Star in the Night (1945) User Reviews

The updated story of the Nativity-with a little Christmas Carol twist tossed in.

[llltdesq · 9/10 · 19 December 2001]

This short, which won an Academy Award, is a modern day variant on the Nativity, complete with a Scrooge, wonderfully done by J. Carroll Naish. This short was a marvelous vehicle for this veteran character actor and he shines in the spotlight. This short runs on Turner Classic Movies between films, with Christmas Eve and Day as natural opportunities to catch this at least once. It's a longish short, but most definitely worth the time and effort to catch. Most recommended.

Modern nativity story is very good

[SimonJack · 9/10 · 6 December 2016]

I don't ever recall having seen this short film on TV, but it came as a bonus on a DVD I bought for another Christmas movie. This 22-minute film came out in theaters in October 1945. World War II had ended by late summer, and this would be the first Christmas in over a decade in which there would be peace from war on earth. So, the message of this modern day (1945) nativity story surely struck a chord with moviegoers that fall.

The setting is in the desert lands of the American Southwest. Three cowboys become the wise men when they follow a bright star in the desert to a roadway stop and motel. The star is a huge electric sign on a water tower, lit with dozens of bright light bulbs. Before that, other principals are on the scene, with the last to arrive being a young couple. The woman is about to have a baby, but there are no more rooms in the motel. The owners finally make a comfortable place for the couple out in the shed.

The entire cast are good in their roles. J. Carroll Naish is the innkeeper, Nick Catapoli. Donald Woods plays the hitchhiker and Rosina Galli plays Nicks wife, Rosa. The three cowboys are played by Richard Erdman, John Miles and Cactus Mack. The change of character that Nick and others experience reflect the message of Christmas nicely. As others have noted, this is a genuine gem of a short subject. Hollywood must have thought so as well, because "Star in the Night" won the 1945 Oscar for best short subject film.

Star in the Night

[Scarecrow-88 · 9/10 · 20 December 2018]

Siegel ("Dirty Harry") directed his first feature, albeit a short using the Nativity and even A Christmas Carol as storytelling/aesthetic/thematic elements, and for some it will no doubt be as he described it: syrupy and oversentimental. The soft-spoken Donald Woods (William Castle's Thirteen Ghosts), an enigmatic, cherubic unnamed hitchhiker who stumbles on a small western town with an inn operated by a cynical, morose innkeeper named Nick Catapoli (the great--and deserved of re-evaluation of a career that proved quite impressive with roles such as this and Dr. Renauld's Secret & Beast with Five Fingers--J. Carrol Naish). Wood's hitchhiker requests kindly just a warm place to relax for a bit and perhaps a hot coffee. He realizes Nick is not exactly in the Christmas spirit, having seen a lot of mankind's toxic, negative side far too often. Nick set up a big star display with bulbs lighting it up so that travelers from miles would be drawn to the town, an expensive but seemingly successful lure, being that at his inn on this Christmas Eve it was all booked up eventually. While Woods works on the innkeeper, trying to convince him that mankind can prove to be right the opposite of what continues to remind Nick of why he's as miserable as he is-an angered customer gripes about his dress shirts being laundered poorly, an older couple arrive demanding blankets because their experiences at other lodges were cold and uncomfortable-a young couple arrive needing somewhere to rest as the wife, Maria (Mary) of the young man (Jose Santos (Joseph)) is pregnant. This couple (the Nativity aspect of the film) will have to be given rest in a "shed" (a barn similar to the manger scene those familiar with Jesus Christ's birth will recognize) with all the lodgers featured in the film (the complaining and demanding, difficult folk testing Nick's patience) rustling together to help Maria during the birth of her baby boy. Naish is obviously Scrooge, needing to realize as time continues that the spirit of Christmas is alive and well, as Woods serves as a mouthpiece for why he shouldn't be so derogatory and miserly. Naish, to his credit, gives us nuance and his work in 22 minutes isn't overtly or grossly melodramatic. Sure he points at guests constantly griping and dumping on him when they go elsewhere as evidence when Woods remains at the inn as a vocal spectator that what he says is true...but then when needed as Maria's child's birth looms near, all of these very customers prove that despite what has been visualized before they are willing to forgo their own individual wants and desires in favor of helping her. The shirts laundered poorly served as bandages and such. Nick's forthcoming, charitable wife-a direct opposite of him-is always supportive of her customers/guests, putting their best interests ahead. She's the one who corrals the guests into helping Maria, making sure Santos remains inside the café of the inn with Woods' hitchhiker and Nick who tends to the coffee and supplying of what might be needed (more or less so that Woods and Naish could discuss the Christmas developments eventually leading to a literal and ironically imitated Nativity scene). The three cowboys leaving a store with gifts purchased supposedly because of a pretty counter girl fit the "wise men" of the Nativity aspect of the film, later arriving at the inn in no small part due to Nick's lighted star set up to attract customers. It all comes together and Nick sees all of this develop up to the birth of Maria's child and how those surrounding her is eerily similar to a Nativity scene picture on his wall. Yes, this is a bit overt and in your face, but I guess it worked for me because I enjoyed the entire short film from beginning to end. This won't be for everyone. Even Siegel was a bit critical of it, but the cast and presentation personally won me over. If just because of Naish's effective "conversion" where he is able to see both the negative and positive sides of the same people (one customer balks about singing from a nearby room at the inn, keeping her awake and ruining her sleep due to an early rising awaiting her, but when needed to carry blankets and support she made herself available) during Christmas Eve. I didn't think, except maybe for the final image where Naish gets teary-eyed as he puts two-and-two together, it was much about turning a viewer Christian as allowing its main protagonist the chance to see humanity despite otherwise witnessing the absence of it. And I think previews of folks at their most irritable and self-absorbed, later revealing that they can put others ahead of themselves, is a message that resonates less and less today as it might have back then. Naish giving Woods his coat at the end as the hitcher goes on his way is a great final act of kindness that isn't necessarily as over the top as those in his inn's barn resembling closely the manger scene. I guess it will all depend on whether or not you consider the film's message just too much or substantive. As a Christmas film, I think it is a 22 minute gem. Beautifully photographed by Robert Burks with an emphasis on facial reactions and with Siegel's direction, capturing a lot of detail within a small set of locations.

