THE LUCK OF THE IRISH (1948)
Article #1010 by Dave Sindelar
Viewing Date: 12-20-2003
Posting Date: 5-18-2003
Directed by Henry Koster
Featuring Tyrone Power, Anne Baxter, Cecil Kellaway

A journalist sells his talents to an aspiring politician because of his engagement to the man’s daughter. However, a leprachaun shows up and tries to match the journalist up with an Irish girl who loves him.

This odd little mixture of drama, comedy and fantasy is a little slow-moving out of the gate, but in general it works all right and is entertaining enough. The performances are very good throughout, particularly from Tyrone Power (as the journalist) and Cecil Kellaway (as the leprachaun); the latter would get nominated for a best-supporting Oscar for his performance. It’s a bit uneven; the comedic, dramatic and fantastic elements don’t quite mesh as smoothly as they could, but the movie does work up a fair amount of charm, particularly towards the end. Keep your eyes open for Lee J. Cobb, and keep your ears open for “Greensleeves”.