Imagination and Benevolence - O. Henry's Full House

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O. Henry is arguably the greatest short story writer of all time. His stories are renowned for their colorful characters, clever plots, and surprising twists, as well as their benevolence and vibrant style.

O. Henry's Full House is a 1952 feature film dramatizing five of O. Henry's best New York-set stories. Directed by Hollywood legends such as Henry Hathaway and Howard Hawks, the film features performances by Richard Widmark, Anne Baxter, Charles Laughton, and a young Marilyn Monroe.

Although the film adaptation lacks some of the lush colors and warmth of the original short stories, it effectively conveys O. Henry's masterful plotting, deep values, and heartwarming wit. The stories feature clever twists, poignant situations, and heartfelt climaxes.

In The Cop and the Anthem, Charles Laughton plays Soapy, a well-educated but destitute bum whose sole ambition is to secure winter shelter in prison. His increasingly amusing attempts to get arrested go consistently awry.

In The Ransom of Red Chief, two ambitious but hapless kidnappers seize what they believe to be a valuable hostage, only to find themselves tormented by their captive—a mischievous and vengeful child.

The Last Leaf tells the story of a young woman, heartbroken from a failed love affair, who watches leaves fall from a winter-bare tree, having resolved to die when the final leaf drops. A gruff, unsuccessful artist living upstairs joins forces with her devoted sister in a struggle to save her life.

John Steinbeck introduces each of the five stories, providing context and insight.

All storytellers can learn from O. Henry's masterful use of irony, twists, and his adventurous, poignant spirit. And from his excellent story concepts!

Watch O’Henry’s Full House for free here. Another story in the film is Gift of the Magi, a beautifully written Christmas story.

Merry Xmas,

Scott

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