In one sentence: It Happened on 5th Avenue is a classic festive tale of kindness and community in post-war New York. 

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Christmas is synonymous with generosity and togetherness and most of us can easily name a handful of films that celebrate these ideals. Yet the same titles tend to dominate festive schedules year after year. One classic that beautifully captures these warm values that is often overlooked is It Happened on 5th Avenue.

Set in post-war New York, the film follows Aloysius T. McKeever (Victor Moore), a homeless man who, along with his dog, Danny, spends the winter months secretly living in the 5th Avenue mansion of Michael J. O’Connor (Charles Ruggles), the second richest man in America. Unbeknownst to Michael, his home is a seasonal refuge for the homeless. Aloysius invites Jim Bullock (Don DeFore), a war veteran who has been evicted and left homeless, to join him and this is a catalyst for the film’s events.

The situation becomes more complicated when O’Connor’s daughter, Trudy (Gale Storm), returns home after running away from finishing school and discovers the men living there. Rather than revealing her identity, she pretends to be from an underprivileged background and stays with them. Matters grow even more amusing when Michael O’Connor himself enters the picture, persuaded by his daughter to pose as a homeless man and move into his own basement. What unfolds is a series of misunderstandings and hidden identities that are both humorous and deeply touching. The result is a film that is warm, funny and genuinely uplifting.

The film was originally slated to be directed by Frank Capra, who instead chose to make It’s a Wonderful Life. While Capra went on to create what many consider the definitive Christmas film, It Happened on 5th Avenue has quietly become something of a hidden gem. It addresses serious themes such as homelessness, poverty and the struggles faced by veterans, but does so with a light touch that keeps the film accessible and hopeful. Some might argue that this approach makes it appear superficial, but for a Christmas film, it strikes a pleasing balance. It offers depth without becoming heavy-handed and its characters emerge kinder and wiser by the end.

In an era when Christmas feels more commercial than ever, the film delivers a gentle reminder that true wealth lies not in money or possessions, but in friendship, generosity and community. Much of the humour comes from the reversals of status and the irony of Aloysius unknowingly running the O’Connor household while its wealthy owner sleeps in the basement. Victor Moore and Charles Ruggles are particularly entertaining and carry much of the film’s charm.

As with many films of its age, there are technical quirks to overlook. Occasional mistimed lip-syncing and clearly artificial exterior sets stand out, but rather than detracting from the experience, they add to the film’s vintage appeal. They also serve as a reminder of how much was achieved with limited resources and how enduring good storytelling can be.

Overall, It Happened on 5th Avenue is a comforting and heartfelt Christmas watch that carries a timeless message. It is suitable for the whole family and deserves to be revisited and celebrated far more during the festive season than it currently is.

★★★½ (3.5/5)