Simply wonderful

[jnwa3 · 10/10 · 13 September 2004]

This black and white short made almost 60 years ago is one sweet surprise to anyone who happens upon it. Turner classic movies airs this from time to time during the holidays and even though I saw it by accident last Christmas I'm so thankful I had the idea to tape it "just in case" it was a keeper. It takes place on Christmas eve long ago as three cowboys happen to show up at a small place where others also are wanting a place to stay for the night. Most are bitter and full of complaints until something happens to bring these people together on this freezing Christmas eve. A poor young couple wander in and are in obvious discomfort as the young woman is close to having a child. The people earlier so full of scorn and complaints all learn the true meaning of Christmas when they come together giving the couple the things they need so that this new little baby can safely be born.

It will make your heart swell and bring a tear or two to your eyes as you experience this sweet tale.

Wonderful! Saw it on TCM, you can get it now...

[jakeh · 10/10 · 8 November 2005]

This is touching vintage short that usually appears between movies on TCM during the Christmas season. Now you can get it with the new DVD release of "Christmas In Connecticut" with Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan. It's included as a short on the DVD. Now I don't have to try and catch it with my TiVo this holiday season. "Star" is a wonderful Christmas featurette and is highly recommended. Will really get you into the Christmas spirit, guaranteed! The mysterious hitchhiker, Donald Woods, is really interesting. He seems to be guiding each individual through a process of recognizing the real spirit of Christmas. You may remember him from "True Grit" and many other movies. He made no less than 5 features and this featurette in 1945 (although his scenes in "God Is My Co-Pilot" were left on the cutting-room floor).

A Masterpiece

[Michael_Elliott · 7 January 2009]

Star in the Night (1945)

**** (out of 4)

Brilliant updating of The Nativity Story has a small diner owner (J. Carrol Naish), a bitter man, opening his doors to a wide range of people on Christmas Eve. Included in this group are a hitchhiker (Donald Woods), a couple expecting a baby and three cowboys. Even though this film only runs 21-minutes I still think it's one of the best of the decade. The film won an Oscar for Best Short but it also marks the directorial debut of Don Siegel who would go onto direct several Clint Eastwood films. The movie tells a story we're all familiar with but it takes it to the next level with its warm characters and strong message. There's a mysterious undertone to the hitchhiker character that really reminds me of something we'd see decades later in The Twilight Zone. The future TV shows had the same feelings that are present in this film, which of course was made years later. Another strong thing are the performances with Naish leading the way. Naish was always a fine character actor but his performance here is chilling and might be the best I've ever seen from him. The same with Woods who brings so much life to his character even though he says very little. This film is flawless from start to finish so it's a real shame more people don't know it but thankfully Turner Classic Movies show it each year around the holiday.

