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
.

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


See all A Hole in the Head articles

Quotes from

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!


Tony Manetta: What do you want from me, my blood? What do you want me to do.. crawl on my hands and knees? All I ask, you lend me a couple of bucks -- you expect me to become a penny-grabbing five and dime character like you. You expect me to change my way of life -- be you instead of me! Not a chance! You take your big brother sanctimonious act back to NY and turn blue!


Tony Manetta: You're my brother!
Mario Manetta: No more! I'm not your brother!
Sophie Manetta: Mario!
Mario Manetta: You want him? Take him! From now on SHE's your brother!


read more quotes from A Hole in the Head...

Facts about

Average Shot Length (ASL) = 12 seconds
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.
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).
read more facts about A Hole in the Head...
Share this page:
Visit the Classic Movie Hub Blog CMH
book or play


See All Film Adaptations >>
Best Music - Song Oscar 1959






See more Academy Awards>>
Also directed by Frank Capra




More about Frank Capra >>
Also produced by Frank Capra




More about Frank Capra >>
Related Lists
Create a list




See All Related Lists >>
Also released in 1959




See All 1959 films >>
More "Father Son" films



See All "Father Son" films >>
More "Romance (Drama)" films



See All "Romance (Drama)" films >>
More "Based on Play" films



See All "Based on Play" films >>
More "Florida" films



See All "Florida" films >>