The Secret Hungarian Connection in Home Alone
A Lesser-Known Hungarian Connection to the Christmas Classic “Home Alone”
As the holiday season approaches, families around the world gather to watch classic Christmas movies, and one film that is sure to make an appearance on many screens is “Home Alone.” The beloved movie, starring the iconic character Kevin, has become a holiday tradition for many, but what some may not know is that it has a lesser-known Hungarian connection that adds an intriguing layer to its history.
One of the most memorable scenes in “Home Alone” is when Kevin watches a black-and-white gangster movie and delivers the now-famous line, “Keep the change, you filthy animal.” Surprisingly, this scene is from a fictional movie titled “Angels with Filthy Souls,” created specifically for the film. What fans may not realize is that the inspiration for this fictional movie was based on a real film.
The 1938 crime thriller “Angels with Dirty Faces,” a Hollywood classic starring Humphrey Bogart, served as the model for the fictional movie in “Home Alone.” This connection to the Hungarian filmmaker Mihály Kertész, who later became known as Michael Curtiz in Hollywood, adds an interesting twist to the film’s legacy.
Michael Curtiz, born in Budapest on Christmas Day in 1886, was a prolific director who made a significant impact on Hollywood. Directing over 100 films during his career, Curtiz became known for his versatility and storytelling mastery. His most notable achievement was directing “Casablanca,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director in 1944.
In “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” the homage to Kertész’s work continues with another appearance of the fictional gangster movie, this time with the playful title “Angels with Even Filthier Souls.” This nod ensures that the Hungarian director’s influence remains present in modern Christmas cinema.
While “Home Alone” may seem like a quintessentially American film, it carries a touch of Hungarian heritage through the connection to Michael Curtiz. As the holiday season approaches, it is worth revisiting this classic movie and appreciating the subtle influence of Hungarian cinema woven into its fabric.
So, as you settle in to watch “Home Alone” this Christmas, remember the Hungarian connection that adds an extra layer of depth to this beloved holiday classic.
