Tenth Avenue Angel

I guess I'm just old-fashioned, since this is the kind of movie that appeals to me. I haven't gone to a theater in years due to the crap they put out now. What's wrong with a sweet little film that leaves you feeling good about life? It was quite inspiring. I like to watch movies that are as I would imagine things to be without all the harsh and ugly realities that are out there.I can't stand most newer movies due to the bad language. (many times put in only to give it a more restrictive rating) I would like to see the return of this style of movie with a modern day setting. At least you could take your kids without feeling embarrassed about it.

This is one of Margaret O'Brien's weaker films. She's the little girl that played in Meet Me In St. Louis, but although her character here is not as annoying as the precocious girl in Meet Me In St. Louis, she's still cloying and appears to have been surrounded by a wise family. Margaret O'Brien was 9-10 years old here, this movie had had production problems which kind of ruined the film for her because at times, she doesn't look much like an 8-year-old. Though, I still loved her marvelous performance and the expressions and emotions she conveys are real. This just strikes me as something that they have wasted Margaret's talent on, the director didn't seem to get her to perform her scenes as well as she did in other movies. And the script could've been rewritten in order for the movie to be a great one.

The TCM review claims this film is a bomb. I do not agree. The film enjoyable and sweet. It is not as sugary as TCM's review claims. Please do not dismiss this film simply because TCM feels it is a BOMB. Tenth Avenue Angel involves eight year-old Flavia who is growing up in a tenement during the depression in New York City. Family problems abound in Flavia's family and Flavia is glue keeping the family from falling apart. She is the "Guardian Angel" of Tenth Avenue. This film is definitely worth watching! If you are looking for a family film to view over the Christmas season this film is perfect, particularly if you are looking for a lesser known film.

Tenth Avenue Angel was a film that I have seen completely for the first time today. It stars Margaret O'brien, Angela Lansbury, and George Murphy. I am a big fan of Margaret O'brien. So naturally I enjoyed the movie very much. I highly recommend it!!!

Some reviews may note that the story between Flavia's Aunt (Angela Landsbury) and Steve is a "filler". I don't agree. Although clearly a sub-plot to the story about Flavia coming to terms with growing up and what to believe, the relationship between the Aunt and Steve is very pertinent to the story in that much of the drama is also about Steve, not just Flavia. The ending is very moving and the 4th of July speech delivered by Flavia is something you have to see to believe. I highly recommend this film, which is a tribute to films about real life. The problems faced by the characters are real life issues. Questions about faith, the nature of truth and lies, and how difficult it can be to get back on the right path.

One viewing of Tenth Avenue Angel will not be enough for any real Margaret O'Brien fan. Miss O'Brien tugs at the heartstrings in this lovely holiday story that will have you longing for more! No doubt Margaret O'Brien was one of the most talented young actresses of all time. Her simple beauty, her ability to come across as a real child, and her talent for delivering lengthy lines never fail to astound you. The story is simple but tender, and other leads such as George Murphy and Angela Lansbury, take a backseat to Miss O'Brien. When she is in a scene, you cannot take you eyes off her. Just as in Our Vines Have Tender Grapes, and Lost Angel, Margaret O'Brien is a delight. A don't miss for any fan of hers and an even bigger treat for those who have never seen her films!