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.

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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

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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Quotes from A Hole in the Head

Sophie Manetta: The poor things... they're so happy and so poor.
Mario Manetta: No, Sophie. Broke, yes, but they're not poor. We're poor. Come on, you'll cry later. The meter's running... the meter's running... what do I care if the meter's running? I could buy you and a hundred meters! Come on, let's take a vacation!


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: Oh you don't know this guy [his brother Mario]. He thinks any girl that's 21 years old and unmarried is no good.
Shirl: He'll love me. I was married when I was fifteen!


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Facts about A Hole in the Head

Nearly all of the characters' names were changed from the original play.
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.
Average Shot Length (ASL) = 12 seconds
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Best Music - Song Oscar 1959






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Also directed by Frank Capra




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