If you want to see a 5 star version of this story
Look for the film "O. Henry's Full House" (1952) to air on TCM. The segment "The Ransom of Red Chief" is closer to the story and a lot more enjoyable. This film dragged on & on and was about as funny as 4 flat tires. A bigger budget did not do anything to make this timeless tale fun. O. Henry was famous for his short stories with a twist. The fact that it was made into a 90 minute film was the first mistake! The 1952 film also includes 4 more of his well known stories all introduced by writer John Steinbeck.
"The Gift of the Magi"
"The Cop and the Anthem"
"The Last Leaf"
"The Clarion Call"
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044981/
Just for the record, I'm not a Dude, I'm a Dudette!