Christmas In July (1940)

An ambitious office clerk (Dick Powell) is tricked by several co-workers into thinking he won a $25,000 slogan contest. Based on his "credit", he buys his girlfriend (Ellen Drew) a diamond engagement ring and expensive presents for his widowed mother (Georgia Caine) and his neighborhood. Based on an unproduced play A CUP OF COFFEE by Preston Sturges (which eventually made its New York debut in 1988) and directed by Sturges (MIRACLE OF MORGAN'S CREEK). A slight bit of whimsy that goes a long way even taking into account its brief one hour and seven minute running time. There's a sweetness to it which Sturges wisely keeps in check so it doesn't get too saccharine. Some of the Sturges auteurs make claims for  it as underrated but I think its reputation is about right. Certainly, it doesn't rank with his best work like THE LADY EVE or UNFAITHFULLY YOURS. With Rod Cameron, William Demarest, Franklin Pangborn and Raymond Walburn.