Charley and the Angel (film) A small-town businessman, during the Great Depression, has neglected his family for his business. His guardian angel, Roy Zerney, helps him to realize the error of his ways and he becomes a public hero, basking in the warmth of his family’s love and admiration, through a series of hectic events involving bootleggers and the police. Released on March 23, 1973. Directed by Vincent McEveety. 93 min. Stars Fred MacMurray (Charley Appleby), Henry Morgan (Angel), Cloris Leachman (Nettie), Kurt Russell (Ray), Kathleen Cody (Leonora), Vincent Van Patten (Willie), Scott Kolden (Rupert). This was the last of Fred MacMurray’s seven films for Disney. Buddy Baker, the film’s musical composer and conductor, utilized many golden tunes from the 1930s for the score, including “Three Little Words,” and “You’re Driving Me Crazy,” as well as an original song, “Livin’ One Day at a Time,” written by Shane Tatum and Ed Scott. To create a 1930s setting for the film, Disney art directors and set designers found the ideal location in Pasadena, California, on a quiet residential street lined with small frame bungalows. The filmmakers hid today’s television antennas, added a few stylish touring cars, dressed the cast in costume and—presto—they had recreated the 1930s. Released on video in 1986.
