You know me, I'm a sucker for World War II movies. This one, released in 1944, stars Ginger Rogers and Joseph Cotton. They meet "kinda cute" on a train during Christmas season. They're going to the same destination, and discover an early mutual attraction. In addition, each has a secret neither wants to disclose.
Cotton's character is suffering from shell-shock (think "precursor to PTSD") from his experiences in the war. His mental hospital has given him time away, in hopes that it hastens his recovery. Rogers' character is on Christmas furlough from prison for a week to go home for the holiday (wow). In each case, the loss of position in proper society causes insecurity and worry. Despite that, in the week after their first meeting the two find reasons to see one another. The spark of romance turns into a flame of desire, but each thinks his/her secret will hinder him/her from giving fully to a future of marriage.
Cotton's character eventually opens up to his new paramour and starts to see his experiences with a different perspective, due to Rogers' love and support. However, Rogers' character doesn't reciprocate. She feels her situation is beyond compassion from others (a flashback explains her predicament).
As many romances with a secret at the center, the secret isn't kept forever, and the "big misunderstanding" threatens the future of this couple.
Rogers is radiant in this picture. At once capable and vulnerable, she's the type countless soldiers and sailors hoped was waiting at home. The more I watch her dramatic roles, the more I appreciate all she was able to accomplish in her career. Cotton was his usual professional self in this role, tortured at first but eventually coming to grips with his experiences.
For supporting actors and actresses, look for a teen-aged Shirley Temple, Spring Byington (one of my favorite actresses), Tom Tully and John Derek in this one. Byington had a ton of character actress credits, and Tully was Captain DeVriess (Captain Queeg's predecessor) in "The Caine Mutiny".
This is a pretty cool movie, and would be good viewing for couples at Christmastime.
(Whoops.) I forgot to add this: those of you over 40 may have heard of the Bing Crosby song of the same title as this movie. The Sammy Fain/Irviing Kahal collaboration was used liberally in this movie, and fits the mood well. The song has subsequently been covered by numerous artists.
(Whoops.) I forgot to add this: those of you over 40 may have heard of the Bing Crosby song of the same title as this movie. The Sammy Fain/Irviing Kahal collaboration was used liberally in this movie, and fits the mood well. The song has subsequently been covered by numerous artists.
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