Review of Bright Victory

"Bright Victory" is as fresh and meaningful as when it was released in 1951. It has something for everyone: action, romance, tragedy, and a powerful plot. There's not a bad performance anywhere,including fine supporting actors (who were not yet stars) including Will Geer, James Edwards, Murray Hamilton, Richard Egan, Peggy Dow, Julia Adams, and even a bit part by Rock Hudson. And don't overlook the fine film score by Frank Skinner. I believe this movie outranks the great "The Best Years of Our Lives." The versatile Arthur Kennedy received his well-deserved Academy Award nomination for portraying (while wearing opaque contact lenses) Sgt. Larry Nevins, a blind veteran. "Bright Victory" has never been released on DVD or VHS, but every now and then it gets an airing on Veterans Day. Meanwhile, I'm reduced to watching my bootleg TCM copy. I've never grown tired of this film.