User reviews

Like BEYOND TOMORROW (1940; see my comments to that film), this is another little-known Yuletide flick which has been saved from public domain, colorized and retitled on its Fox DVD; in fact, not only was this originally shot in black-and-white but was named THE GREAT RUPERT after the amiable puppet of a kilt-wearing dancing squirrel who helps to realize the impoverished protagonists' recurring Christmas wish. In fact, Rupert proved to be the first creature animated for a feature-length film by famed sci-fi producer George Pal and is also notable as one of big-nosed multi-talented entertainer Jimmy Durante's best film vehicles.

The story starts with down-and-out animal trainer Jimmy Conlin being evicted from his ramshackle apartment by miserly landlord Frank Orth but Conlin's squirrel soon returns to Conlin's old hide which is already occupied by the equally penniless acrobatic trio, the Amendolas played by Durante, Queenie Smith and Terry Moore. Predictably enough, Orth's ne'r-do-well musician son Tom Drake falls for Moore but is soon driven to distraction by the unwarranted attention the latter is receiving from visiting Broadway agent Don Beddoe looking to re-engage Conlin for his act. Meanwhile, Rupert himself is getting annoyed with Mr. Orth's storing his weekly stash of cash in his wooden house...

Although George Pal's puppet effects are nicely enough done, "Schnozzle" Durante is practically the whole show here and, typically, he has a couple of numbers featuring his eccentric singing-and-piano-playing style. Actor/director Irving Pichel – who, apparently, also appears in the film as a "puzzled pedestrian" – hands the light material quite competently which makes this unassuming concoction a gently pleasing alternative to the usual Christmas fare.

"The Great Ruppert" (renamed "The Christmas Promise") was made in the late 1940s. It is one of the few movies that Jimmy Durante ever appeared in where he was the main star (his work with Buster Keaton was as a comedy team; some later musicals like "Jumbo" give him leading parts, but not the starring role).

Durante and Queenie Smith are the Amendolas. They rent an apartment from Frank Orth (Mr. Dingle), a tightwad who hoards his money in the wall of his bedroom. The plot is how a talented dancing squirrel named Rupert (the squirrel, who likes cigarettes too, is the creation of George Pal - and is very cute). Rupert's master, Jimmy Conlin (best recalled from the Preston Sturgis movies) has released the squirrel for a few weeks until they get rehired by the circus. Rupert finds a hole in the wall between the Amendolas apartment and Dingle's bedroom.

Once a week Orth puts $1,500.00 into the hole (from a check from his gold mine stock). The squirrel drops it on Durante and his wife. Orth has refused to assist anyone of his neighbors, but he is a harsh landlord. Durante uses the money to help the neighborhood businesses thrive.

The story takes place around Christmas (so it is being shown right now)and has some traces of Scrooge in Orth's skinflint (except he is married and has a son). But it has a pleasant, goofy sweetness due to Durante and Rupert. When a fire breaks out at one point, for instance, Durante reminds the family to save the radio or they'll miss the Jimmy Durante show. While perhaps a trifle dated, it is amusing and worth watching at this holiday season.

The Great Rupert is a funny, heart-warming tale of prayer and faith, poverty and philanthropy, in which hard-hearted greed gets its comeuppance and everything turns out for the best. And a cute little dancing squirrel is the agent driving the action behind the scenes!

When I was just a young boy, my uncle took my cousins, my brother and I to see The Great Rupert at an outdoor drive-in. I was nine years old, and Rupert became one of my greatest childhood memories. I thought about the movie during the past 40-50 years...when my daughter was born, I wished she could have seen it...and when my grandson was born, I wished the same for him.

My daughter has been on the internet for years, my wife and I only the past year or so. Recently I decided to see if I could find out if there was a video of The Great Rupert...and would you believe it - there was! I ordered it right away.

My wife and I, my daughter and my grandson watched it together, and although the "special effects" are certainly not "Star Wars"...the story is still heart warming. I recommend the movie for kids of all ages.

This George Pal classic is a nice story for the family. It's a definite morality play, but with a fun comical twist. Rupert (the "animated" squirrel) ends up being a catalyst to set the fun in motion for everyone involved, though nobody really knows.

Jimmie Durante is ok in this film. This is not his best. Don't expect a lot, but do expect some fun. I hope families could try to get together and enjoy this forgotten holiday classic (as it should of been remembered).

The Great Rupert besides being the first feature film of master Puppetooner George Pal is a pleasant, gentle, and innocuous family comedy about the innocent antics of a very smart squirrel and the changes he wreaks in a neighborhood. Ironically enough no one knows he's the responsible party right up to the highest levels of government.

Rupert who is an animated squirrel courtesy of George Pal is a trained rodent by animal trainer Jimmy Conlin, but who can't sell the act to agent Chick Chandler and because of that he's evicted for lack of rent payment by landlord Frank Orth.

As luck would have it another group of vaudevillians, the family Amendola which consists of Jimmy Durante, wife Queenie Smith and their daughter Terry Moore. Mainly because Orth's son develops big eyes for Terry, he rents them the place without a deposit nor hopes of getting one.

