Watch The Great Rupert

The Great Rupert is a heartwarming Christmas classic from 1950, directed by Irving Pichel and starring Jimmy Durante, Terry Moore, and Tom Drake. The film tells the story of a struggling family in New York City during the holiday season, and their newfound luck thanks to the titular character, a talented dancing squirrel. The O'Connor family includes father Joe (Durante), his wife and aspiring dancer Rosie (Moore), and their young son Jimmy (Drake). They are struggling to make ends meet, with Joe working multiple jobs and Rosie auditioning for roles without any success. They live in a rundown apartment building owned by the grumpy Mr. Dingle (Frank Orth), who threatens to evict them if they can't pay their rent.

Meanwhile, the Jolly family, who live in the apartment above the O'Connors, have just moved out and left their pet squirrel, Rupert, behind. Rupert has a knack for finding and hiding things around the apartment, including a stash of stolen cash that belongs to two bumbling burglars.

As luck would have it, Rupert ends up hiding the money in the wall of the O'Connors' apartment, and Joe discovers it while trying to repair a leaky pipe. The family is overjoyed by their newfound wealth and uses the money to invest in Rosie's dancing career. However, they soon discover that the money actually belongs to the crooks, who are now on their trail.

In the meantime, Jimmy befriends Rupert and discovers his amazing talent for dancing. He decides to train Rupert for a talent show, hoping to win the prize money and save his family from eviction. With the help of a kind-hearted janitor (played by a young and lively Jim Backus), the O'Connors, Rupert, and the burglars converge on the talent show for a hilarious and heartwarming finale.

Throughout the film, the charming dancing squirrel steals the show with his impressive moves and adorable antics. However, the film also has a strong message about the importance of family and community, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The Great Rupert is a charming and nostalgic holiday film that has stood the test of time. With its talented cast, catchy musical numbers, and lovable animal star, it is sure to bring a smile to the face of viewers young and old. Whether you're a fan of classic Hollywood cinema or just looking for a heartwarming Christmas tale, The Great Rupert is a must-see.

The Great Rupert is a 1950 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.