Letter of Introduction (1938) CHARLIE McCARTHY

Stars: Adolphe Menjou, Edgar Bergen, Charlie McCarthy
Director: John M. Stahl
An aging actor, trying to make a comeback on Broadway, is surprised when his estranged daughter shows up. It seems that she is an actress and is also trying to make it on Broadway. He tries to re-establish his relationship with her while also trying to hide the fact that she is his daughter from the press.

[@suzieqwonder3089]

It seems as if these films are the only right thing to do in my life at this time! After going thru several traumas in a short period of time, these seem to be giving me a bit of fulfillment that softens my heart & soul. Thank you for your thoughtfulness by entertaining so many of us!

[@karriebelle49]

SuzieQ Wonder interesting to read your post I too have been going through serious life altering issues and these films are a wonderful release and escape. Wishing you lots of better luck in the future x

[@susanh.352]

Ahhh SuzieQ, whatever trouble's you are going through, I promise one day you will smile again. Sending Prayer's for you. :)

[@shyloduffy4118]

You and I both.. I seek these movies to soothe my soul.God bless you perhaps it is he that leads you..

[@juanbilldunn1704]

...Susan H.

[@ramonacomte7586]

We L1

[@angelachilds1693]

I've spent a lot of time in the hospital recently. I can't find anything to watch on TV. I am so glad I found these old movies to pass the time.

[@shelleymcafee8197]

A wonderful movie, the story, dialogue and performances were masterfully-done! I always love seeing the architectural-design, decor, furnishings and fashions in these classic-films as well; through the telling of the story, and the staging, I’m transported to an earlier time, a different place and life! Thank-You so much!!

[@rochellpreston7838]

I love watching old movies exspecially on rainy days

[@richardnoegel275]

Really excellent film! With a true-to-life ending. They could have taken the usual "easy way out," but instead went for some bittersweet realism. Very satisfying. Highly recommended.

[@angelsaltamontes7336]

Edgar Bergen's bittersweet realism was the taproot of Kurosawa's later angst, as Fritz Lang's feng shui came to Charlie McCarthy's mind whenever he (McCarthy) was laying face-down in Bergen's suitcase. Life is a ferriswheel turned merry-go-round and vice versa, for some just a carousel: some, the Bergens, Kurosawas and Langs, are luggers; others, the McCarthys. are luggage.

[@kaybutcher5719]

Love Eve Arden. Wish she had been in more movies. But she'll always be "Our Miss Brooks" Thanks for all the old movies.

[@kennethparsons8621]

Agreed...our Miss Brooks...years later I learned she was in movies usually cast as the wise cracking friend of the leading lady...

[@CrazyTechy]

Charlie McCarthy was so popular he was one of the stars in several movies in the 30s and 40s. Thanks for making it available.

[@Hotshotter3000]

He was fucking everywhere. You can't watch any cartoons of the era without bumping into him. No ventriloquist will ever have that level of popularity. Imagine if Jeff Dunham's Peanut or Walter characters just appeared at random everywhere on TV today. In the 1940s to 1960s, there were around 400 full-time ventriloquists working, now there are only around 15. The movie makes it look like they're a dying art in the 1930s... today it would have decomposed beyond belief.

[@Celluloidwatcher]

Thank you for the wonderful bittersweet film, Letter of Introduction, with a great cast. What I found noteworthy, however, was the fact that Edgar Bergen did double duty with drama and comic relief, at a time when movies used comic actors for just the comic relief, depending on the film. But who did it better? Was there any wonder why Bergen's radio show on NBC back when this film was released in 1938 was the top rated program on the air, even competing with Orson Welles' Mercury Theatre production of the H.G. Wells classic story, The War of the Worlds, on CBS on October 30, 1938 when this country thought that men from Mars actually invaded the Earth, bombarding the CBS switchboard with numerous phone calls. Thankfully, it was all a hoax. But the growing threat of war in Europe contributed to the fears of Americans and others around the world that something sinister was lurking. Of course, Adolphe Menjou turns in a great performance as the drunken stage actor who meets his estranged daughter (Andrea Leeds) for the first time. Thanks again.

[@janined7470]

Thank you for the glimpse in the past, in such difficult times, when all we want is to escape reality!

[@jesakura]

Brings back memories of a dear ventriloquist friend from decades ago. I got to see Bergen and McCarthy perform together just once, in the late 1970's. What a talent!

[@angelsaltamontes7336]

Charlie McCarthy can still be seen as a solo act, at a venue in Washington DC called The Smithsonian. Admission is usually available at the door!

[@inkyguy]

@@angelsaltamontes7336, but he doesn’t say much.

[@philbourque5216]

John Stahl was a great Hollywood director. More hits than misses. Thanks for posting.

[@JaneFrieman]

I saw this movie on television 50+ years ago. Back then I was amused by the antics of Charlie McCarthy.

