This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place

Amateur movie with Big budget

A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.

The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

Tenth Avenue Angel might remind you somewhat of A Tree Grows In Brooklyn - the apartment seemed similar, the mother becomes pregnant, there's a family member who has to overcome a stigma,an economically challenged household, the coming-of-age of the daughter. However, all of it is without emotional resonance, to say the least. And although I'm usually not fans of these kinds of films I DID love "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn".So what's missing? Despite the evocative lower Manhattan sets, the genuinely warm and believable performance of Phyllis Thaxter as the mother, Rhys Williams as a blind newspaper vendor and (occasionally) Margaret O'Brien (when she's ruling the roost of her neighborhood in a precociously cynical way; not when she's required to do The Crying and saying lines like "How do cows know it's Christmas?") the movie doesn't work for me at all. This is one of those "we-don't-know-what-to-do-with-her" parts for the supremely talented Angela Lansbury, here completely wasted as O'Brien's young aunt, in love with the equally miscast George Murphy (he does his best, though the script just sinks him). Rhys Wiliiams was so much better served in How Green Was My Valley in much the same type of character (albeit more pugilistic).Margaret gives a patriotic speech at a Fourth of July block party which it's safe to surmise (since the film was made in 1946, only one year after FDR died though released in 1948) is a double tribute to him and his principles (they even show his picture); convenient dovetailing as the story takes place in Depression era 1936.Apparently mice are so common in their household that the one O'Brien sees doesn't phase the family one bit; nobody bats an eyelash. Also, when pregnant women fall down stairs, they are not taken to the hospital.Also, bovine miracles will astound you. I was underwhelmed throughout.I'd say it's a take it or leave it proposition, probably a 4.5, but I'll be kind given the season and round up to five.

Of course, times have changed. And this felt very 1930-ish (the story takes place in the late 1930s)...which of course, it was supposed to. Today, it's a little too sweet for my palate.And Margaret O'Brien. There's no question that she was an exceptional child actress, but I always felt that a little Margaret O'Brien went a long ways. Okay for a child's role in an adult-oriented picture, but a bit too much for me in terms of being the star of the film. Nevertheless, she does well here.It's interesting to see Angela Lansbury here. I found it an oddly minor role considering her performance in "State Of The Union" (with Tracy and Hepburn) the same year, though this was filmed after that classic. George Murphy. I must admit, I've never understood the attraction to George Murphy as a movie star. But, he's pleasant enough, if a bit bland. Phyllis Thaxter is fine as the mother of O'Brien. Interesting to note that Thaxter became a polio victim four years after this film was made. A supporting actor that is notable here is Rhys Williams as a blind news stand owner. And, a very young Barry Nelson is here, as well.As to the plot, it's fairly decent, with a couple of reservations. The biggest being that for such a long period of time it could be kept from O'Brien that Murphy had been in prison. A smaller point -- just how many different kids knew of the secret hiding place...guess it wasn't much of a secret. And third, just how naive was O'Brien's character, considering how otherwise worldly she seemed to be? And finally, the ending is just too sickeningly sweet -- let's see, a new baby, a kneeling cow for Christmas, Murphy goes straight, and Murphy gets engaged. I'm feeling queasy.I have two suggestions for O'Brien's spoiled attitude toward the end of the picture. 1.) Slap her! (Only kidding). 2.) She desperately needs some counseling! (Not kidding).I sat through it once and it was "okay", but never again.

In 1936 New York City, pretty pig-tailed Margaret O'Brien (as Flavia Mills) leads a charmed life. She roller-skates through traffic oblivious to danger, which works out well because the little "Tenth Avenue Angel" may be divinely protected. Young O'Brien believes in country, God and fantastical stories shared by several loving adults in her life, especially sweet mother Phyllis Thaxter (as Helen). One of these stories suggests mice bring money; another involves a magical cow...The difference between truth, lies and fantasy confuses O'Brien as nice guy George Murphy (as Steve) gets out of jail. O'Brien has been told Mr. Murphy was in Australia. Due to both the Depression and his criminal past, Murphy has trouble finding work as a taxi driver and marrying O'Brien's aunt Angela Lansbury (as Susan). This was not a bad story idea, but too saccharine an approach for the still capable little actress, who needed something less obvious to revitalize a limited career.***** Tenth Avenue Angel (2/20/48) Roy Rowland ~ Margaret O'Brien, George Murphy, Angela Lansbury, Phyllis Thaxter

This picture takes place during the depression in New York City's Hell Kitchen which ran along 10th Avenue and the living condition were not favorable during this period of time in the 1930's. Margaret O'Brien plays the role as Flavia Mills a little girl about the age of eight years old and is a very happy little girl who lives in a world of her own and is a great joy to all the people in the neighborhood. Angela Lansbury, (Susan Bratten) is Flavia's aunt and she plans to get married to Steve Abbutt, (George Murphy). However, Steve has been away in prison for eighteen months and has kept it a secret from Flavia, who believes he went around the world. Flavia's make believe world starts crumbing as she gets older and she becomes very disillusion about what her family tells her. Margaret O'Brien gave an outstanding performance and her great acting abilities will make you reach for a box of tissues. This is another Christmas story which was great entertainment in 1948 and is a great film you don't want to miss.