This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

So Bland. Sadly, this one has none of the clever humor and dialogue that some of Red Skelton's other films had. Skelton and Jean Hagen are newlyweds that take on all the typical, responsible duties of husband and wife. Skelton narrates most of this, and as a result, there is just no magic between husband and wife. There ARE some fun names in here that viewers will recognize -- a brief appearance by Mary Wickes and Frank Cady as husband and wife. Wickes was the hilarious maid in Man Who Came to Dinner and Now Voyager... Frank Cady was in Petticoat Junction and Green Acres. Also Polly Bergen, in one of her very early film appearances. I think the main problem is that the writer wasn't sure just which category this fell in... was it a comedy or a drama? Not much comedy in here. just lots of arguing. I did catch one spit-take from Skelton... Directed by Don Weis; he directed a few films, but quickly moved into directing television. Probably just as well. Can skip this one. Shown on Turner Classics now and then.

I saw this movie many years ago, but couldn't remember anything about it. Watching it again, I think I know why. "Half a Hero" is probably enjoyed better as a drama or a view of the world at a certain point in time. Watching Red Skelton is always enjoyable, but wanting this movie to be a comedy can make the viewing almost painful.Men working hard is great and women wanting to make house & home is wonderful -- whether it's today or 60 years ago. The pain for me surfaces when this couple are at odds during their financial difficulties, bringing up talks that should precede marriage and not deferred until after getting a mortgage.So if you approach this movie from a non-comedy perspective, I think you will enjoy it. Skelton's performance is almost as good as in _The Clown (1953)_ (qv). Jean Hagen demonstrates a wonderful difference from _Singin' in the Rain (1952)_ (qv) where everyone remembers "Lina Lamont". Single scene participants of 'Kathleen Freeman (I)' (qv) and 'Mary Wickes' (qv) made me smile.This production made a profit when it was released and then quietly disappeared. If you can find a copy of it, Skelton fans should definitely watch it. Maybe young people getting ready for marriage can learn one or two things as well.

Trite sitcom from director Don Weis and writer Max Schulman has Red Skelton cast as a harried husband and father over-his-head in trouble after his caustic spouse convinces him to move the family from New York City to the suburbs. As Skelton's wife, miscast Jean Hagen is all wrong for this scenario (she's so brittle, she makes poor Red look hen-pecked, deadly in a family comedy). Supporting cast (including Mary Wickes, Billie Bird, and Polly Bergen playing herself) is much more at ease with this kind of silly material; though, unfortunately, star Skelton isn't given very much to do. Extremely minor fare. *1/2 from ****

Half A Hero was a cute bit of fluff. It was a cute story, with the main interest watching Red Skelton perform. He is a real doll to watch. I could relate to his struggles. It was funny, clever, very much the same things we struggle with currently. Tho' I disagreed with his decisions. It was pleasant, but mainly I just enjoyed seeing Red. He is one of the greats that is gone from this world forever, to a much better place I pray.