it's the perfect addition to a St. Patrick's Day movie night.  Put it on your "watch list" for next year.

Happy viewing!!