OK, so it seems a bit cheesy and sentimental and all. So what. I like every movie that Margaret O'Brien is in. The viewer can see things through a little girl's eyes in New York during the Depression. She roller skates around and thinks that Tenth Street is her territory.She idolizes the adults in her life, including her mother and aunt, and a potential fiancée of her aunt, Steve. As the movie progresses, Flavia discovers more and more little white lies that those she loves have told her. She has to deal with it.I loved to see her interaction with her mother, played so well by Phyllis Thaxter, and all of the adults, including the blind man who sells papers and magazines. Of course Margaret O'Brien had to do at least one crying scene, one of her many specialties. She also can deliver a monologue with the best of them, in this case reciting a patriotic speech. She is just mesmerizing in that scene.I teared up a few times and felt good when the movie was over. I don't see this movie as dated. Children have to grow up and move on from fantasies and stories that they have grown up with. That is timeless. I also appreciated the underlying moral to the story of getting answers to prayer and the importance of closeness in families.

Aptly described by Leonard Maltin as a BOMB is this mawkish tear-jerker from MGM, filmed in '46 but released in '48 and showcasing their popular moppet MARGARET O'BRIEN.O'Brien has the kind of role Shirley Temple had in the '30s. In fact, it's a Depression story that takes place in Hell's Kitchen of 1936 about a girl who learns some lessons about truth-telling that are pretty obvious.Let me put it this way--Margaret O'Brien is at her most Margaret O'Brien in this tale about a prim little girl who isn't told the truth about her aunt's sweetheart GEORGE MURPHY--supposedly returning from an around the world trip. In reality, he's returning from prison. But that angle of the story is as gritty as it gets. All the rest is so syrupy it's enough to make you diabetic by the time it reaches the Christmas theme ending.But let's face it--O'Brien had lost most of her appeal as a child star by the time she made this one and it bombed at the box-office, despite surrounding her with pros like ANGELA LANSBURY, PHYLLIS THAXTER, BARRY NELSON and others. This is one of her weakest vehicles and is best forgotten unless you're such a staunch fan that anything will do.

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!

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!!!