O. Henry's Full House (1952) | Directed by five prominent filmmakers

"O. Henry's Full House" (1952) is an anthology film directed by five prominent filmmakers: Henry Hathaway, Howard Hawks, Henry Koster, Jean Negulesco, and Henry King. The movie presents five distinct segments, each based on a short story by the beloved American author O. Henry, known for his twist endings and tales of everyday life.

The five stories in the film are:

1. "The Cop and the Anthem" - Directed by Henry Koster, this segment stars Charles Laughton as Soapy, a homeless man who tries various schemes to get arrested so he can spend the winter in a warm jail cell. His plans, however, keep failing in comical ways.

2. "The Clarion Call" - Directed by Henry Hathaway, this segment features Dale Robertson as a police officer who encounters a former friend (Richard Widmark) who has become a notorious criminal. The officer struggles with an old debt he owes the man.

3. "The Last Leaf" - Directed by Jean Negulesco, this touching story revolves around two struggling artists (Anne Baxter and Jean Peters). When one falls seriously ill, a neighbor's act of kindness takes on profound significance.

4. "The Ransom of Red Chief" - Directed by Howard Hawks, this humorous story stars Fred Allen and Oscar Levant as two bumbling criminals who kidnap a young boy, only to discover that the boy is more than they bargained for with his mischievous behavior.

5. "The Gift of the Magi" - Directed by Henry King, this beloved story features Jeanne Crain and Farley Granger as a young married couple who sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy each other Christmas gifts, illustrating the depth of their love.

Narrated by author John Steinbeck, "O. Henry's Full House" brings to life the wit, irony, and heartfelt moments characteristic of O. Henry's stories. Each segment showcases a unique slice of life and a surprise ending that leaves a lasting impression, offering a varied and enjoyable cinematic experience.