FRANK CAPRA

Bil’s rating (out of 5):   BBB. 

USA, 1959.  SinCap Productions.  Screenplay by Arnold Schulman, based on his play.  Cinematography by William H. Daniels.  Produced by Frank Capra.  Music by Nelson Riddle.  Production Design by Eddie Imazu.  Costume Design by Edith Head.  Film Editing by William Hornbeck.  

Frank Sinatra stars in this enjoyable comedy-drama in the role that he basically played all throughout the fifties: a down-on-his luck heel who just needs one chance to prove himself worthy of those better than him. This time he’s a struggling Florida hotel owner trying to manage relationships with good-natured Carolyn Jones and his young son. His brother (Edward G. Robinson) and sister-in-law (Thelma Ritter) pop by for a visit to help him out and try to set him up with lovely divorcee Eleanor Parker. Excellent performances highlight a mostly unimpressive story, plus the added delight of hearing the theme ‘High Hopes’, which was introduced in this film and went on to win an Oscar for Best Original Song.

Academy Award:  Best Song (“High Hopes”)