Fünf Perlen (1952)

Fünf Perlen: Directed by Henry Hathaway, Howard Hawks, Henry King, Henry Koster, Jean Negulesco. With Fred Allen, Anne Baxter, Jeanne Crain, Farley Granger. John Steinbeck introduces a quintet of five of O. Henry’s most celebrated stories from his New York Period (1902-1910) in this anthology film.

“Watching a film may not be the same as reading the book, but this anthology of O. Henry stories does a good job of capturing the authoru0026#39;s talent for crafting a story, thanks to good direction and wonderful casting. Here are a few highlights:u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIn u0026quot;The Cop and the Anthemu0026quot;, the versatile and talented Charles Laughton brings nobility to his portrayal of a bum. Marilyn Monroe adds a touch of class.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIn u0026quot;The Clarion Callu0026quot;, Richard Widmarku0026#39;s portrayal of a cocky criminal jumps off the screen. The story centers around the concept of honor–even among the less than honorable.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eu0026quot;The Last Leafu0026quot; deals with the humanity, sometimes hidden, that lies within all people. Surprisingly, the concept of artistic realism is elevated over expressionism, though a spiritual thread runs through the story.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI read u0026quot;The Ransom of Red Chiefu0026quot; as a boy and the memory of that story is still vivid for me. Here, Ou0026#39; Henry turns a dramatic story on its ear, producing comedic results. Itu0026#39;s a fish out of water story about two Yankee conmen who think that uneducated Southerners are easy marks. Fred Allen and Oscar Levant are well matched in this classic.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eu0026quot;The Gift of the Magiu0026quot; is perhaps O. Henryu0026#39;s best known story. This tale has Dickensian roots and celebrates the true spirit of Christmas. Jeanne Crain brightens this story with her beauty and sensitivity.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe film is narrated by John Steinbeck, who helps unify the five parts into a tribute to O. Henry.”