This is an odd-ball Hollywood film from the 1940s, since it is partly traditional (after all, it is a Holiday movie with a Christmas tree and all), but on the other hand it's situated in a context that is normally taboo.... namely squatting. To understand how this is possible, we have to put it in context. It was made directly after the Second World War, when many American soldiers returned home with no place to live, and no employment to make any money (all of the jobs had been taken by women while they were gone, and they were able to handle everything in the country fine without men, thank you very much).
The movie begins with a homeless drifter with his dog, who squats wealthy homes that are left empty. For the last three years he has been spending his New York winters in the 5th avenue mansion of the second richest man in the world. On a park bench he meets a war veteran who has just been evicted, and together they invite other homeless people into the mansion where they live like kings. Should I say more? It is a film with comedy, drama, romance, philosophy... centering on poverty, homelessness and those who live on the outskirts of society.
You probably have never heard of this unique gem... and that's because it is almost totally unknown, partly because of its taboo premise.
DATUM EN TIJD | Donderdag 1 januari | aanvang film om 20.30 | zaal open om 20.00 | entree 3,00 | Vrienden gratis | Wees aanwezig voor 20.15 uur om verzekerd te zijn van een zitplaats