[@justmemallen4645]

So many important life lessons in this classic film. People give up the things that matter most far too easily often for false pride That means and stands for absolutely nothing in the end. A Wonderful bittersweet film of great substance and raw talent.

[@debbabbit5823]

Fantastic movie. I didn't expect to laugh so hard. It seemed like a true and very touching story. Andrea Leeds stared in films for just 7 years. She had casual dates with Edgar Bergen, Charlie McCarthy pupeteer master and future father of Candice Bergen) until she retired from film with her only marriage to raise her 2 children. Her father-in-law owned and raced Seabiscuit! I loved her sincere character. She reminded me a little of Myrna Loy. Thanks for this treasure!

[@davidwinemiller9006]

Very interesting,,,Thank you!!

[@sherouet]

I love those movies from golden days Thank you so much

[@johnbunyan5834]

When Menjou stated that he was 52 years old , in that film, I thought that he looked about 65 close up. According to Wiki, he was born in 1890. Therefore, he was actually only 48. Amazing.

[@heatherbowlan9822]

Thank you for this lovely drama , God Bless you ! ❤️🇨🇦🙏🏽🇨🇦❤️

[@doreen6686]

First of all I like to thank pizzaflick for sharing this vid with us. It was more of suspense that kept me sitting on the edge of my sofa, with plenty of humour. I truly enjoyed the acting it didn't take much for Kay. To play her part, was marvellous . Thanks again 🍻. Cheers

[@auretjean1]

A delightful movie - thank you so much!

[@toniastone3460]

The opening scene of this movie reminded me of a story my grandmother used to tell me . Her name was Annie ,she was born in 1912 In Charleston South Carolina. she and her brother would run behind the fire truck when it came down the street with its bell ringing. One particular day She and her brother are returning from an errand for her mom, it just so happened the firetruck came roaring by, they ran behind it it ended up at their house. She said she never chase a fire truck again.

[@PizzaFLIX]

Thanks for watching PizzaFLIX. May the Sauce be with you.

[@deborahnewton6208]

Wonderfull film , great Actress and Actors, i have enjoy very, very much this film, lovely to watch stories so well done, thanks , i really enjoy clasic old films, perhaps people had some thing different that a miss know !!Thanks for sharing with us.

[@sandy3482]

Wow all the stars, Ann Sheridan, George Murphy, Edgar Bergen, Inez Cortez, Eve Arden, Rita Jonson, Adolph Menjou, Rita Johnson, Andrea Leeds, thought I have seen all Ann Sheridan's movies but never seen this one before- Thanks

[@robertwalker5521]

She got her come-,uppance in "The Man Who Came To Dinner"

[@maryannswanson3832]

I loved this movie. The acting in these old movies is so good! I remember watching old movies when I was a little girl. They were more musicals with Fred Astaire! 🌟🌟🌟💖👏👏🤗😁

[@tommarion9007]

Thanks for posting these rare films!

[@merlewilson2898]

Thank you so much for all wonderful movies

[@nancy2214]

Excellent movie for a relaxing Sunday night 🎬🍿👍🏻thanks for sharing

[@caramelrose819]

This was a very entertaining movie. Thank you.

[@alpha-omega2362]

Eve Arden: "I'm not Mrs. Bergen, I'm Mrs. McCarthy".....best line in the movie!!

[@alpha-omega2362]

what makes this doubly funny is that Eve Arden was in reality a "Mrs. Bergen" married to a Ned Bergen....

[@richardnoegel275]

@Alpha-Omega: Eve Arden never disappoints, does she! Writers always gave her lines like that. She had some good zingers in "Mildred Pierce."

[@ursulapainter992]

Terrific acting. Thank you for the upload!

[@candicechristian7344]

Loved it. . Hated the ending. .. but made for good drama. .. thanks for sharing this great film😍😍😍😍

[@ladylydia762]

Thank goodness for KZbin. Thank-you for the upload.

[@kellyhowful]

Love this movie, but I wished it would have ended differently.

[@ThreeAMWoman]

Thank you for a wonderful movie.

[@williammawk1720]

Eve Ardin from Our Miss Brooks of the 1950's. She played a school teacher. principal, secretary or something to do with a school. She was a great actress and the show was funny and quite entertaining. Whatever happened to quality, everything now has violence, vile language, sex, nudity or some other bad things in them, most are unfit to watch.

[@BETTERWORLDSGT]

There are Some Episodes on KZbin!

[@WorkshopPops]

is she the lady that was in gone with the wind,the brothel owner?

[@LakeConstan]

No. That was Ona Munson

[@robertwalker5521]

@@WorkshopPops ...Eve Arden and Gail Patrick were they all Female Actresses ... both excellent

[@Horse237]

Andrea Leeds only acted for 4 years. She married wealthy sportsman Robert Stewart Howard, heir to father Charles S. Howard's racing stables, and gave up her profession completely to raise a family. They had 2 children.

