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A Hole in the Head Overview:

A Hole in the Head (1959) was a Comedy - Drama Film directed by Frank Capra and produced by Frank Capra and Frank Sinatra.

The film was based on the play of the same name written by Arnold Schulman performed at the Plymouth Theatre, NY from Feb 28, 1957 - Jul 13, 1957.

OVERVIEW:

Tony Manetta (Frank Sinatra) is a widowed dad who owns a small hotel in Miami Beach called The Garden of Eden where he lives with his 12-year-old son, Ally (Eddie Hodges). He's also a big dreamer and a big spender with a weakness for 'Eves.' Tony's nonchalant and irresponsible lifestyle constantly lands him in debt, and it has finally reached the point where he will lose his hotel if he can't pay his landlord $5,000. With nowhere else to turn, he calls on his brother Mario (Edward G. Robinson) who has lent him money many times before. Suffice it to say that Mario is fed up with 'the bum's' hard luck stories and fanciful dreams, and gives Tony an ultimatum...

FACT FROM THE VAULT:

Sinatra had one of the biggest hits of his career with the film's Oscar-winning song, "High Hopes." Sinatra also owned the film's screen rights and offered the project to Frank Capra, who came out of retirement to direct the film.

Academy Awards 1959 --- Ceremony Number 32 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best Music - SongMusic by James Van Heusen; Lyrics by Sammy CahnWon
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A Hole in the Head BlogHub Articles:

CMBA Blogathon: Fabulous Films of the 50s – A Hole in the Head (1959)

By Annmarie Gatti on May 26, 2014 From Classic Movie Hub Blog

Fabulous Films of the 50′s: Frank Capra’s A Hole in the Head “Today I may not have a thing at all except for a dream or two, but I’ve got lots of plans for tomorrow, and all my tomorrows belong to you…” First of all, I want to say that I am so truly honored to hav... Read full article

A HOLE IN THE HEAD (1959)

By Dawn on Dec 13, 2009 From Noir and Chick Flicks

<ahref="http: 1.bp.blogspot.com="" _qb_dirlwn44="" aaaaaaaabgo="" s1600-h="" sevm2ufa5zk="" sytx5v61noi="" tg5mkq7o1hfvtv51.jpg?=""></a> I feel A Hole in the Head is very charming movie. This is one of my favorite Sinatra films. It has a wonderful cast of characters Sinatra, Robinson and Capra. Thes... Read full article

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A Hole in the Head Quotes:

Tony Manetta: You've had some luck Ally... lucky Ally... You must have been hiding behind a pole or something the afternoon they gave away the Daddies. I don't know, lately, you know, I could be walking right past a solid block of gold, and if I touch it, splish, spaghetti, right in my hands.
Tony Manetta: Sophie, Mario... I was wondering if, well... would you take Ally to live with you?
Sophie Manetta: Ally? But he don't want to go with us.
Tony Manetta: I don't care what he wants. And don't put me through a ringer Sophie, not you. You were absolutely right Mario. I'm nothing but a bum. Never have been anything but a bum. I had the money right in my hand, but I blew it trying to impress a guy who knows me like a book. Like you know me. Like everybody else knows me -- except me. A cheap, chiseling, conniving bum. And I don't want Alley to be like that, so please take him with you.
Ally: What's so great about Marilyn Monroe? You're always talking about Marilyn Monroe. What's so great about Marily Monroe?
Tony Manetta: You ask me the same question in five or six years, and I'll tell you what's so great about Marilyn Monroe.
Ally: Oh that! I know.
Tony Manetta: You know what???
Ally: Well, you know...
Tony Manetta: Listen, I think you know too much. You're still a little kid you know. I'll tell you when to know!
Mario Manetta: What's love anyway? Is it going to put a roof over his head? Is it going to fill up his belly?
Mario Manetta: What's the matter? Would it break your arm to pick up the phone?
Julius, his son: What's the point, It's for you.
Mario Manetta: How do you know? What are you a mind reader?
Sophie Manetta: Mario!
Mario Manetta: Everything he knows... our brilliant son.
Julius: Nobody would call me here.
Mario Manetta: Nobody should call you anywhere.
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A Hole in the Head Facts
Nearly all of the characters' names were changed from the original play.
The original Broadway production of "A Hole in the Head" by Arnold Schulman opened at the Plymouth Theater on February 28, 1957, ran for 156 performances and closed July 13, 1957. The cast included Paul Douglas, David Burns, Lee Grant, Kay Medford and Joyce Van Patten.
In the film, A Hole in the Head, Keenan Wynn plays a character based on Walt Disney who agrees to go into a partnership with Tony Manetta (Frank Sinatra) to build an amusement park in Florida (the film predates Disney World).
The protagonist of A Hole in the Head is, Tony Manetta (Frank Sinatra), a Miami hotel operator of The Garden of Eden. The actual hotel used for the exterior shots was the Cardozo Hotel, located on Miami Beach's Ocean Drive. The hotel has been owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan for many years.
The protagonist of A Hole in the Head is, Tony Manetta (Frank Sinatra), a Miami hotel operator of The Garden of Eden. The actual hotel used for the exterior shots was the Cardozo Hotel, located on Miami Beach's Ocean Drive. The hotel has been owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan for many years.
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