A Hole in the Head

The best way to the heart is through a hole in the head!

I watched this movie a few times over the years, and I do like it. It’s a simple comedy/drama from 1959 directed by Frank Capra and starring Frank Sinatra, Edward G. Robinson, Eleanor Parker, Carolyn Jones, Thelma Ritter, Keenan Wynn, and Eddie Hodges as Ally, the young 12-year-old.

I’ve never been a huge fan of Frank Sinatra movies, but he seems to fit the role of Tony Manetta (Sinatra), a widower with a 12-year-old son, who runs an unsuccessful hotel in Miami just right. Tony thinks he’s a big shot but is irresponsible and likes to spend money he doesn’t have. As a result, he can’t meet the payments on his hotel, The Garden of Eden. He also has a weakness for women or as he says, "dames”. Shirl (Carolyn Jones), his free-spirited current flame, is even less responsible than Tony. But Ally seems to be good for Tony and Tony does try to do right by him.

Tony and Ally in front of The Garden of Eden Hotel; Tony's girlfriend Shirl