Hidden Hungarian Reference in the Movie Home Alone

Every Christmas, the TV screens light up with episodes of Home Alone cementing the film’s status as a holiday tradition. Its star, Kevin, is a household name globally, but the movie has a lesser-known Hungarian connection that makes it even more intriguing, writes promotions.hu.

One of the film’s most iconic moments comes when Kevin watches a black-and-white gangster movie and delivers the unforgettable line: “Keep the change, you filthy animal.” Fans may be surprised to learn that this memorable scene is from a fictional movie, “Angels with Filthy Souls,” created specifically for the film.

However, the inspiration for the fictional movie was very real.

It was modeled after the 1938 crime thriller Angels with Dirty Faces, a Hollywood classic starring Humphrey Bogart.

This movie was directed by none other than Mihály Kertész (born Manó Kaminer), a Hungarian filmmaker who became a towering figure in Hollywood under the name Michael Curtiz.

Fact

Michael Curtiz, born in Budapest on December 25, 1886, directed over 100 films during his illustrious career, earning a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile directors. His crowning achievement was Casablanca (1942), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director in 1944, cementing his legacy. The film, set against the backdrop of World War II, is celebrated for its unforgettable performances by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, as well as its enduring themes of love, sacrifice, and resistance. Intriguingly, both Curtiz and Bogart share a Christmas Day birthday—Curtiz in 1886 and Bogart in 1899—adding a unique connection between the legendary director and his iconic lead actor.

His signature style and storytelling mastery influenced countless filmmakers and genres, leaving a lasting legacy in Hollywood.

Michael Curtiz. Photo: Wikipedia

The nod to Kertész’s work continued in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, where the fictional gangster movie made another appearance with the cheeky title “Angels with Even Filthier Souls.” This playful homage ensures that the Hungarian director’s influence remains subtly woven into the tapestry of modern Christmas cinema.

Therefore, while Kevin’s antics may feel quintessentially American, they carry a touch of Hungarian heritage. For those who have not yet seen the scene that birthed a cultural catchphrase, it is worth revisiting this delightful slice of cinematic history during the holiday season.