STAR IN THE NIGHT (Don Siegel, 1945) ****

[Bunuel1976 · 10/10 · 19 March 2010]

According to his autobiography, "A Siegel Film", the action-oriented director did not like his own first directorial effort, finding it "over-sentimental, cloying with syrup and gooey molasses"; consequently, he was surprised when it eventually won the Oscar for Best Short Subject! Personally, I have to disagree with him completely because this wonderful short, a surprising Christmas allegory, turned out to be one of the great, unsung Yuletide films. The three wise men are here replaced by rambling cowboys, a young married woman gives birth in a barn and there is even a benign tramp that vaguely represents John The Baptist! There are all-round fine performances, led by J. Carroll Naish as a cynical barkeeper (who manages to overcome a stereotypical Italian characterization) redeemed through the influence of the aforementioned stranger. Siegel never again did anything with this kind of warmth afterwards preferring to lean mostly towards hard-hitting subjects…which is perhaps why he (injudiciously) eyed this gem of a film with suspicion in his memoirs.

Christmas In The West

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 13 December 2008]

Warner Brothers assembled a fine group of character actors for this short subject which won an Oscar in that category in the year 1945. This very good modern telling of the nativity story with a little more character development could have qualified as a feature film.

The star in the night is the new electric sign for the motel run by J. Carrol Naish and his wife Rosina Galli. Naish when we first meet him is getting agitated trying to get that electric sign to work for which he's shelled out some good amount of coin for.

In fact on this Christmas Eve a whole lot of people are giving him complaints, one woman about the noise some carolers are making, another man about the way his shirts came back from the laundry. And there's a mysterious stranger played by Donald Woods who's just looking for a place to warm up and a cup of coffee.

But when Anthony Caruso and a pregnant Lynn Baggett arrive on 12/24 towards the midnight hour, people remember what time of year it is and can't do enough to help. Almost enough to restore your faith in your fellow human beings.

This short subject was directed by Don Siegel who did many a fine feature film, but never got an Oscar other than for this short subject. It certainly has the cast of a good B picture feature.

Nativity story set out West

[moonspinner55 · 7/10 · 24 February 2008]

The birth of Christ juxtaposed with story about a crowded inn out West, wherein a man and his pregnant wife come to get a room on December 24th, only to find lodging in the barn out back. Three Christmas-shopping cowboys stand in for the Three Wise Men, and there's a mysterious hitchhiker who comes in for a cup of coffee, observing everyone with a sympathetic eye. Academy Award-winning short subject from Warner Bros. probably wouldn't be so well-remembered if it weren't for its Oscar win, as well as for the direction by a young Don Siegel. J. Carrol Naish heads the cast as the inn-keeper, laying on the stingy Italian act with a butterknife ("Peece an'a brutherhood ees'a juss'a bunch'a baloney!"). Yet, as a do-gooder piece, this gets the job done in an efficient 25 minutes, and it's tough not to be moved by that tender final shot. Lushly orchestrated (by the incomparable William Lava) and nicely photographed. Worth-seeing.

Excellent Short

[Iceberg76-583-645012 · 10/10 · 30 November 2013]

We bought "Christmas in Connecticut" just for this short subject. I saw it many years ago and when I found out that it was on the "Christmas in Connecticut" DVD, I ran out and purchased it. My family and I make watching this film a part of our family tradition. The movie is short so everyone, even the little ones will enjoy this film. It is a modern day telling of the Nativity with a few added touches. We pass the Kleenex around after the end of this film. This is a beautiful heartfelt story. By the way, "Christmas in Connecticut" is a fine film as well. This one of my favorite Barbara Stanwyck films. Just make sure to watch "Star in the Night" after the film. We cheat and watch "Star in the Night" first. Don't miss this one.

Updating the Nativity story...

[Doylenf · 6/10 · 13 December 2008]

J. CARROL NAISH gives his standard Italian accent a real workout in this story about a bitter man fed up with Christmas, attracting patrons to his hotel/diner by putting a big electric star outside. Some of his crusty customers gradually change their ways when a woman named Maria and a man called Jose arrive seeking shelter. There's no room at the inn so Naish gives them shelter in the barn.

