User reviews

I saw this movie when I was only about five years old and I've loved it since. It epitomizes the typical good hearted man in a bad situation who undergoes a character transformation worthy of old Scrooge himself. Bob Hope plays a grifter who tries to play both sides of a scam. All of this is infused with just the right amount of holiday fun and Christmas Carols (and even a few cracks at Bing) to make it a real holiday classic. I would recommend it for any age and any family.

The Lemon Drop Kid is the second of two films Bob Hope did from stories based on Damon Runyon's colorful collection of characters, the first being Sorrowful Jones. Sidney Melbourne known to one and all as The Lemon Drop Kid for his inordinate fondness for lemon flavored candy is a fellow who lives by his wits as a race track tout.

Sometimes our hero is too clever by a half and when he gives the wrong tip to gambler Fred Clark's girl friend, Andrea King, Clark says that Hope owes him ten thousand dollars, the amount the horse would have paid him.

Things move fast and furious as Hope evolves a scheme to raise the money by starting a home for little old ladies named for Jane Darwell. Hope gets everyone in his set involved including his long suffering girl friend, Marilyn Maxwell.

Maxwell, who was reputedly involved romantically with Hope during the shooting of this film, plays a part almost identical to Runyon's better known Adelaide from Guys and Dolls.

Of course this film is famous for introducing that modern Christmas classic Silver Bells by Bob and Marilyn. And in an act that some might consider charity, that other well known Paramount star, Bing Crosby made a hit record of it with his radio girl singer of the moment Carole Richards.

In his musical autobiography record Bing said that he thought the secret of Silver Bells popularity is that it is an urban based song with its images of department stores, kid's rushing, and above all the bustle the sound of bells from street corner Santas. The song fits in real nice in the film with Hope's scheme involving his fellow street people in Santa Claus suits collecting for that little old ladies home.

Silver Bells got nominated for Best song, but lost to that other Paramount film song In the Cool Cool Cool of the Evening introduced by Bing Crosby.

Still the popularity of Jay Livingston and Ray Evans classic modern holiday ballad will insure people will be watching The Lemon Drop Kid for years to come.

"The Lemon Drop Kid" is from a story by Damon Runyon--and it's heritage is obvious based on the sorts of names for the characters, such as Stan the Surgeon, Moose Moran, Nellie Thursday and Straight Flush Tony. The title character is played by Bob Hope and he's a real schmuck. He makes his living, such as it is, by selling fake tips on horses at the racetrack. However, when he convinces a big-time mobster's girl to bet on a horse instead of the one she intended to bet on, the mobster (Fred Clark) is NOT happy. He insists that The Kid must pay him back by Christmas....or else. The problem is that The Lemon Drop Kid has no money and no friends--so he heads to New York to try to convince someone to loan him the money. But, he is a schmuck after all and none of his 'friends' in the city are willing to give him a dime. What's he to do....just wait to have his legs broken....if he's LUCKY?! Nah, he comes up with a scheme involving the creation of an old folks home and Santa. Confusing? See the film to find out why he does this and what's next.

Overall, this is a very enjoyable Hope vehicle. He's in top form and the movie is entertaining despite a few small glitches. For example, look for Bob Hope's lips as he 'sings' "Silver Bells" and tries to get money from some very little kids. You can clearly see that his lips AREN'T moving yet he's somehow singing! Oops. Despite this silly mistake, I must say that this is a lovely part of the film--a real highlight. Clever and worth your time.

BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 300 HOLIDAY FILMS & SPECIALS. I HAVE NO AGENDA.

The Lemon Drop Kid is a 1951 comedy film based on the short story of the same name by Damon Runyon, starring Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell. Although Sidney Lanfield is credited as the director, Frank Tashlin reportedly was hired, to finish the film. The story had previously been adapted as a 1934 movie starring Lee Tracy, with actress Ann Sheridan in a bit part. William Frawley is featured in both versions.

The song "Silver Bells," sung by Hope and Maxwell, was introduced in this film

The Lemon Drop Kid (Bob Hope), a New York City swindler, is illegally touting horses at a Florida racetrack. The Kid touts across a beautiful woman intending to bet $2,000 on a horse named Iron Bar. Rigging a con, the Kid convinces her to switch her bet, but learns that she was betting for boyfriend and notorious gangster Moose Moran (Fred Clark). When the horse finishes dead last, a furious Moran demands the Kid pay him $10,000 (the amount he would have won) by Christmas Eve, or the Kid "won't make it to New Year's."

This film is typical one liners that Bob Hope was famous for. This film however suffers because many of them are "flat" and have not held up over time!

This film runs about 90 minutes but it seems to run 3 hours. Some parts of this film however is funny but it has equal parts that are not funny. It is also hard to hear 48 year old Bib Hope refereed to as kid in this film.

