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I won't elaborate the greatness of this film any further than all the 5 Star Reviews have already given, as I agree with the bulk of what is said about this film and the major Star roles in it. I do want to mention that the great primarily silent actress Alla Nazimova gives her last screen performance in this film, and quotes the lines written by Emma Lazarus on The Statue of Liberty. A small role in this film, but very well done, and a fitting and powerful last scene for one of the great Stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood Silent Films leading into the "Talkies".
As the story begins, Ann Hilton (Claudette Colbert) has just sent her beloved husband, Tim, off to war. We never see Tim, just his photos. Ann and teenaged daughters, Jane (Jennifer Jones) and Brig (Shirley Temple) miss Tim very much, although the bulldog, Soda, steals the show. Enter Ann's ex-boyfriend, Tony (Joseph Cotten), who has remained a family friend and makes no secret of the fact that he still carries a torch for Ann. But now Jane, 17, is in love with Tony too. Tony is a roguish sort, kind of like Rhett Butler --- and Hattie McDaniel as the family maid reinforces the impression that this is GONE WITH THE WIND, set during World War II rather than the Civil War. Although I do recommend SINCE YOU WENT AWAY, it just misses the epic mark for three reasons. 1. It should have been in color. The winter scenes, the blazing sunsets, the wounded in the hospital -- all have their counterparts in GONE WITH THE WIND, and they are just not as powerful in black and white. 2. Since Tim is never seen, and Tony steps in to fill his shoes almost immediately (though apparently platonically), and the chemistry between Tony and Ann is so palpable, I found myself wishing Tim would die in battle and let everyone else live happily ever after --- and this is surely NOT the message Selznick wanted to convey. 3. At the end, Jane still seems to harbor more-than-daughterly feelings for Tony, who still makes it clear he prefers Ann...which leaves the film with an unfinished feeling and the uncomfortable suspicion that Tim is about to return home to a real mess. Realistic, perhaps, and maybe an opening for a sequel...but if the message is that women should remain loyal & independent while waiting for their husband/father to return from war, having charming Tony still playing substitute somewhat undermines that message.Read full review
If you like movies like "It's a Wonderful Life" then you will love this movie. This was filmed during WWII and is a well written story with great actors. The father is in the military overseas and the mother and daughters are struggling to keep their spirits up and trying to make ends meet. They rent rooms to boarders and it can be hard to get along with everyone during trying times. The mother and daughters are good ladies with kind hearts and they help others and contribute to the war effort. If you like old movies that tell a good story with many "ups and downs" you will love this movie.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Good movie, dvd in good shape, didn't have any trouble with it. Is always fun to watch the old, especially if uplifting, movies. Good actors as well
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Authentic and accurate summation of America during WW2. In those days there was no division, but unified participation by all Americans in industrial settings, civilian and militarily who worked together.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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