But Rupert returns to his nest in the roof of that house and he causes miser Orth's fortune to fall upon the Amendolas, it's where the old skinflint stores his loot because he doesn't trust banks. Remember we were not too far from the Depression when many banks failed.

I can't go any farther, but suffice it to say it all works out financially and romantically in the end. Along the way Jimmy Durante provides us with a couple of numbers in his unique style.

The film is timeless in its humor, but it does show the age of the fashions involved. It probably could be remade today, I can see Steve Martin in Jimmy Durante's part.

But not with the Schnozz.

Originally known as THE GREAT RUPERT, this is a charming tale about a talented squirrel (that would be Rupert) who lives in the attic of a down and out family of struggling vaudevillians, and who accidentally helps them gain wealth and prosperity during the Christmas season. The vigorous Jimmy Durante is a lot of fun to watch as the well-meaning father who sings, and he's got a couple of silly "so bad they're funny" lines that made me laugh, though it's too bad he wasn't given more. Terry Moore (MIGHTY JOE YOUNG) is his young daughter who falls for Tom Drake (MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS). This is a somewhat charming, if not great, family film to watch for the holidays. Rupert the Squirrel is brought to life via George Pal's animation. **1/2 out of ****

Nothing to offend. Definitely NOT formulaic.

Stars one of Hollywood's legends: Jimmy Durante.

A little romance but not in your face.

Has a good message.

Nostalgic and sweet.

Stars a squirrel.

Who wouldn't love this break from reality?

Until recently I had never heard of this film. After seeing some reviews on Amazon.com, I had to see it. Well, all I can say is why isn't this film known as a classic Christmas film like Miracle on 34th Street. What a delightful movie! This is perfect family fare- This is the kind of movie I only wish they would make today. Jimmy Durante is as usual the lovable looser! He is perfect for the role of Terry Moore's father. The original title of this film was 'The Great Rupert', Rupert being a magical squirrel – The use of a puppet type squirrel was very innovative in 1950, but of course is very campy by today's standards. It would be interesting to see what they could do with today's technology. All in all this is a fun family film that is a must for all to see- Now that it is available on DVD maybe more people will get the opportunity to see it. If you have not yet gone over to DVD, be aware that this film is also available on VHS. Take a chance; I think you will enjoy it!

I can see the story, and it is quite charming. Rupert is cute and lovable. But the dialog the direction and the staging makes this one of the most awkward movies I have ever seen. First off it's got Jimmy Durante. A first class, scenery chewing, scene stealer! The director let him loose and I guess everyone else thought they could do the same. It's not good, but it is very entertaining!! Some of the dialog is a scream in an ironic way. And there are many priceless deliveries, quotable, even. I believe I have found a new Christmas tradition, The Great Rupert! And what's with the unexpected horn flourish and the end of Durante's, xmas song. Out of nowhere! This should have been given the MST3K treatment, but I still love it. I love the way Rupert has his one elbow resting coolly on the wall as he tosses the money out the hole. He's so cool. And a character named Peter Dingle!! This will crack you up! It's actually a good story.

BEWARE OF BOGUS REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW. WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 300 Christmas MOVIES. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I AM FARE.

The Great Rupert, is a 1950 comedy family film, produced by George Pal, directed by Irving Pichel and starring Jimmy Durante, Tom Drake and Terry Moore. It is based on a story, written by Ted Allan, which has also been published as a children's book under the title "Willie the Squowse".

The story revolves around a little animated squirrel who, with lots of charm, accidentally helps two economically distressed families overcome their obstacles.

Rosalinda Amendola, the daughter of happy but impoverished former acrobats is in love with the boy next door, aspiring composer Pete Dingle. Though Pete's parents are wealthy, his miserly father Frank insists on hiding his money from his investments in the wall of their family home.

The situation changes when Joe Mahoney, a vaudeville performer has fallen on hard times and has to leave his best friend and stage companion, Rupert a dancing squirrel, in Frank and Rosalinda's town where he will have to fend for himself with the other squirrels and live in a tree. Unsatisfied with tree life, Rupert gains access to the Dingle home and unbeknownst to Frank, has his bed in Frank's hidden cache of money. Rupert decides to clear room in his domicile by throwing Frank's money through a hole so that it floats down into the Amendola household who think the money has come from Heaven in answer to Mrs Amendola's prayers.

Now this is a very funny movie. It has lots of heart. It has charm to spare and more laughs a minute than most comedy's.

The film is also sold under the title "A Christmas Wish". Buy the film under that title. Legend Films has a restoration DVD that is sold through FOX that has the best picture and sound. It also includes a colorized version!