This is a great film for Bob Hope fans. For the rest of us it is just an okay film. Not a bad film but not very good either!

Our entire family from great grandmother on down to the great grandchildren love this movie. It will never be outdated. It is funny, decent and there is never a dull moment. This movie is truly a classic and such a refreshing change from the liberal nonsense that the industry is spewing out today.

Bob Hope is wonderful as The Lemon Drop Kid, who makes his money tricking people into betting on ponies with his phony insider information and agreeing to cut him in on the winnings...only he mistakenly convinces a gangster's mol into betting on a different pony than she was supposed to with $2000! As a consequence, the gangster looses out on a $10,000 payout. He tells the Lemon Drop Kid he has until Christmas Eve to pay him back the $10,000. So The Kid travels to New York where he is hoping to call upon his friends to help him out...only they don't because either they can't or because he has taken advantage of their kindness one too many times, including the lovely lady "Brainy". Down on his luck and with just enough money to get his winter clothes out of hawk he sees a bell ringing Santa...and is struck by the idea that he could raise money for a charity...his save a life charity.

This was a great vehicle for Bob Hope and he is at the top of his game in this film. I was eager to see this film because I ordered sheet music for my favorite Christmas carol..."Silver Bells" and found out it came straight out of this film The Lemon Drop Kid which I had never heard of. I don't know that this will be a Christmas regular for me, but it was worth seeing...contained my favorite Christmas carol, and had some interesting scenes from a by gone era...including tinsled trees and Christmas store windows.

Hope's films always spun on his zany sense of humor. In this, a redo of a Damon Runyon story (see Little Miss Marker), Hope is at his best. I noted with interest the comments of one reviewer who bristling with politically correct indignation, accuses Hope of everything from Sexism to nearly murder. True, they were not as tuned into the careful not to offend anyone scene we are now but most of this stuff is pretty mild. Besides, being a senior citizen myself, I was hardly offended. The list of wonderful studio character actors in this film is delightful. Fred Clarke who was at his best as a villain or sleeze ball gives a delightful show as a gangster. And, then there's Marilyn Maxwell: her singing of "Silver Bells," gave us a new Christmas carol that is sung every holiday season. I'm sorry that some of our other reviewers were piqued by this film. I think it has held up well and I still delight at Hope's antics. I guess that dates me. I was in junior high when I saw this film. I loved it then and love it now.

The Lemon Drop Kid is directed by Sidney Lanfield (Frank Tashlin uncredited) and based on the short story of the same name written by Damon Runyon (Edmund Beloin adapting). It stars Bob Hope, Marilyn Maxwell, Lloyd Nolan, Jane Darwell, Andrea King & Fred Clark.

It's perhaps a bit unfair to call it purely a Christmas movie? But watching it during the festive holiday season itself more than doubles the impact of the viewing. Bob Hope is The Lemon Drop Kid, a scam artist who during one of his cons at the race track finds himself in debt to a gangster for $10,000. If he doesn't find the money by Christmas day then he's going to be done for in a very grizzly way. We then follow the intrepid Hope on his various escapades to get the money; no mater how morally corrupt it be! A charity scam in the name of an old peoples home brings about much mirth and frivolity, and as the film twists as much as Hope does in his energetic scenes, it leave us with a delightful feel good seasonal offering. The lead cast are fine, with Hope in his element with the material to hand, while Marilyn Maxwell is perfect foil for Hope in the lead female role that calls for gusto and sentiment to be layered equally. While the final cherry on this lovely yuletide cake comes with the Hope/Maxwell rendition of "Silver Bells" that underpins the Christmas flavour of the piece.

It's unlikely to impress hardcore Runyon followers, and those that don't buy into Hope's form of comedy are probably best to avoid it. But for many folk, myself included, The Lemon Drop Kid is a 10/10 film, particularly at the Crimble season.

Bob Hope is Sidney Milburn, "The Lemon Drop Kid" in this film based on a Damon Runyon story. Hope plays a racetrack "tout" who talks up horses to eager bettors. In the first scene we see him conversing with a neighing horse and taking notes. He tells one bettor that most of the horses are sick: "That's why they head for the inside rail so they have something to lean on."

Unfortunately, he talks mobster Moose Moran's (Fred Clark) girlfriend out of betting on the horse Moose sent her to bet on, and the horse, Lightning Streak, comes in last. Sidney then owes Moose $10,000 and is in big trouble. He goes to New York and looks up some old friends.

One is Nellie (Jane Darwell) whose husband Henry is about to be released from prison, but she is about to be evicted; and the other is Brainey (Marilyn Maxwell). Sidney moves Nellie and some other elderly ladies (or old dolls, as they're called) into Moose's casino which is sitting empty on Long Island, gets a vendors license, and sends his friends dressed as Santa out to collect money for "The Nellie Thursday Old Dolls Home." Trouble follows.