Meanwhile, watching all of this unfold, is a humble traveler, DONALD WOODS, who gives the most sincere performance of all as a man who urges Naish to accept the Christmas message of good will toward men.

When, at midnight, a baby is born to the young woman, everyone pitches in to do what they can for the young couple. Even three stragglers, symbolizing the Three Wise Men, are eager to offer gifts.

Simplistic fable is a bit obvious by today's standards, the kind of sentimental tale that only a Frank Capra could really pull off, but Don Siegel does a good job of getting believable performances from Naish and Woods, especially.

Won an Oscar for the year's Best Short Subject.

Excellent retelling of the Nativity

[russjones-80887 · 8/10 · 27 December 2020]

Excellent retelling of the nativity

Christmas Eve in a desert in a south western state in the US and a young couple, Jose and Maria Santos, arrive at a remote motel. The cabins are full but, as the wife is expecting a child at any time, the owner is persuaded to allow them to stay in a shed. What happens next has an impact on all the people there.

Short drama, in essence a modern retelling of the Nativity story, which was the debut for director Don Siegel. It is a heartwarming tale which deservedly won an Oscar for Best Short Subject. Stars J. Carol Naish as the initially hardhearted motel owner with fine backup from the cast. A lesson for us all.

Made Me Smile

[utgard14 · 7/10 · 25 December 2013]

Academy Award-winning short that does a sort of retelling of the Nativity story in the Southwestern United States. It sounds hokey but it is actually pretty clever and very sweet. J. Carroll Naish stars, doing one of his trademark accents. The basic gist is that a motel in the desert has a big sign shaped like a star that draws various people to it, including three cowboys, a hitchhiker, and a young couple that is expecting a baby. The motel owner (Naish) is a cynic who believes nobody is nice and those who act nice or kind usually have an ulterior motive. His opinion is changed, though, as he watches a group of strangers come together to help this young mother give birth. It's a sweet, heartwarming Christmas tale. Director Don Siegel's debut.

Mediocre Christmas-themed movie

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 17 December 2015]

"Star in the Night" is a 21-minute black-and-white live action short film from the final year of World War II. It's a Warner Bros movie and it won Gordon Hollingshead one of his 6 Academy Awards. There are some western references, but it still mostly drama and family in terms of the genre. I must say I enjoyed the music, especially at the end, but the story did not keep me interested/entertained enough to recommend this one, even at such a short runtime. The acting is not the problem, it's okay and you could see that the cast is fairly talented, includin5 Golden Globe winner J. Carrol Naish. It's the plot that was simply no edge-of-the-seat stuff, not even close. The director here is Don Siegel, so certainly lots of talent involved as he was the one directing "Dirty Harry" several decades later. "Star in the Night" is his first documented work and he was in his early 30s here. It may be true that black-and-white live action film is not the perfect genre for holiday movies and this one here is still among the most known. But maybe it is also evidence that it is indeed tough to deliver under these conditions. Not a failure, but not a particularly good watch either. Not recommended.

A Beautifully Done Christmas Short

[johandav · 10/10 · 24 June 2003]

***Spoilers***

I caught this on Turner Classic Movies and taped most of it in 2001, then on Christmas Day 2002 I was lucky enough to get the whole thing on tape. A wonderfully written and acted treat, especially by J. Carrol Naish as Nick, the motel owner who learns that there is good in people after all. Some might find this short a little corny, but when Nick sees all of his formerly complaining renters come to the aid of the woman about to have a baby it's actually very moving. When the short is ending on a last show of generosity (which I had listed earlier but am now deleting so as not to ruin it for people) there isn't a dry eye in my house. It's a shame that this isn't better known; it's a classic.

So Simple ,so WONDERFUL

[joeacali · 10/10 · 20 March 2010]

We were getting ready to leave our traditional family Christmas Eve 2009 gathering, when this short film aired. My aunt and I started to watch it as everyone was getting their coats. We were glued to the movie as my cousins kept asking my aunt to get ready. When it was over my aunt said this really "made" her Christmas.

This short film captures the true meaning of Christmas." Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace, good will toward men!" as the angels declared.

I really enjoy when I find classic movies like this one. Seems many of the script writers,directors and producers in this era were extremely talented at expressing the simple values of life on the screen.

It touches your heart

[johndqjr · 10/10 · 16 December 2018]

It touches your heart. Watched this short movie on Turner Class Movie channel this morning and I'm not too proud to say it brought tears to my eyes.

