Monday, October 26, 2009

Half Angel


Half Angel (1951) is a delightful romantic comedy directed by Richard Sale and stars Loretta Young and Joseph Cotton.

Loretta Young plays Nora, a prim and proper nurse, engaged to the stuffy Tim (John Ridgely). Nora is a sleepwalker and during her nocturnal forays, the less inhibited side of her personality takes over. On one of her nocturnal strolls, she meets up with her childhood sweetheart flame, John Raymond Jr. (Joseph Cotten) and once more falls for him. Of course, neither of Nora's personalities is aware of the other's existence, which leads to a comedy of errors. Finally, on the night before her planned wedding to Tim, her nighttime half runs off with John, to her other self's bewilderment the next morning. Of course her psychological problem is discovered in time and the movie ends on a happy note.

Cecil Kellaway plays Nora's father Harry Gilpin. Cecil Kellaway is a long time character actor who appeared in such films as Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967), Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte (1964), and Harvey (1950).

Basil Ruysdael plays Nora's boss, Dr. Jackson. He appeared in such films as The Horse Soliders (1959), People Will Talk (1951), and The File on Thelma Jordan (1950).

Jim Backus best known as Thurston Howell III on Gilligan's Island plays Mike Hogan, John Raymond's friend.

Irene Ryan best known as Granny Clampett is delightful as Nurse Kay, Nora's co-worker and friend. This is a younger Irene Ryan and who knew she had red hair.

John Ridgely is delightful as the stuffy Tim McCarey, Nora's intended groom. Ridgely was Eddie Mars in The Big Sleep and Saunders in Arsenic and Old Lace.

This is not a serious movie, it is simply a delightful romantic comedy with a wonderful cast and if you are looking for a light hearted movie, this is a movie to see.

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