A saccharine tale that should definitely be avoided by cynics, Three Wise Fools is nonetheless the kind of "charm" picture that viewers looking for sweetness and sentiment will take deep into their hearts. One's reaction to (and avoidance of or fondness for) Fools will depend totally on how susceptible one is to the blatant manipulation that screenwriters John McDermott and James O'Hanlon employ to gain audience sympathies. Indeed, the writers leave no stone unturned -- to the point that even those not buying into their sales pitch may still find reason to admire their persistence and relentlessness. They're joined in their game by Edward N. Buzzell, a director well suited to this tale of belief and blarney. Buzzell is in his element, clearly enjoying the chance to see how far he can push little Margaret O'Brien's Irish brogue and just how crusty and stubborn he can make the likes of Lionel Barrymore, Edward Arnold and Lewis Stone. O'Brien, of course, is entirely game, giving everything that she's asked and more; that may be too much for some, but others will embrace her as nothing less than darling. The veteran actors all do as well as can be expected under the circumstances.