So, first a question to nick-313. What is your evidence that Van Johnson was a "draft dodger"? From what I read, he told the military the truth that he was gay; they're the ones who wouldn't accept gay people back then. So, how does being honest equal being a draft dodger? Don't get me wrong. Johnson was okay in films, but no great shakes. I can take him or leave him; just depends on the movie.
Now to this movie. I always give extra credit for something that is a little different, and this film is. It's almost a fantasy, although it doesn't seem quite that until the last few minutes of the film. So, it's a bittersweet love story.
The bad points...well, it could have had some tighter editing, and it could have wrapped things up just a bit better at the end. But aside from that, many viewers will find it an extremely good story.
The cast is quite good. This is just the right kind of role for Van Johnson -- no heavy lifting involved -- but pleasant and just a touch goofy. Jane Wyman is perfect here, although it is far from her best role. Fred Clark was a very busy character actor in his time. Eileen Heckart was always something special and just a little offbeat. Josephine Hutchinson (the mother here), was always a wonderful character actress, although here she was directed to be something really pathetic, and I think they could have lightened up on that. I was particularly happy to see William Gargan. I remember seeing him interviewed a few years after this film, after his larynx had been removed due to cancer. He had been quite a successful actor through the 1930s and 1940s. This was his last movie role, although he made a few television appearances after this.
So, this is a little sappy, perhaps. Certainly dated (but I guess there was a time when life was really like this). But, rather enjoyable (although not quite good enough to be on my DVD shelf).
Now to this movie. I always give extra credit for something that is a little different, and this film is. It's almost a fantasy, although it doesn't seem quite that until the last few minutes of the film. So, it's a bittersweet love story.
The bad points...well, it could have had some tighter editing, and it could have wrapped things up just a bit better at the end. But aside from that, many viewers will find it an extremely good story.
The cast is quite good. This is just the right kind of role for Van Johnson -- no heavy lifting involved -- but pleasant and just a touch goofy. Jane Wyman is perfect here, although it is far from her best role. Fred Clark was a very busy character actor in his time. Eileen Heckart was always something special and just a little offbeat. Josephine Hutchinson (the mother here), was always a wonderful character actress, although here she was directed to be something really pathetic, and I think they could have lightened up on that. I was particularly happy to see William Gargan. I remember seeing him interviewed a few years after this film, after his larynx had been removed due to cancer. He had been quite a successful actor through the 1930s and 1940s. This was his last movie role, although he made a few television appearances after this.
So, this is a little sappy, perhaps. Certainly dated (but I guess there was a time when life was really like this). But, rather enjoyable (although not quite good enough to be on my DVD shelf).