O. Henry relates a humorous crime story to Hermitage, a precocious ten-year-old boy (Johnny Crawford). Suave safecracker Reginald Easton (Louis Hayward) crashes a ritzy party and falls in love at first sight with the lady of the house (Maureen Stephenson). When Reggie later opens the safe, the jewels are gone, and the real thief confronts him! The sly twist ending is amusing, and a second twist reveals O. Henry's reason for telling the boy a fable for which he shows no interest in the outcome.

"The O. Henry Playhouse" is a 1957 single season, 39-episode TV series. O. Henry (William Sydney Porter) is considered one of America's greatest writers of short stories. His writings are laced with humor and irony and often end with a sly twist ending. Veteran character actor Thomas Mitchell stars in each episode as writer O. Henry himself as he relates his stories to his publisher, his housekeeper, a barber, a bartender, or the cop on the beat. In some episodes, O. Henry meets his characters as he discovers firsthand the story he will later write. This unique storytelling method gives great insight into the famous author's creative process.

You can read the original literary version of "Hearts and Hands" HERE and compare it with the many changes in the film adaptation. "Hearts and Hands" is one of 13 episodes in volume one of "The O. Henry Playhouse." The films have been beautifully restored on DVD by the home video label ClassicFlix!