25 Greatest Christmas Films: #15 — ‘The Lemon Drop Kid’ (1951)
by John NolteBob Hope plays The Lemon Drop Kid, so named because of an affinity for a certain kind of candy. The Kid grifts his way through life bottom feeding in the rackets as a racetrack tout steering suckers to this bet or that in order to keep the odds profitable for the house. After he mistakenly convinces a gangster’s gal to change her bet from a winner to a loser, he’s thisclose to being on the wrong end of a gangland killing when he manages to fast talk Da’ Boss into a little time to come up with the $10,000.
It’s Christmastime in New York City and the Kid hatches a scheme to cash in on holiday sentiment through the cynical deployment of an unwitting cast of colorful characters dressed as Santa Claus and filled with goodwill hoping to collect money for an “old dame” retirement home that will never open after the Kid embezzles every penny to save his own skin and a little extra for himself. Along the way he lights up his old flame Marilyn Maxwell and coins a standard with the definitive version of “Silver Bells.”
Based on a Damon Runyon story, The Lemon Drop Kid naturally offers up a host of those ever-fascinating Runyonesque characters personified here by greats such as William Frawley, Jane Darwell, Lloyd Nolan, Tor Johnson and many others.
Best of all, the story is nowhere near as sentimental as it sounds. Sure, the tone is comedic and there’s never any real sense of danger, so the fun is in wondering how the Kid will pull it off and see the light and change his ways. Of course, the many profile shots of Marilyn Maxwell’s incredible figure might help to explain any man’s decision to settle down.
Great cinematic comedies require a simple story, fast pace, a lot of heart, a strong leading man, and a few memorable scenes. The Lemon Drop Kid doesn’t disappoint on any front. Hope is set on rapid-fire as he quips his way through the brisk 91 minutes without ever losing sight of his character, and a winter windstorm and storefront mannequin provide two imaginative and unforgettable comedic set pieces.
My favorite moments, however, come from a litany of shots aimed at Hope’s friendly screen rival Bing Crosby. Whether they were in the same film or not, the onscreen insults these longime friends traded with each other over a couple of decades is not only a reminder of the intimacy of their personal friendship but also of the close relationship each had with an audience who always got the joke.
Both on the screen and off it always seemed to be Crosby who got the last laugh. ”Silver Bells” would end up becoming a holiday classic, but the Academy Award for best song that year would go to Johnny Mercer and Hoagy Carmichael’s “In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening” as sung by …. yep, Crosby…
Consider this the first and best Bad Santa. One you can enjoy with the kiddies.
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Big Hollywood, Michael Chavez and DNC DUDES, Mr. Pink. Mr. Pink said: 25 Greatest Christmas Films: #15 — ‘The Lemon Drop Kid’ (1951) http://tinyurl.com/y9u44a8 [...]
As a Bob Hope lover, I am surprised that I am not familiar with this film. I will have to look for it. Thanks! Is it being shown anytime during the Christmas season? Anyone?
I did a search on our tv but it did not come up anywhere. Maybe at Blockbuster.
I love this movie. John, I agree with you this is the definitive version of "Silver Bells." This is my favorite Damon Runyon story, though "Guys and Dolls" comes pretty close. I love the dialog in this movie.
I swear this current apocryphal world political/religious/spiritual situation was all presciently foreseen in the Scary and Brilliant new Thriller book BLACK ROAD 2012, which has something in it to offend or rally everybody. I mean it—it's almost really a Nostradamus paranormal event! http://tinyurl.com/Paranormal-Detective-Thriller
I'm lucky. This along with most other Hope films played regularly in Channel 56 in Boston when I was growing up in the 70s. This one is classic — Hope running scams, in and out of jams, lots of panicked patter.
Tor Johnson used to be be my Avatar.
So him and Hope? I'm there
Net Flix does not have this yet, it is only letting me put it in my saved queue. But unlike many of the movies on John's list at least it has a record that they exist.
Thanks, John! I thought I was the only person in the world who looked forward to watching this at Christmastime each year. Filled with many wild and wonderful scenes, my favorite is William Frawley standing on a street corner in a moth-eaten, ill-fitting Santa suit. He's collecting money by singing in a gruff monotone to the tune of Silver Bells: "Silver bells, silver bells, put some dough in the kitty. Chuck it in, chuck it in or Santa will slip you a mickey."
