The Great Rupert is a catchy title. That might be enough to look into this film. The thing that is most amazing, is that the title character, is a squirrel. The thing that adds to the story, is Rupert, is part of a Christmas miracle.
The film begins with Rupert sharing a living space, with Joe Mahoney, (Jimmy Conlin). Joe is a former circus performer, who is down on his luck. He is trying to get a job working with Rupert: who he has trained to perform. He was a lion tamer, so he has an easier animal. He receives bad news from his agent, that there is no interest. Joe, unable to pay his rent, leaves, with Rupert. He goes to the park, and tells Rupert, he’s free. Rupert then reluctantly joins the squirrels.
Joe bumps into a family of performers that he knows, the Amendolas. They are looking for a place to live. Joe mentions his former living quarters. He even says he lived there for nothing for a few months. The head of the family, Mr. Louis Amendola, (Jimmy Durante), leaps at this opportunity. Durante was in movies, mostly as a supporting player, and comic relief. He gained entertainment immortality, as the narrator in Frosty the Snowman. He has the lead in this movie, and is terrific. He is especially good in a scene, where he’s trying to buy a Christmas tree. He also performs Jingle Bells, in the film. Durante is helped out by Queenie Smith, who plays Mrs. Amendola. Mrs. Amendola, holds the family together, through hard times. In a very moving scene, she prays for help, for her family. Her help, comes from money, that falls from the sky. She uses this to help the family. She gets her daughter, Rosalinda, (Terry Moore), a new pair of shoes. Mrs. Amendola, also gets into the season, buying a large Christmas tree, which she decorates.
The money keeps flowing, mysteriously. The reason is that Rupert, prefers living in his old home, than in the cold outdoors. He is living in the vent. This is also where the landlord, Mr. Frank Dingle, (Frank Orth), keeps his money. Rupert, not liking clutter, and having no understanding of the value of money tosses it out. It lands in front of a very grateful Mrs. Dingle.
A storyline that develops is the romance between Peter Dingle, (Tom Drake) and Rosalinda. Rosalinda has sweet talked Pete into not collecting rent. Pete is an unemployed aspiring songwriter/musician. He likes to play the tuba. There is great interaction between the two actors, which adds to the charm of this film.
Suspicions are raised about the Amendola’s spending habits. Law enforcement investigates but nothing is found. There is also a great turn of luck for Pete Dingle. An agent, Phil Davis, (Chick Chandler), has sold Pete’s song, which is playing on his car radio. Good fortune also presents itself for the Amendola family. They manage to get back into show business. Joe, the former owner of Rupert, and agent of the good fortune, comes back. He also gets back in show business, as a lion tamer, taking Rupert with him.
The Great Rupert, is like most Christmas movies, a feel good piece. There is no bad character in it. The producer of this film, the legendary George Pal, has done amazing work. He has made a common animal like a squirrel, lovable. He has brought Rupert to life, with his special effects. He, along with director, Irving Pichel, have made an animated squirrel, a catalyst, in an underrated Christmas movie. The Great Rupert, should be seen by anyone looking for a different Christmas film.