NR | 1h 33m | Crime, Drama, Romance | 1949
Films about ex-military men who find themselves caught up in sticky situations seem commonplace these days. Whether it’s John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) in the “Rambo” films or Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) in the equally long-running “Mission: Impossible” franchise, the military veteran backstory is a big part of modern actioners.
The archetypes of these characters were firmly established back in the 1940s but were much more nuanced affairs. Instead of taking the formulaic action movie path, these older films were often dramas that depicted the lives of World War II veterans as they tried to adapt back into normal, civilian society.
A lesser-known film, “Mr. Soft Touch” combines gripping drama and heartfelt romance with a redemptive arc similar to “Hucksters.” It’s co-directed by Gordon Douglas and Henry Levin and boasts an impressive cast, including Glenn Ford, Evelyn Keyes, John Ireland, and Beulah Bondi.
Ford plays military veteran Joe Miracle, who has returned home to San Francisco. He’s on the run from some gangsterish fellows but manages to elude them.
At a stoplight, a street Santa Claus asks Joe for a Christmas-cause donation (it’s the day before Christmas Eve) and he generously contributes whatever change he has in his pockets. However, once he gets locked into a toll lane leading onto the Bay Bridge and is asked for the fee in exact change, he hasn’t any. To make matters worse, an all-points bulletin suddenly broadcasts his stolen car’s license plate ID, and some nearby cops listening to it see him drive by.
Joe soon arrives at the home of friends Victor (Ray Mayer) and Clara Christopher (Angela Clarke). It is here that we learn that Joe isn’t as bad a guy as we initially thought. While he was fighting overseas, his nightclub was muscled in on by the mob, and his business partner Leo has gone missing. Joe robbed the now mob-controlled club of some pilfered money that really belonged to him.
Joe needs to move fast, so his plan is to take a ship to another country and lay low. However, the Chistophers were only able to purchase a ticket for him that leaves on the following evening—Christmas Eve.
Selfless Kindness in a Crime Drama
I was pleasantly surprised by this relatively unknown crime drama (with a healthy dollop of romance). What started out as a straightforward crime caper, developed into a more nuanced film, with equally subtle performances by its excellent cast.It’s also enjoyable to watch Ford’s character gradually warm to his new surroundings at the community center, where the less fortunate stay and learn English.
For instance, while hanging Christmas decorations from high up on a ladder, he falls onto the community center’s sole piano, which was to be played during Christmas celebrations. Since the piano is damaged beyond use, he gets it replaced later that evening using some imaginative methods.
Joe also performs other selfless acts of kindness toward others, while still remaining quite the secret benefactor. That is until Jenny begins to figure things out, while also falling for him. Fortunately, just like many other films from the 1940s and ‘50s, the romantic scenes are moving enough, without having to devolve into mushiness or vulgarity. Joe and Jenny’s attraction builds gradually and adds a nice layer to the otherwise creeping suspense, as Joe’s time begins to run out.
Some interesting dual metaphors are going on in this film, with the shadowy underworld contrasting with the much more positive nature of the communal Christmas-themed scenes.
“Mr. Soft Touch” seamlessly combines several film genres and offers well-paced suspense and drama, while brewing a gentle romance in the background. Overall, it’s a good-natured effort that shows the power of helping others who are in need.