Hope is surrounded by some fine character actors: Jay C. Flippen, Sid Melton, William Frawley, and Lloyd Nolan.

Marilyn Maxwell sings "Silver Bells," which became a big hit. She toured with Hope entertaining the USO and was apparently having a huge affair with him.

There's a lot of slapstick at the end, which is very funny, as Hope goes on the run dressed as an old woman. There are some great lines as well throughout, in part thanks to Hope's flawless delivery. Despite not playing a savory character, he comes off as one of the most likable crooks you'll ever meet.

Fun, and a nice film to see at holiday time.

This is one of my favorite holiday movies. It is a great example of Runyan's work. I would recommend it for the whole family! It is a nice departure from the usual holiday sentimentalism. The dialog is peppered with typical Runyan phrases that truly capture the "Guys and Dolls" types and yet still has the Bob Hope send up comedy typical of his "Road" pictures. The musical numbers add to the picture without making it into a big budget Hollywood show. Jane Darwell, William Frawley and Lloyd Nolan are really enjoyable. Even though some of the comedy it perhaps a bit ethnic oriented, it really isn't offensive. My family and I would rather watch this than any other "wonderful" holiday movie.

Bob Hope plays Sidney Milburn, a.k.a. The Lemon Drop Kid. The Kid is a racetrack tout, which is a person who sells tips on horses at the track. He causes gangster Moose Moran to lose big at the track. Moose gives The Kid until Christmas to come up with the money. So, together with some criminal friends, The Kid hatches a scheme to get the loot.

This is a great comedy for Christmas or any time of the year. Hope is fantastic and is backed up by a terrific supporting cast that includes Marilyn Maxwell, Jane Darwell, William Frawley, Harry Bellaver, and Lloyd Nolan. Fun script with great Damon Runyon characters. And, of course, let's not forget this is the film that introduced the Christmas classic "Silver Bells."

This was fairly interesting story with some decent laughs....nothing to really dislike but nothing that would make rush out and buy the film, either.

The characters were colorful in here and Bob Hope (it's his movie) had a number of funny lines, yet I didn't think the film moved that fast for some reason.

Although not considered a musical, there were several songs in here by Hope and Marilyn Maxwell, none memorable. It did have a decent cast with name actors such as Lloyd Nolan and Jane Darwell and a bunch of 'character actors' like Ben Weldon, Jay C. Flippen, Sid Melton and William Frawley (of "I Love Lucy" fame).

Overall, I wouldn't spend more than a dollar to rent it.

The gags fly thick and fast in this Hope romp. If a viewer doesn't like one set-up, the next will be on in a flash. Hope's got to settle a debt to mobster Clark, otherwise he's toast. So the race-track tout sets up a phony Santa scheme using sidewalk donations supposedly going to an old ladies home. Can he pull it off since there're more characters to manage than a circus.

Hope's at his peak, physically and wise-crack wise. His shtick looks effortless, gliding from one set-up to the next. It's about as smooth as madcap comes, and not even the spare romantic scene dawdles And catch movie vets like a pre-Lucy William Frawley, fast-talking Lloyd Nolan, and professional grouch Fred Clark of the old Burns and Allen show. And for eye candy there's a luscious Marilyn Maxwell to sweeten things up. But shouldn't overlook versatile Jane Darwell of Grapes of Wrath.

But the real ace-in-the-hole is writer and uncredited director (IMDB) Frank Tashlin. His comedic stamp is all over the physical comedy. For instance, catch that undressing of the manikin in the storefront window. It's a hoot, and I would think a challenge for censors given the female detail. Or the cyclonic wind where the Girl Scouts help the wobbly Hope negotiate a sidewalk. In fact, there are numerous touches throughout that make this Hope entry a sleeper, especially at Xmas time. Too bad it's not better known among his stellar entries, Crosby or no.

I'd never heard of The Lemon Drop Kid before, but I saw it on a list of Christmas comedies, so I thought I'd give it a chance. It wasn't bad. It took a while for me to warm up to Bob Hope's character, but I think that was kind of the point. I don't think the comedy has held up as well as other movies, and I wasn't sold on this being a Christmas movie at first, but it eventually got there. I was also shocked to learn that this was the movie that introduced "Silver Bells" to the world. That's gotta count for something. I liked The Lemon Drop Kid, but it's not going to be a holiday staple for me.