[@luckybaring3907]

What a movie! Fantastic 🙏

[@anniem9595]

Wonderful Movie!! Thank you! ❤

[@loveandhappiness304]

They mention Benton Harbor, Michigan, in this film. It was amazing how states and cities were put on the map in such early films... Love Black and white. 🙌🏽❤🙏🏼

[@robertwalker5521]

Yeah, in one frame/comedy the train stopped in Wapakoneta, Ohio.

[@francisheggarty9780]

Edgar bergen and charlie mccarthy in my opinion were the greatest. Ventriloquist act

[@jamesw.h6807]

Love 'em. Keep them coming! James W H

[@PizzaFLIX]

Thanks for watching! May the Sauce be with you.

[@ellyelisabeth2783]

That was one hell of a kiss for a father and daughter!

[@sharonspencer2312]

I noticed that also; rather inappropriate.

[@sandyroyston7118]

On the mouth?????

[@ellyelisabeth2783]

@@sandyroyston7118 Exactly! I wouldn't kiss my son's or daughter on the mouth and we are a loving family that never leave home without saying we love eachother! Just gross

[@robertwalker5521]

@@ellyelisabeth2783 ...Well, not to worry...there was no tongue involved.

[@french2two]

The 1930's fashions never looked so glamorous as they do in this movie. My grandmother was a fashionably-dressed "flapper" with her husband in the 1920's. I always thought of the 30's as the depression and very un-glamorous. But, these actors, both male and female, had true panache.

[@gracepolzin5758]

Thankyou ❣️❣️❣️💞💞❣️❣️. 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟!!!!!!!!

[@aalihte3378]

I had to calculate it..so in the United States a $21 meal was the equivalent of $362.15 today. So Kay ain't kidding when she questions the price of her chicken. I'm pretty sure the Plaza in NYC wouldn't cost that much today for a dinner party under 5.

[@richardnoegel275]

@Alida Bailey: Thanks for this most interesting tidbit!

[@davidwinemiller9006]

Maybe if they drank a lot of champagne?

[@bibibibi9457]

Thanks for the upload (I love the clothes/fashion 😍🎥

[@elizabethstetler8044]

Thank you for the memories

[@justmyopinion628]

I really enjoyed this film. Thank you.

[@elijahrose2144]

Great movie 🍿 I Appreciate the movie 🎥 Lord let the fire of God surround and protect his life, family,love ones,life and protect all of them,even audience that watch the movie, 🍿 Amen🕊️Have Amazing 🌉 night

[@aadamtx]

Enjoyable flick, although some of the Bergen/McCarthy scenes (great as they are) seem shoe-horned in, which can bring the main plot to a screeching halt. But excellent cast, including in minor roles Kathleen Howard and William Lundigan. But there's never enough Eve Arden, one of my all-time favorites! Surprised George Murphy wasn't given more dance time here, since he was a song & dance man.

[@eddancer1381]

Thanks Pizza Flix for this great movie,

[@michaelsnider8611]

Happy New Year Pizza fix the!

[@learningjourney3041]

movie worth seeing just one more time

[@margaretroselle8610]

Thank you for a great evening’s entertainment! Loved the movie.

[@dennislyon8030]

When movies were Great and movie stars could Act.Without Help

[@geezermann7865]

Mortimer Snerd - his fertile dirt used to sell for $1 a load. Now he sells it for $2 a load, and it's the same old "stuff", lol - s__t. That's at 1:11:47 This turned out to be a pretty good old movie. Good acting, a look at the life of the rich in the depression, and even those old revolving doors made an appearance. I didn't care for how the movie started, but I'm glad I stuck around to the end.

[@cbranalli]

splendid !

[@Arthur_McGowan]

Almost a sequel to "Stage Door." Menjou. Arden. And Andrea Leeds is playing "Kay" again.

[@lanacampbell-moore6686]

Thank You 😊

[@patrooney2283]

A very enjoyable movie!!

[@karriebelle49]

Great film had me gripped until the end thanks

[@janiceharley9051]

Good 🎥movie I wish things could have been different at the end but that's how the story goes Real life is what this picture is. Janice Harley

[@jadaparks8047]

9/28/17: Just subscribed. Love classic B&W. Another good flick is CAUSE FOR ALARM w/ Loretta Young.

[@inkyguy]

Interesting to see that Edgar Bergen & Charlie McCarthy get higher billing than Ann Sheridan and Eve Arden.

[@eddylauterback1312]

They had the number 1 radio show at the time. They probably helped at the box office but weren't needed in the picture

[@mariaceciliapelaez1898]

GREAT!!! MUCHAS GRACIAS!!!!

