The DVD for this film from 20th Century-Fox is interesting because it offers you the choice of seeing it in glorious black & white or in the bizarre manner that it was originally shown--with all the sequences in Ireland (almost half the film) tinted Kool-Aid green! Now tinting was common in the silent movie days, but doing so in 1948 was odd. You may wonder why they didn't just film it in color--and there's a very good reason they couldn't do that. Just like when they filmed HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY (set in Wales), they couldn't make the film a color one because there is a lot of dirt and dry scrub in Southern California where they make films--and the film was set in a very lush green land. The wrong locale would have been VERY obvious in color films and had they used color, no one might have been convinced it was "the old country" (Ireland). However, the color tinting really wasn't very clever, as it made the film butt-ugly. I watched the DVD that way but fortunately you can choose--and I strongly suggest you try any way other than tinted!! As for the film, it's a lovely little fantasy film about Tyrone Power getting himself a Leprechaun "helper" in the form of Cecil Kellaway--who is adorable in the film but a bit too large to be one of the little people! Still, with such a lovely acting job, this can be forgiven. In some ways, Power having this magical friend who only wants to help straighten out his life is very reminiscent of the later Burl Ives film, THE BRASS BOTTLE--though Kellaway uses far less obvious magic and the film isn't nearly as crazy as THE BRASS BOTTLE. In fact, though there is a bit of magic, most of the help Kellaway gives is in the form of advice and a small helping hand. The problem is that Power doesn't think he needs help and is blindly walking into a life he'll soon regret. Heck, everyone in the audience and all his friends in the film recognize this, but fat-headed Tyrone is too single-minded to see it for himself.The film is clever and cute without being too obvious and too kooky. Overall, it earns a 7 for quality, though the fun factor is higher--and if I were to score how much I enjoyed the film, an 8 might be more appropriate. It's a lovely little romantic film that deserves a look--just NOT in the (yuck) tinted version--saints preserve us!

Whilst travelling through Ireland, dapper New York reporter, Steven Fitzgerald, happens across what appears to be a leprechaun. Though at first immensely sceptical, Steven comes to find out that it is in fact true, and coupled with his meeting with the lovely Nora, Steven finds himself at conflict about if he should stay in New York? With his prosperous future certain, or follow his roots to the Emerald Isle?You know, it's just one of those films that never needs the hard sell, it's enchantingly simple and the perfect way to either while away a dark winters night, or gather the family round on a Sunday afternoon. Tyrone Power takes the lead as Fitzgerald, and after watching him in so many swashbucklers over the years, it's rather refreshing to see him in a charming and light comedy role, and he appears to be enjoying himself as well it has to be said. Lead female duties fall to a radiant Anne Baxter as Nora, whilst Cecil Kellaway is positively delightful as the leprechaun of the piece, a very astute piece of casting to be sure to be sure. I personally could have done with a bit more of Lee J. Cobb in the film, but on reflection his character is strong and business driven, and therefore too much of him could have easily detracted from this lovely little tale.Based on the Constance Jones novel, The Luck Of The Irish is full of whimsy and romantic leanings, it is in short, delightful. 7/10

Tyrone Power is a man who encounters a leprechaun in "The Luck of the Irish," also starring Anne Baxter, Jayne Meadows Cecil Kellaway, and Lee J. Cobb. Power plays Stephen Fitzgerald, a newspaperman who takes a job with an influential publisher turned politician, Augur (Cobb) - not because he believes in Augur, but because of the money and prestige. Egging him on is Augur's elegant, glamorous daughter (Meadows) who's in love with him. And who can blame her. It's outrageously handsome and charming Tyrone Power. While in Ireland, Fitz meets a young woman, Nora, to whom he's attracted, and a leprechaun with the proverbial pot o' gold. Even though Fitz gets the gold, he returns it, and the leprechaun is in his debt. When Fitz returns to New York, the leprechaun appears as a servant, Horace, and strange things begin to happen.This is a charming film that effortlessly draws you into its whimsical story. Power did many comedies when he first signed with 20th Century Fox, and if you've seen them, you know he performed them beautifully. His reactions while a bartender is telling a leprechaun story are hilarious. It's a shame this versatile actor didn't put down his sword and do more comic roles. He'd pay homage once again to the land of his ancestors in "The Long Gray Line" for John Ford seven years later. How sad that when the really good parts were finally coming his way, he died. Anne Baxter is darling as Nora, and Meadows is appropriately brittle. The two are great opposites - Baxter natural and sweet, Meadows made up and bejeweled. Kellaway is excellent as Horace, the leprechaun turned houseman."The Luck of the Irish" will leave you with a smile on your face. Uplifting stories are hard to find - see this one.

American Steven Fitzgerald doesn't believe in any of the lore he hears when visiting Ireland. But he knows a pretty lass when he sees one and becomes immediately smitten with sweet, innocent, gullible Nora (Anne Baxter) who believes in faith, family, leprechauns and God knows what else. But then there's that beautiful dame in New York-- sophisticated, smart and, did I mention, the boss's daughter. What's a fellow to do? There's also a sweet irascible, white haired fellow who keeps following Steven and who thinks he's a leprechaun.Lighthearted basic plot has serious notes of ethics and judgment. Should Steven reach for the golden ring of corporate accomplishment or be true to his mind and heart, and follow his love to Ireland?And should we all put a Banshee on whoever is keeping this movie out of print on DVD.