Interesting coincidence about this film

[tlones1 · 23 December 2006]

I also saw this movie on TCM and found it to be quite touching..I had listened years earlier to a Hallmark Playhouse Radio Drama from 12-16-1948 on Cassette called "The Desert Shall Rejoice". XM Satellite radio just played this same program recently and I was struck by the similarities between it and "Star In The Night"

Main Characters-Nick, Rosa. Though J. Carroll Naish wasn't as bitter as Nick played by John Hodiak in the Radio Drama..

Jose, Maria..Baby born..

Problems with a lighted star.

3 cowboys show up with gifts..don't know what to do with them.

Main differences..man in the film was Nick's conscience throughout..In the radio play "Dusty" Robbed Nick but later gave the money back..

There were several other customers in the "Auto Court" as portrayed in the film..

Summary:Both told the story well, though It was obvious that the Radio Drama was adapted from the film script..

Wonderful!

[promanage · 10/10 · 26 November 2021]

One of the oldest stories ever told; told in a way that seems so close to "home". When I see a nativity scene now, I think of this film and the characters that populate it. The tears well up as it tells the story that was so important to me through adolescence. Take the 21 minutes to quietly immerse yourself in the story and the way it unfolds; in the characters you will identify and the wonderful way they are portrayed. Please enjoy.

New Twist On Nativity Story For A "New World"

[redryan64 · 6/10 · 24 December 2011]

TT THE TIME OF this film's release, an all too war weary world was preparing to settle into its first Serason of "Peace On Earth" in six years. No doubt that hostilities were still in progress during its shooting; as there is a reference about the imminent ending of the War against Imperial Japan in the Pacific, the Coral Sea, the Phillipines and in the China-Burma India Theatre.

THIS WAS AN excellent choice for a short subject, albeit a unusually rare choice; as they were usually produced in approximately four or five other categories. Those being classified as:

Comedies, Sports, Musical, Travelogues and Historical.

THE SHORT HAS the benefit of a fine cast composed of highly competent, character actors. The roster of this company boasts of the likes of Donald Woods, Irving Bacon, Rosanna Galli, Lynn Baggett, John Miles and the ever-capable, Dick Elliot. The cast also includes very young Richard Erdman and Anthony Caruso as Dick Erdman and Tony Caruso, respectively.

FEATURED IN THE lead character of the story, the cynical and world weary innkeeper, Nick Catapoli, we have J. Carrol Naish. Although Mr. Naish's pedigree was of Irisg descent and being born in New York City, his portrayals were usually Italians, Orientals, Mexicans and even an ape!* This role was very similar to his Giuseppe, the captured Italian Soldier in SAHARA (Columbia, 1943), or as Luigi Basco in the LIFE WITH LUIGI Radio Show (CBS Radio, 1946-53).

IF THERE WAS one word to sum up the storyline and basic premise, it would have to be 'obvious'; as there is certainly no attempt to even loosely disguise the short's symbolic parallel to the Nativity of Jesus. I mean, we have 3 Cowboys coming in off of a trek across a dessert by following the vision of a Star (the Inn 's new electric sign); all the while being loaded down with gifts, that will be given to a newborn baby boy. The boy's parents are named Jose and Maria; being Spanish for Joseph and Mary.

FORTUNATELY, IF THERE was a second word that we would have to use in summing up STAR IN THE NIGHT, it would be sincerity; of which this certainly has plenty. Kudos to Warner Brothers/Vitaphone Short Subjects Department for coming up with such an unusual, positive and hopefully slanted of a film. It was as if it was their own Cinematic Christmas Card to America and indeed to the Whole, Wide and Cockeyed World!

NOTE: * Some of those typically 'exotic' characterizations in the J. Carrol Naish portfolio are Japanese Axis Agent, Dr. Daka, in BATMAN Serial (Columbia, 1943), Noel in DR. RENAULT'S SECRET (20th Century-Fox, 1942), a Police Informer in THE FUGITIVE (Argosy Pictures/RKO Radio Pictures, 1947), American Indian Chief & entrepreneur, Hawkeye in GUESTWARD HO (Desilu Prod,/ABC TV, 1960-61) and even the title role in THE NEW ADVENTURES OF CHARLIE CHAN (Vision Productions/ITC/Television Programs of America, 1957).

A sweet and delightful film!