[@bettythebutcher]

$21 is about $350 today. That was some chicken!

[@ludditeneaderthal]

you really have to feel bad for candace bergen. imagine the kafka esque tableau of the family "meal ticket" being an "older brother" made of papier mache and excelsior in a tux

[@greggi47]

Lemonwood, I think.

[@nanettecormier8513]

Lovely acting although the moral of the story is a common one: always marry a jealous man who.doesn't trust you. So romantic.

[@90FF1]

In a word, outstanding!

[@casperbubbles]

A Gem ! Thank you !

[@carlb8378]

The picture next to Charlie McCarthy (9:23) looks like W.C.Fields . He and Charlie had a running feud whenever they were in the same film . I enjoyed their banter so much . Maybe it is a nod to W.C.Fields .

[@vivianelozon4908]

Such a good movie!!

[@alfredbonnabel7022]

Andrea Leeds was such a good actress. ⭐

[@LogicKeyz]

Wonderful film, Horrible ending. Great story line.

[@deborahduthie4519]

One of the saddest movies ever watched.

[@paularthur5563]

dapper dude alert at around 20:00 - really good character acting

[@richardkay8123]

Paul Arthur rd.. to who cI I

[@constanceroma8264]

Loved this movie. Awesome! Ty

[@markenge9348]

Looks like our great occupier of the oval office. Let's go Brandon.

[@timefortea1931]

If every household had a Blitzen there'd never be any robberies again lol.

[@robertwalker5521]

"Donner & blitzen are Thunder & Lightning in Deutsch / German

[@jamesselby796]

Edgar Bergan became a ventriloquist by accident so to speak. When he sent a coupon "Learn Photography" from a dime novel. What he got back was a book "Become a Ventriloquist" cost him a dime I understand.

[@eddylauterback1312]

That dime made him a multi millionaire.

[@pattimccraw6168]

what a great movie

[@virnamisra1657]

Yes। That's what I thought I needed। Vera Virna West

[@guybeme]

Thanks Charlie

[@shaharazon2449]

Was that Candice Bergmans father Interesting movie Thanks Pizza for sharing

[@vernalc2449]

Great sauce @PizzaFlix! The moral of the story, to me, is "The importance of telling the #TRUTH." Now, if orange people could lear this...

[@ameem8791]

The famous ventriloquist is Candice Bergen’s father.

[@giraffasavana2275]

Amo questi film👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤️🌹❤️

[@joannajones8533]

Does one kiss their father on the lips??? i was surprised about that :)

[@CDU916]

Joanna Johns : I’ve seen this done in other movies of this period but I agree it’s disconcerting.

[@caspence56]

My first thought was yuck, that was gross!

[@gmjones7537]

i would. there was a time when you didn't have to think about whether a father was going to molest his child.

[@tschmid77]

Depends on where you’re from. It was common for families from Eastern Europe and places like Scotland or Ireland. Even men would kiss each other on the lips. May seem gross to jaded people like us but it was an innocent show of affection for many.

[@petronellakayanan5160]

When I was a child, it was normal to kiss any relative on the lips.

[@verasmith4767]

Candice Bergen father and big brother. She wasn't thought of yet.

[@loranesbitt8481]

I love the oldies

[@garyduncan7129]

Edgar Bergen is very talented and I understand that, in this movie, he has to keep in practice for his act. But I became pretty annoyed with him to the point of creepiness. Anyway, it must be therapeutic to be a ventriloquist. -- you can say what you really want through the dummy. If it's sarcastic or otherwise offensive, people laugh anyway because the dummy said it, not the ventriloquist. Maybe it catches up with the ventriloquist, though, unless he makes fun of himself enough, too. I really enjoyed the movie. Thank you, PizzaFlix, for posting.

[@keithharvey7230]

For children.

[@candy9986]

George Murphy went on to become an U.S. Senator from the State of California

[@drewgibbons4799]

Top billing ! ! ! To Lumber ? ? ? Loved it, if you did try 'Stage Door' .

[@juliaforsyth8332]

Edgar Bergen father of Candice Bergen.

[@amycarmichael2748]

Great movie!!! Very great acting by all!!Kind of a stupid ending though

[@mariesparks3721]

Does any have the movie look who's laughing with Edgar Bergen? if so can you put it here. thanks.

[@marshdickenson]

Living that goodlife

[@browncow4092]

a gem. tyvm

[@sandraoss326]

TY

[@selectiveoutrage6617]

Candice Bergen definitely takes after her father

[@osiawideman5744]

Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy don't get their proper credit, like Harpo Marx and Ritz Brothers

[@Woodman-Spare-that-tree]

women’s hats in the 30s and 40s were ridiculous weren’t they. Mind you, looking back at the clothes my generation wore in the 1970s, they were also ridiculous.