"The Luck of the Irish" 1948

"Irish paths are whimsical, like the Irish character."

Stephen Fitzgerald - Tyrone Power
Nora - Anne Baxter
Horace/Leprechaun - Ceceil Kellaway
David C. Auger - Lee J. Cobb
Frances Auger - Jayne Meadows

Such a whimsical, fun movie. It is sad that this one is difficult to find. However, when you do, you will be enchanted.

The movie opens with scenes of the beautiful Irish countryside as American writer, Stephen Fitzgerald (Tyrone Power), travels to the coast of Ireland to make his way back to America. Right away he makes the acquaintance of a leprechaun by the "waterfall on the gentle bern" that the lovely Nora (Anne Baxter), "the old lady" of the inn says doesn't exist.

Thinking it's all a joke, Stephen captures the leprechaun and demands to see his gold. Still not believing the "story," He gives the gold back to the old man.

Meanwhile, Stephen goes back to New York to a plush job, working for a publisher (Cobb) who is vying for high political office. Stephen's job? To get him elected. His passion is real writing but real writing doesn't pay the bills.

Following him to New York is the grateful leprechaun who poses as his manservant so as to repay the favor. His desire is to "help" Stephen make the right decisions.

In a twist of Irish fate, Nora comes to NY to settle the estate of a deceased relative. In the city of 8 million people, Stephen "happens" to cross paths with her on the subway train. To confuse things, Stephen's publisher boss has a beautiful daughter, Florence (Meadows), who has set her sights on him while the manservant has his sights set on setting Stephen up with Nora.

"You are the type who wears no man's collar. That is why I am pleased to serve you." says Horace, but Stephen isn't so sure. Especially when he agrees to run Auger's campaign and marry "the tall lady" leading to the position of running the newspaper.

After he has written a campaign speech that is full of things that are contrary to what he believes, everything comes to a head. Does he stay with high-maintenance Florence and his high-powered position or does he return to a more simple life with Nora and writing. Sell his soul or save it? "I offered you gold. It's not my fault that you prefer a pebble." is all Horace can say.

The movie is full of adorable clichés and fun predicaments as Stephen's life is turned upside down. There is the raucous New York Irish wedding in a pub; the Irish police officer; and the Irish fireman and pugilist. Not to mention the Irish tongue! Fun times all around!