[cinnamonbear1959 · 10/10 · 29 November 2015]

I was pleasantly surprised at how touching this film was. As an old-fashioned and nostalgic person I am always looking for old Christmas movies that remind me of my childhood when we felt so innocent. Although a little before my time,this one fit the bill for me perfectly. It's the old story of Christmas told in a modern way (by 40's standards). There is definitely a little bit of Dickens as well. You will begin to realize what's happening a little ways into the film. Even though the ending seems to be predictable, I still found myself tearing up at the end. The true spirit of Christmas can come out for all of us if we are open-minded about how we look at other people. I hope to find more movies like this one. It's wonderful!

Oscar winning short

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 9 December 2022]

It's the Nativity story done in the modern American southwest. Three cowboys are riding in the desert with presents for no particular person. They spot a flashing star in the distance. Nick Catapoli has placed the star on top of the water tower for his remote motel. A hitchhiker and the cynical Nick discuss the meaning of Christmas. There are various guests and Nick's wife. Jose and Maria Santos are a weary arriving couple, but there is no room at the motel.

I don't know if I've ever seen a modern retelling of the nativity story other than various longtime TV shows doing their Christmas theme stories. This short won the Oscar. It starts with a bit of humor and ends with touching emotions. It's a nice little special and probably could have been a solid Christmas tradition if it had more air time.

Don't Miss this Short Christmas Gem

[inge001 · 10/10 · 4 September 2011]

This is my absolute favorite Christmas movie. Since it was not listed in the program notes, I saw it by accident on Turner Classic Movies one year at Christmas time and fell in love with it. Unfortunately I did not remember the name and never saw it again although I searched for it. I was even thinking of writing to TCM in the hope of finding out when it would be shown again, but since I did not know the title, I felt silly.

Then I bought TCM's Greatest Classic Holiday Film collection. When I opened it, I was disappointed that the package contained double-sided DVDs which I hate with a passion and would not have bought if I had known about this beforehand. But in this case, I am very glad that I did not know it, because the side that contains "Christmas in Connecticut" includes my mystery movie, the Oscar winning short "Star in the Night."

This little gem does not have a gimmick about believing in Santa Claus or dreaming about past, present and future (although I love those movies, too), it is a simple tale about a child born on Christmas Day which brings out the best in people and renews hope in Peace on Earth and Good Will.

Star in the Night

[CinemaSerf · 7/10 · 8 February 2024]

In what is a fairly straight re-imagining of the Nativity story, we encounter three cowboys riding across the desert armed with an huge great pile of recently bought gifts - it seems two of them rather fancied the sales-girl in the shop! Anyway, when they see a bright star they decide go and investigate. Pretty swiftly, they arrive at a motel where the rather curmudgeonly owner "Nick" (J. Carrol Naish) has only just, reluctantly, agreed to let a newly arrived and expectant couple use his lobby as a place to sleep for the night. Luckily, his wife "Rosa" (Rosina Galli) has a little more of the Christmas spirit to her, and soon she and just about everyone else in her hotel are mobilised to prepare for their other new arrival. Every sheet and towel is provided and other guests cannibalise their own clothing to make swaddling clothes and bandages. Don Siegel uses a choral score full of carols to do much of the guiding here as the cast deliver a typically life-affirming endorsement of the Christmas story. Even the grumpy landlord eventually falls victim to the charms of events as they unravel. It's not one of the more memorable of seasonal movies, but's it still quite a poignant little adaptation that works fine and is well worth a watch.

Subtle isn't what I'd call this one.

[planktonrules · 4/10 · 2 April 2017]

"Star in the Night" is a heavy-handed and not especially subtle retelling of the Christmas story set in the present day. Somehow, it was awarded the Oscar for Best Short Subject, Two-Reeler. I can only assume it was a bad year for the category, as it came off as too schmaltzy for my taste.

The film begins with some cowboys out on the trail. They are talking about how they inexplicably bought out some store....but have no one to which to give the presents. Then the scene switches to Nick (J. Carrol Naish), a grouchy owner of a restaurant/motel. Some hobo approaches him and for a VERY long period, Nick acts like a total grouch and this all changes when couple arrives and she's pregnant...and they have no place at their little inn...and you know the rest.

Apart from being incredibly schmaltzy, the film NEVER used any words or euphemisms for pregnant. Folks instead just whisper to each other...and it gets silly. Now I do like old films because of their nice sensibilities...but this is ridiculous...as is the entire film.