O. Henry's Full House 1952
"A dozen top stars - five famed directors bring you the best stories of O. Henry!"
O. Henry's Full House (1952), directed by Henry King, weaves together five standalone stories from the beloved short story master's wit and wisdom.
Director: Henry King
Cast
Fred Allen
Sam "Slick" Brown (segment "The Ransom of Red Chief")
Anne Baxter
Joanna Goodwin (segment "The Last Leaf")
Jeanne Crain
Della (segment "The Gift of the Magi")
Farley Granger
Jim (segment "The Gift of the Magi")
Charles Laughton
Soapy (segment "The Cop and the Anthem")
Oscar Levant
William Smith (segment "The Ransom of Red Chief")
Marilyn Monroe
Streetwalker (segment "The Cop and the Anthem")
Jean Peters
Susan Goodwin (segment "The Last Leaf")
Gregory Ratoff
Behrman (segment "The Last Leaf")
Dale Robertson
Barney Woods (segment "The Clarion Call")
Frequently Asked Questions
What is O. Henry's Full House (1952) about?
This 1952 anthology follows five separate stories by O. Henry, each exploring themes of luck, redemption, and irony in early 20th-century New York. The most celebrated segment, "The Cop and the Anthem," centers on a destitute man's doomed attempts to get arrested for shelter.
Who directed O. Henry's Full House?
The film was directed by Henry King, a master of classic Hollywood storytelling known for his work on films like *Twelve O'Clock High* and *The Bravados*.
Who stars in O. Henry's Full House?
The ensemble cast includes Charles Laughton, Farley Granger, Anne Baxter, Jeanne Crain, Fred Allen, and Oscar Levant, each delivering memorable performances.
Is O. Henry's Full House (1952) worth watching?
Though not rated on IMDb, this anthology of O. Henry's stories offers timeless charm with its blend of drama and comedy. Its nostalgic New York setting and sharp character studies make it a rewarding watch for fans of classic storytelling.
How long is O. Henry's Full House?
The film runs for 117 minutes, or just under two hours.
🎥 Trailer
About O. Henry's Full House (1952) — A Classic Anthology of Wit and Fate
O. Henry's Full House (1952), directed by Henry King, weaves together five standalone stories from the beloved short story master's wit and wisdom. This anthology film, blending drama and comedy, captures the bittersweet humor of everyday life with a star-studded cast led by Charles Laughton and Farley Granger. The standout tale, "The Cop and the Anthem," follows Soapy, a down-on-his-luck vagrant whose quixotic quest to get arrested for shelter spirals into ironic twists. Each story unfolds in a bygone New York City, where chance encounters and sudden turns of fate reveal human resilience and fragility alike.
With its rich atmosphere and sharp social commentary, the film balances heartfelt moments with sly humor, reflecting O. Henry's signature blend of pathos and punchlines. The ensemble cast brings depth and charm to each vignette, from a thief's unexpected redemption to a young girl's quiet sacrifice in "The Last Leaf." Together, these stories form a tapestry of human folly and kindness, wrapped in the nostalgic glow of mid-century storytelling.
