Holiday Affair (1949)

75% of users liked it
(366 ratings)

A disarming little trifle, Holiday Affair has in the years since its original release become a Yuletide perennial on television. War widow Janet Leigh hasn't the money to buy the model train that her son Gordon Gebert wants for Christmas. Robert Mitchum overhears the boy's plight, and offers to… More A disarming little trifle, Holiday Affair has in the years since its original release become a Yuletide perennial on television. War widow Janet Leigh hasn't the money to buy the model train that her son Gordon Gebert wants for Christmas. Robert Mitchum overhears the boy's plight, and offers to purchase the train for him, even though it will deplete his own money supply. This little gesture of kindness from Mitchum snowballs into a series of comic complications, thanks in part to the unwelcome intervention of Leigh's stuffed-shirt attorney boyfriend Wendell Corey. Harry Morgan shows up towards the end as a flustered night-court judge who helps tie some of the loose plot ends together. Based on a short story by John D. Weaver, A Holiday Affair didn't do too well at the box office, but its afterlife has been most satisfactory. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 26 min.
Directed By: Don Hartman
Written By: Isobel Lennart
Genres: Kids & Family, Romance, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 24, 1949 Wide
On DVD: Nov 11, 2008

Critic Reviews

David Cornelius, DVDTalk.com
Mitchum's interplay with Leigh is a sweet treat, carrying the movie through its more routine segments.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It's perfect for those who like their holiday films retro, sweet and as laid-back as Mitchum.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

A cute, but predictable, romantic comedy with a good cast.
Alice S

I think I liked this movie so much because of Tim, who is really a swell kid. One might believe that Connie has to choose between two men in her life, but Tim is the one who takes the final decision. I also enjoyed breakfast in the park, when unexpected things can happen to those warm… More
I think I liked this movie so much because of Tim, who is really a swell kid. One might believe that Connie has to choose between two men in her life, but Tim is the one who takes the final decision. I also enjoyed breakfast in the park, when unexpected things can happen to those warm hearted who take care of orphan squirrels.

Cast

            Robert Mitchum as Steve Mason

            Janet Leigh as Connie Ennis

            Wendell Corey as Carl Davis

            Griff Barnett as Mr. Ennis

            Esther Dale as Mrs. Ennis

            Henry O'Neill as Mr. Crowley

            Henry Morgan as Police Lieutenant

            Larry J. Blake as Plainclothesman

            Helen Brown as Emily

            Chick Chandler
            
            Donald Dillaway
            
            Gordon Geberl as Timmy Ennis

            James Griffith as Floorwalker

            Jim Hawkins
            
            William Henry
            
            Robert Lyden
            
            Frances Morris as Housekeeper

            Philip Morris as Conductor (uncredited)

            Al Murphy
            
            Joey Ray
            
            Mary Stuart
            
            Frank E. Johnson as Santa Claus

            Frank Mills
            
            Allen Mathews as Mr. Gow

            Pat Hall
            
See full cast