BS: Need short story title, HELP

Subject: BS: Need short story title, HELP
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Dec 05 - 12:29 PM

The story has to do with a man who wants to get arrested at Christmas. I think he considers breaking a window to attract the attention of the authorities, but he then changes his mind. Any ideas of what the title is or who wrote it? I read it at least 40 years ago, so I know it's 'out there somewhere'. I figure if any place will have the answer, Mudcat will.

Subject: RE: BS: Need short story title, HELP
From: GUEST,ClaireBear
Date: 06 Dec 05 - 02:09 PM

I don't suppose it's possible you're remembering reading something you actually saw on TV, but just in case, during the first season of the Andy Griffith Show in the '60s the Christmas show was about a man who wanted to get arrested so he could get in on the courthouse Christmas celebration.

Good luck with your search! I know how maddening it can be trying to locate something you read years ago.

Subject: RE: BS: Need short story title, HELP
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Dec 05 - 04:10 PM

Could it be the second O.Henry story (my emphasis) in this listing:

The Gifts of the Magi

The Illinois Theatre Center in Park Forest presents "The Gifts of the Magi" Wednesdays thru Sunday, December 2nd-18th. This delightful musical weaves together two of O. Henry's beloved tales. In the New York City of 100 years ago, newlyweds Jim and Della Dillingham sacrifice their most-prizes possessions to buy each other the perfect gift. Meanwhile, the cheerful hobo Soapy Smith just wants to get arrested so he can spend Christmas in a warm, cozy jail. This tuneful treat is a holiday gift to the whole family!

Subject: RE: BS: Need short story title, HELP
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Dec 05 - 04:15 PM

Here is the story: click here.

I thought I'd seen a movie with it on TCM. Found out Charles Laughton acted as "Soapy."

Subject: RE: BS: Need short story title, HELP
From: Sorcha
Date: 06 Dec 05 - 04:16 PM

I thought it sounded like O Henry

Subject: RE: BS: Need short story title, HELP
From: kendall
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 01:51 PM

It does indeed.

Subject: RE: BS: Need short story title, HELP
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 04:52 PM

When I was a Police Officer in the U.K, there was always a small group of men who committed offences just in time to get 'put away' for Christmas.....One of them actually said the only time he felt free was when he was 'inside'. So freedom is a state of mind eh?
Best wishes, Mike.

Subject: RE: BS: Need short story title, HELP
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 05:53 PM

'Freedom is a state of mind'

Subject: RE: BS: Need short story title, HELP
From: HuwG
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 07:45 PM

Not too sure about Christmas; but Alastair Sim smashes a window to be arrested in Laughter in Paradise.

Subject: RE: BS: Need short story title, HELP
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 08:09 PM

It's not "Gifts of the Magi." That's the one in which a husband sells his watch to buy combs for his wife's hair, and she sells her hair to buy him a chain for his watch. (If you didn't know the ending already, sooorrrryyy.)

Subject: RE: BS: Need short story title, HELP
From: Peace
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 09:42 PM

The title of the story to which you refer is "Gift of the Magi", Elmer.

Subject: RE: BS: Need short story title, HELP
From: Peace
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 09:45 PM

That was me who logged in without a cookie. Thank you all. Very much. Fellow teacher was looking for it. All I could recall was having read it. I knew this place would have the answer. Many, many thanks.