On this day in 1947, the comedy "Happened on 5th Avenue" premiered in New York City. It was directed by Roy Del Ruth for the first Allied Artists Pictures project. On paper one might wonder how this could possibly be poignant and funny. Herbert Clyde Lewis and Frederick Stephani were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Story.
Victor Moore is outstanding as an honorable hobo who seasonally makes his home in a boarded-up Fifth Avenue mansion during the winter months each time its owner, Charles Ruggles—the second richest man in the world—winters at his Virginia estate. He helps himself to Ruggles' wardrobe and is assumed to be the owner once his "guests" start arriving. Two of which are Ruggles' ex-wife and runaway daughter. Ruggles returns early but his daughter requests he not be his usual self as "a game." While on his morning constitutional, Moore is introduced to Ruggles and he is invited back to the mansion, thinking he is just a guy down on his luck. Moore reveals himself to be quite the philosopher and wise counsel, much to Ruggles' ire. Their hilarious interaction is worth the wait. Once the stuffy Ruggles calms down and learns the positive turn of events that have transpired, he invites Moore back next year but instructs him to use the front door instead of accessing his home through the loose board at the rear.
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