Year of Release: 1961Country of Origin: USA
Director: Frank Capra
Cast: Glenn Ford, Bette Davis, Hope Lange
Plot outline: A good-hearted gangster turns an old apple seller into a society matron so she can impress her daughter (IMDb).
The story, which alternates uneasily between wit and sentiment, is based on the 1933 Lady for a Day which was also directed by Frank Capra. It has to do with an impoverished apple-seller (Bette Davis) who would have her long lost daughter (Ann-Margret) believe that she is a lady of means. This is simple enough when the daughter is on the other side of the globe, but when she comes trotting over for a look-see, mama is in trouble. Enter mama's favorite apple-polisher, influential Dave the Dude (Glenn Ford), who hastily sets up an elaborate masquerade with the aid of a horde of typical 1930s Runyon-esquehoodlums who are hard as nails on the surface, but all whipped cream on the inside. The picture seems too long, considering that there's never any doubt as to the outcome, and it's also too lethargic, but there are sporadic compensations of line and situation that reward the patience. Fortunately Capra has assembled some of Hollywood's outstanding character players for the chore. For the romantic leads, there are no James Stewart and Jean Arthur (probably Capra's most formidable star-pairing), but Ford and Hope Lange. As a comedy team, they get by - particularly Ford. Lange is more suitable for serious roles. Davis has the meaty role of Apple Annie and, except for a tendency to overemotional in closeups, she handles it with depth and finesse. But, the best lines in the picture go to Peter Falk, who just about walks off with the movie when he's on. (V)
My judgement: **1/2 out of 4 stars
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