LOST ANGEL

US, 1943, 91 minutes, Black and white.
Margaret O'Brien, James Craig, Marsha Hunt, Philip Merivale, Henry O'Neill, Donald Meek, Keenan Wynn.
Directed by Roy Rowland.

Lost Angel is a pleasantly sentimental star vehicle for the young Margaret O'Brien. It was one of her earliest films - amongst others were Journey For Margaret, Canticle Ghost, Meet Me In St Louis. James Craig and Marsha Hunt were second-level stars at MGM, but fit in nicely to this story. A young Keenan Wynn also appears. The stars don't seem to be intimidated by the strong presence - precocious presence - of Margaret O'Brien.

In this film she is a highly-educated six-year-old, scientifically trained from her birth. However, as she moves out of the institute she discovers magic and human emotions. The film is sentimental, of its time - but pleasingly so.

1.Enjoyable entertainment? Sentiment? Children and education?

2.Black and white photography, the American city, the score? The song in the cabaret?

3.The foundling at the orphanage, the scientists meeting and their plan, naming the girl Alpha? The collage of the plans for her education during the years? Her prospects? The pros and cons of this plan?

4.Mike and Katie and their friendship, clashes, his work at the newspaper, games with the boys, her love for him, his excuses? Her singing at the club? Clashes?

5.The interview with Alpha, Mike and his Harvard background? Talking with Alpha, discovering how clever she was, calling her `Professor'? His stories about leprechauns and magic?

6.The presentation of the staff, their age and education, style, plans? The measles and the quarantine?

7.Alpha and falling in love with Mike, going out, seeking him? The walk around New York? Talk of leprechauns, seeing the monkeys and the dogs, Times Square? Katie and her song? The clash with Alpha? The difference between liking and loving? Alpha crying? The spaghetti and her being sick?

8.Alpha and Packie, her intelligence, knowing about the gun, getting him to read fairy stories and correcting his pronunciation, reading fairy stories to him? Defending him? His gifts to her?

9.Mike and his work, Packie, the search for the killer, bringing him back to the apartment, vindication of Packie?

10.Alpha going back, the people from the institute, her pain at Mike's words? Mike and Katie arguing? His leaving, on the train, the child, his return?

11.Alpha sick, wanting to see Mike, the crowd in her room, Katie, Mike's return, the happy ending?

12.A blend of sentiment and human themes? Children, education, love?