The Lemon Drop Kid (1951) : Brief Review -

Chameleon Bob Hope in a Christmas con comedy with iconic "Silver Bells". The 1934 version of The Lemon Drop Kid did not come to notice-I don't know why-but this Bob Hope version did bring the story to everyone's attention. The iconic "Silver Bells" was first introduced here, and it is such a visually and audibly attractive song. That walk Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell took in the market while singing the song kind of reminded me of Fred Astaire's walk in "Easter Parade" (1949). A Christmas film in black and white may not be a good idea, but I can't really help but accept the contemporary technology while watching the movie in 2023. Bob Hope was such a chameleon that he transformed from one act to another so easily. He kept changing colours according to his surroundings, and that's why this film became so entertaining. From a horserace scam to a Christmas con, and then that entire segment in a lady's appearance-he was flawless. The film is about a swindler who owes ten grand to Big Daddy and has nowhere to go. He has to return the money within 15 days, which ends exactly on Christmas Eve. When he finds no legal way to earn that much money, he decides to con people's faith in Santa Claus and fool them into dropping the money for the old dolls' house. However, he is outsmarted by a bigger con who takes over his business, and now our fella has to earn money as well as earn the respect of every old dog and his own girl. The screenplay sets things up very nicely, and you won't feel bored even for a moment. The idea is to keep you laughing, and believe me, Bob was very good at such jobs. His romance with Marilyn Maxwell is cute and funny. Those tight kisses in that statue scene, oh my my. So hot. Sidney Lanfield does the trick of using festival vibes and setting the mood right with all-happy things at the end. Coincidentally, I watched it just when Christmas was around the corner, and I just felt it really close.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest.

An amiable Bob Hope comedy with a seasonal flavour based on a Damon Runyan character. It's years since I've read the original story but I'm assured that the plot here is very different to that penned by Runyan. To be fair though, the situations and characterisations here are still identifiably Runyonesque with Hope's Kid a real fly-by-night, living from scam to scam, stringing along his pretty but obviously long-suffering girl-friend Marilyn Miller in the process.

However, when he flim-flams the wrong guy, i.e. A big-shot gangster, at the race-track, our hero has to find $10000 before Christmas Eve, which is only a matter of days away, otherwise his fate is as cooked as a Christmas Day goose. So he comes up with an idea to fleece the general public into stumping up donations for a fake charity to house a group of elderly women, or dolls as they're ungraciously termed, which he'll use to pay off his debt, but it's not long before it all gets complicated and at least two rival gangs are out for the Kid's head. But it's a Bob Hope movie and set at Christmas time so do you really doubt the final outcome...?

I won't say the movie delivered major belly-laughs but Hope well knows how to carry off this stuff, even if it's a bit of stretch to imagine him stringing along the lovely Miller, especially as her character's name is actually "Brainy". Meanwhile, he gets in his trademark jibes at Crosby as well as Milton Berle plus the usual stream of self-deprecating gags we've come to know and expect over the years. There's also the bonus of the introduction of the popular seasonal "Silver Bells" sung by Hope and Miller.

I think I still prefer old Bob when he's out on the road with Bing, but this light Chritmassy comedy goes down as nicely as a lemon-drop although I must confess I speak as someone with a decidedly sweet tooth!

Still makes me laugh after all these years impeccable timing great writing beautiful comic acting from all, Hope is wonderful as usual if you haven't seen this and looking for an hour or so of laughs the sit down put your feet up and enjoy. They Obviously Want Me To Sing ...not now please

I have watched this movie every Christmas my whole life. It's full of song and laughter. I raised my kids on this movie and is for the whole family. Starring Bob Hope. Make this your family tradition.

Though this movie is a favorite of my Mother's, it inevitably is one of mine. Bob Hope is "ON" in this Season's Greeting which, by the way, introduced the world to the song "Silver Bells". A MUST-HAVE in your home library.

Bob Hope is the Lemon Drop Kid, a race-track tout who incurs the wrath of gangster Moose Moran when he convinces Moose's ditsy mistress to bet on what turns out to be the slowest horse in the race. Given until Christmas to raise the ten grand, the conniving kid sets up a fake 'Old Dolls Home' as part of a fake Santa Claus charity scam. This is a Christmas movie, so needless to say the larceny and gangland shenanigans of the first half gives way to a sentimental final reel. The film is loosely based on the eponymous Damon Runyon story but, other than character names like 'Gloomy Willie' and the frequent use of the term 'dolls', lacks a real 'Runyonesque' feel. As always, Hope's impeccable timing and delivery gets the most out of the material and the film is pretty funny at times (including the obligatory meta-reference to Bing Crosby, Hope's usually comedic foil). All in all, a fun family Christmas-film that introduced the classic seasonal charmer 'Silver Bells'. One additional plus: the film features the great Tor Johnson of 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' (1957) and 'The Beast of Yucca Flats' (1961) fame.