I had forgotten that bit. It is my second favorite William Frawley moment – the other is from Miracle on 34th Street when he explains what great idea for the judge to go back in the courtroom and tell them there is no Santa Claus. He is a real Democrat operator – but hilarious to hear. After he tells the judge that he get two votes – your own and that district attorney out there!
The judge's reply is "No, the district attorney is a Republican."
Strange what you can find on the Internets (thanks, Al Gore!). I have this clip from Kay Kyser playing "One Girl and Two Boys" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQbV4kEAVp8 and I did not know who the blond bombshell was who sang the song. Well, lo and behold, it is none other than the very Marilyn Maxwell mentioned in this article–which I found out only tangentially, when looking up the Bob Hope movie.
I have had this clip for a year and not until today figured out who she was. Thanks!
His Silver Bells may be classic, but I think THE classic version (best imho) is Dinah Shore's.
You do like Dina Shore, don't you Harry?
Great movie. I saw it first on tv, TCM, I think then was able to buy a dvd copy at Wal (gasp) Mart for $ 5.00. As for Silver Bells, I do believe it was written just for this movie.
That was classic, William Frawley was a very good actor, thou he dose not get much credit. With out Bill Frawley I love Lucy would not have been as good or as endearing as it is.
we've been waiting for Mr Nolte to name this one…
Best scene: Bob Hope, a racing tout in New York, is wearing his Palm Beach linen jacket and freezing.
He spies a chihuahua wwearing a sweater walking past. Close up: Hope's wicked smile.
Cut to: Him walking down the street with the sweater, tiny as it is- in between his jacket and shirt, What bravery!
Then the running gag of the fleas he gets starts.
Hope at his best, terrific Damon Runyon stuff…
It says Marilyn Maxwell right at the top of the screen.
Open Friday-
Art Recreates Art-
John C. Wright posted above
Marilyn Maxwell – Kay Kyser playing "One Girl and Two Boys" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQbV4kEAVp8
This was done in 1944 and as the late 90s Swing dance/music revival began to peak, this number became very popular in the USA and around the world pre-Youtube due to it's distribution on VHS tape going from dancer to dancer who wanted to share it.
In 1999, bandleader Bill Elliott transcribed the number from the film and performed it live at the Hollywood Palladium. Additionally, three local Lindy Hoppers recreated the dance routine and it was thrilling to see it done live.
Even more so – in the Palladium that night were ex-LA City Councilman Noni Bernardi who appears in the 1944 film playing alto sax with the band. Also in the house was dancer Jean Veloz who had danced the part in the 1944 film. It was a remarkable event b/c this number seems to have never been commercially recorded and had likely never been performed except in the film. Jean Veloz still dances – amazing so for a woman near 80 y/o. She stood and watched and applauded as 'her number' was done. Most people knew she was there and knew who see was, so folks were challenging their eyes trying to watch the band, the routine and Jean off to the side. Later in the evening, Bill Elliott did something very rare – he played the number a second time. I asked him why and he said 'so that Jean could dance to her song'.
The last time I saw her dance to this number was about 5 years ago. The band was playing and suddenly everyone on the dance floor ran over to the front right section of the floor. A circle of dancers maybe 8 deep had formed around Jean as guys were cutting in to dance parts of her song with her. You could barely get in, but I saw her head maybe 8 feet in the air and I couldn't tell if she were crying or perspiring, but she was dancing full out like she was 17 y/o again. Incredible moment.
Sorry to wax nostalgic. It is rainy and gray here and the memories of nights on the dance floor with a live big band are present.
Thanks. Why didn't I think of that. Merry Christmas, too you.
This has long been one of my favorites. It makes for a great trivia question when you ask people for the name of the movie that "Silver Bells" first appeared in, too!
Very good choice and not one many people think of. It's nice to see such a good film make a notable list. Hopefully more people will seek this film out now. In terms of this been the first Bad Santa, well, it isn't a patch only Billy Bob's drunk robber. The kids will just have to stay out of the room until they're 18! Take a look at our alternative Xmas films top 10: http://www.top10films.co.uk/archives/765
[...] Runyon and Bob Hope make a terrific combination in The Lemon Drop Kid (1951). Based on a short story by Damon Runyon, the film is filled with the usual Runyon [...]
[...] Runyon and Bob Hope make a terrific combination in The Lemon Drop Kid (1951). Based on a short story by Damon Runyon, the film is filled with the usual Runyon [...]
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