Irene Dunne stars in this touching Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer wartime romance that was a very big hit at the box-office.
In the beginning of the film - set in early 1914 (pre-WWI)- she's on a ship with her dad on a 2-week business trip. She's quite knowledgeable about England, and is anxious to visit for the first time. On the ship, she flirts with Van Johnson, a dapper entrepreneur who wants to keep in touch with her. I thought Van would have a much larger role in the film - and in her life - but alas, it's not meant to me; his character only symbolizes what Irene will eventually be leaving behind.
In the beginning of the film - set in early 1914 (pre-WWI)- she's on a ship with her dad on a 2-week business trip. She's quite knowledgeable about England, and is anxious to visit for the first time. On the ship, she flirts with Van Johnson, a dapper entrepreneur who wants to keep in touch with her. I thought Van would have a much larger role in the film - and in her life - but alas, it's not meant to me; his character only symbolizes what Irene will eventually be leaving behind.
Frank Morgan - as her dad, an American newspaper publisher who says things like "Sufferin' cats" and "You're darn tootin'!". In one bit, he's complaining about the food. In another, he's arguing with someone about a chess set. To put it mildly, he just wants to go home. His presence brings to the film a light comedic tone; once he goes back to America - and Irene stays in England - the film's tone becomes more serious.
Romance blossoms in Irene's life when she meets a handsome aristocrat (Alan Marshal) who sweeps her off her feet. She marries him, and they have a son.
Then, WWI erupts. Her husband is called off to war. Oh, Irene.
My favorite scene is when she holds her baby up to see the parade of American soldiers march through the streets and she says to her newborn, "you're half-Yankee and I'm never going to let you forget it!"
Then, WWI erupts. Her husband is called off to war. Oh, Irene.
My favorite scene is when she holds her baby up to see the parade of American soldiers march through the streets and she says to her newborn, "you're half-Yankee and I'm never going to let you forget it!"
We then follow the family up to the present day - during the Second World War.
You'll have to see the movie to find out what happens to the family.
You'll have to see the movie to find out what happens to the family.
Directed by Clarence Brown, master of tearjerkers.
Recommended. Available on DVD.
Note: The Vera Lynn song "Bluebirds Over the White Cliffs of Dover" is not heard in this film. For those itching to hear it, I've included the song in this post here. Enjoy!