I ran across this oddity in the video store which I assume would find most of its fans from those who collect George Pal films. He's the famous science fiction and fantasy producer/director (The Time Machine, War of the Worlds) who patented a technique known as Puppetoon visually similar to today's Claymation. It stars the great Jimmy Durante, and B-movie favorites Terry Moore (the original Mighty Joe Young), and Tom Drake. Disney animation had its pulse on the public and other studios were looking to cash in too via live action. So why not a live action film with a very talented squirrel? Why not? It's a family film, fun, original, and quite different. The squirrel looks a little like the contemporary mice in the "The Mouse and The Motorcyle" and the Jim Henson film "The Witches." This film however always has its feet firmly planted in reality with the squirrel seeming more like an organ grinder's monkey than human. This gives the animal more vulnerablity. It also gives the human race more responsiblity to take proper care of him and any animal or pet who brings us pleasure and happiness from their presence in our lives. It's also a film that is hard to resist from the film's first shot. Whereas most films wait too long into a film to show the audience what it came to see (Superman flying, ET talking, Aliens killing, etc...), The Great Rupert is introduced dancing in the very first scene! Good decision, because once you see him, you gotta love him!

The colorized version of this film seems to be titled "A Christmas Wish" from what I can tell.

This film stars Jimmy Durante and Rupert the dancing, money giving squirrel. Durante is Mr. Louie Amendola, a down on his luck man with a wife and daughter. The three of them move into a rundown flat and a landlord who is a bit of a Scrooge. Landlord hides money in the wall but Rupert pulls out the money and accidentally tosses it out of his hole into the hands of the Amendola family who gives some of it to the poor.

This is a nice holiday film - one I would watch again. Worth watching along with other holiday classics.

7/10.

This film is very good and oh so cute. Even though it was made around 1950 there is still almost a "TIMELESS FEEL" to it. It almost a Fairy Tale and in some ways it is that but this Durante movie is one of those films you can not believe you never heard of.

In this film a down on their luck family act find themselves broke. AS luck would have it they know of a vacant apartment and they move in to it without paying anything. What they don't know is that a squirrel from the previous tenant still resides in the wall. He ends up saving this family and more.

So many laugh out loud moments that you will lose track. This is a great film for everyone. Trust me you will laugh.

Starting just before Christmas, a cute squirrel causes a series of miracles that reverse the fates of a rich family and a poor one and finally bring them together. In the end, everyone is rich and successful (even the squirrel), and the boy and girl get each other.

The film is an excellent comedy, but it is actually more silly and cute than funny. In a way it's like a distant relative of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" with everything that might offend someone removed or toned down and a cute animal added. Don't expect any social commentary or any message other than to be optimistic because in the end everything will work out just fine.

I don't think this film is a centerpiece of the traditional Christmas TV program anywhere, but that's just a historical accident. It would be totally suitable to play such a role.

It's Christmastime in New York City. Unemployed vaudevillian Jimmy Durante (as Louie Amendola) rents a ground-floor dwelling for his family on credit, with help from pretty daughter Terry Moore (as Rosalinda). Ms. Moore has charmed landlord's son Tom Drake (as Peter "Pete" Dingle) into forgoing a deposit, and beginning a romance. Meanwhile, a dancing squirrel named "Rupert" has also taken up residence in the building. The little critter (one of producer George "Puppetoon" Pal's creations) takes money stashed by tightwad building owner Frank Orth upstairs and throws it down on Mr. Durante's praying wife (Queenie Smith) downstairs. Naturally, she thinks the money is sent from heaven. Cute.

***** The Great Rupert (1/8/50) Irving Pichel ~ Jimmy Durante, Terry Moore, Tom Drake, Frank Orth

I Had seen the great Rupert on a religious channel that has been showing all the great Christmas movies like scrooge,and the bishops wife.and i loved it.its somewhat a Christmas movie about a family led by the great Jimmy Durante.and a squirrel named Rupert that shares the same household.the great Rupert also stars the dazzling and beautiful; Terry Moore(mighty Joe young)who i think looks great in this movie,playing jimmy Durante's daughter.if you like sentimental comedies,you will love the great Rupert.i totally recommend it.if you spot it on DVD buy it.i hate myself for passing it up as a dollar movie a while back,but i see it again I'm grabbing it.although I'm not sure its a public domain movie,its well worth repeated viewings,I'm not giving away the plot.no spoilers here.all i can say is watch it,you will love it.and its the first movie produced by the late great George Pal.10 out of 10.

Joe has a trained squirrel named Rupert but he can't find any work. Joe is kicked out of his apartment and he releases Rupert back into the park. Joe runs into Louie Amendola (Jimmy Durante) and his family. They take over his apartment. Rupert can't survive in the wild and he goes back to the apartment to live in the rafters. The landlord's son Pete Dingle (Tom Drake) falls immediately for Rosalinda Amendola (Terry Moore). Mr. Dingle starts getting payments from his investment and he stuffs the money in the wall. Rupert throws the money down to the apartment and the needy Amendolas think it's a gift from heaven.

The squirrel is fun. The stop motion is rudimentary but very charming. There are a couple of songs from the energetic Durante. I wonder if the movie needs to bring Joe into this. It would be funnier to have the squirrel do all this stuff. The little puppy love romance is cute. The story gets a bit rambling. I'm not sure bringing the cops, IRS and the FBI into the movie is the best comedy. The story about the money probably needs to be simplified a little.