I must confess that I was pretty sure I'd enjoy this film, because I've long admired the wonderful actress Fay Bainter. Often, Miss Bainter was relegated to character roles, often as a mother, and always delightful in such. This film gave her an opportunity to have one of her starring roles, and while not as strong as her performance in "The Children's' Hour", this is a very good performance, though not one in which her character earns much sympathy from the audience.
Interestingly, the film was directed by Clifford Odets, and is the story of...well, really of two things...a matronly rich woman who is a bit vain, selfish, and naive, as well as that same woman struggling to understand America as it changes in the face of World War II. Bainter, here a wealthy American society figure with connections, refuses to sacrifice her son to the war effort or her daughter to a young soldier going to war. Of course, near the end of the film she repents, and the plot twist that makes that occur is quite interesting. But, before her repentance, her personal struggles with what she is confronted by almost destroy her.
Beyond Bainter, it's a strong cast. Edward Arnold, always a strong character actor, is equally strong here as friend and executive in the War Department. Richard Ney is quite good as the son, as is Jean Rogers as the daughter. It's always a pleasure seeing Sara Allgood...whom you'll recognize. And Spring Byington is a hoot as an air-headed, but well meaning, friend. There's also a young Van Johnson, the delightful Halliwell Hobbes as the butler, and the funny Connie Gilchrist as the cook.
A different kind of WWII film that very entertaining. Recommended.
Interestingly, the film was directed by Clifford Odets, and is the story of...well, really of two things...a matronly rich woman who is a bit vain, selfish, and naive, as well as that same woman struggling to understand America as it changes in the face of World War II. Bainter, here a wealthy American society figure with connections, refuses to sacrifice her son to the war effort or her daughter to a young soldier going to war. Of course, near the end of the film she repents, and the plot twist that makes that occur is quite interesting. But, before her repentance, her personal struggles with what she is confronted by almost destroy her.
Beyond Bainter, it's a strong cast. Edward Arnold, always a strong character actor, is equally strong here as friend and executive in the War Department. Richard Ney is quite good as the son, as is Jean Rogers as the daughter. It's always a pleasure seeing Sara Allgood...whom you'll recognize. And Spring Byington is a hoot as an air-headed, but well meaning, friend. There's also a young Van Johnson, the delightful Halliwell Hobbes as the butler, and the funny Connie Gilchrist as the cook.
A different kind of WWII film that very entertaining. Recommended.