Technically this is a war film, produced by RKO during the first year that America was fighting abroad in WWII. However, the romantic strands of the main storyline take priority, and the war action is merely background, until something important needs to happen to our principal characters. Then, they are right in the midst of battle.
Interestingly a framing device utilized by the scenarists begins the film in WWII and ends the film in WWII. But the main female character (played by Jane Wyatt) is remembering a time from another war 25 years earlier. We flashback to her as a younger woman, arriving on the European front during WWI. She is there to do her part.
In a way Jane Wyatt is perfect for this type of role, because the actress is always smart and confident in her roles. She's good at portraying a no-nonsense gal, a medical professional who's gone abroad to help save lives. And we know she will succeed, too.
At first we're told she's a nurse, which she has passed herself off as...but a short time later, a male doctor (James Ellison) learns she's actually a licensed physician just like him. His ego takes a bit of a bruising. During the introductory portion of their meet-cute, we assume Ellison is playing the title character, the so-called army surgeon...but that label also applies to Wyatt's character, who's right there in the trenches alongside him, with equal qualifications.
The middle section of picture depicts how they re-situate their mobile hospital closer to where the action and fatalities are occurring. There are some dramatic explosions and a cave-in at one point. But none of what occurs outside can compare to what is happening inside, between Ellison and Wyatt while they tend to their patients.
They are starting to have feelings for each other, and seem to be on track for some sort of personal relationship. But then a downed flyer (Kent Taylor) winds up in their care, and it is learned he's a former beau of Miss Wyatt's, which creates a romantic triangle. Some time goes by, and we see how conflicted she is about both men. But because Ellison has higher billing, we know Wyatt will end up with him and not Taylor.
Still I found it all rather engaging to watch, despite the more formulaic aspects of the production. Jane Wyatt makes the most of a strong role without an overbearing sense of jingoism or feminism. If you're fan of hers like I am, you will want to see her take center stage here.
Interestingly a framing device utilized by the scenarists begins the film in WWII and ends the film in WWII. But the main female character (played by Jane Wyatt) is remembering a time from another war 25 years earlier. We flashback to her as a younger woman, arriving on the European front during WWI. She is there to do her part.
In a way Jane Wyatt is perfect for this type of role, because the actress is always smart and confident in her roles. She's good at portraying a no-nonsense gal, a medical professional who's gone abroad to help save lives. And we know she will succeed, too.
At first we're told she's a nurse, which she has passed herself off as...but a short time later, a male doctor (James Ellison) learns she's actually a licensed physician just like him. His ego takes a bit of a bruising. During the introductory portion of their meet-cute, we assume Ellison is playing the title character, the so-called army surgeon...but that label also applies to Wyatt's character, who's right there in the trenches alongside him, with equal qualifications.
The middle section of picture depicts how they re-situate their mobile hospital closer to where the action and fatalities are occurring. There are some dramatic explosions and a cave-in at one point. But none of what occurs outside can compare to what is happening inside, between Ellison and Wyatt while they tend to their patients.
They are starting to have feelings for each other, and seem to be on track for some sort of personal relationship. But then a downed flyer (Kent Taylor) winds up in their care, and it is learned he's a former beau of Miss Wyatt's, which creates a romantic triangle. Some time goes by, and we see how conflicted she is about both men. But because Ellison has higher billing, we know Wyatt will end up with him and not Taylor.
Still I found it all rather engaging to watch, despite the more formulaic aspects of the production. Jane Wyatt makes the most of a strong role without an overbearing sense of jingoism or feminism. If you're fan of hers like I am, you will want to see her take center stage here.