Als du Abschied nahmst

As I watched this recently on Turner Movie Classics, a number of trivial points ran through my mind. David O. Selznick certainly had a knack for making clear statements and making sure that everything in his productions (at least up to this time) was easily understood by viewers of all levels.

As his cinematographer, Lee Garmes, was noted for his tendency toward dark images, I was constantly aware of the many shadows in his shots. For his actors to move from one position to another they walk through at least one area of total darkness. There are many shadows on their faces, many profiles, and sharp light and dark contrasts in the background. While Selznick reportedly didn't appreciate Garmes' signature style for GWTW, David certainly tolerated it here, and this dark ambiance gave "Since You Went Away" a quality of depth and substance it might not otherwise have had.

David's effort to get the "perfect" cast paid off. With Colbert anchoring the enactment with a great performance, the film was also blessed with excellent work from Cotten, Jones, Temple, Wooley, McDaniel, Moorhead, et al.

It looks like Colbert's preference for being photographed from the left side is valid. On my system, motion can be stopped and slowly forwarded, observing her from the right side when she turns. In real time one only glimpses; in slow motion one can see her point.

Max Steiner's themes are quite haunting (one of his main ones reveals generic influences of the "Liebestod" from Tristan und Isolde--another the basis for a later Christmas song) and his careful underscoring of every action works well here. TMC Channel's inclusion of the complete Overture and Entr'acte enhances the presentation's effectiveness. It's a joy to see material once cut from so many "classics" now sensitively restored.

Knowing what the Walkers were going through in real life (marital separation) during this filming does indeed make me further appreciate the fine quality of their work. Though Jennifer reportedly often left the set in tears, not a hint of that shows. That indeed is strong acting.

The volume of sad and tragic events depicted in this film now seems, by the end, a wee bit much. Still, this "tear jerker supreme" continues to be enjoyed by many viewers, and "Since You Went Away," remains a nostalgic enactment of an emotional period in American history.

Since You Went Away (1944) : Brief Review -

War heroes left homes with flags of patriotism, but they didn't know they were leaving their families uncovered. Know their story here. The 1940s decade gave us the best World War films; let's not argue about that. There have been films about the battlefield, horrors of war, spy dramas, inspiring musicals, comedies, family dramas, and even the post-war situation. Buck Privates (1941), Mrs. Miniver (1942), The Best of Our Lives (1946), Germany Year Zero (1948), and The Search (1948) can be named as a few. While almost every angle of the world war has been attempted, Cromwell had an idea to take up the story of a family-the women who are left behind by men to complete their patriotic duties towards the country. Well, it was hard, as we all know, but having a sneak peek into their daily lives was no ordinary job. John Cromwell does that here. Yes, it's a long film of almost 3 hours, with 10 minutes wasted in the overture and all, but it will never make you feel bored. It has various interesting scenes and events lined up one after another to keep you hooked on the film. The film is about a housewife who has to take care of her two daughters and the home as her husband is away fighting the war for the country. Let me tell you, the film doesn't show the face of her husband once. Not even once. Maybe that's the most unique part about it. The writer and the director wanted that character to be the one from every family; hence, they didn't give him a face. If they had, it would have become a personal family drama, not a film about society. Yes, Claudette Colbert has done "Cleopatra," "Imitation of Life," and "It Happened One Night," but this was her best on-screen performance. Period. The rest of the cast is good too. The screenplay, cinematography, editing, emotions, social appeal, and direction all go well. All said and done, this WW II flick will never go away from our memories.

RATING - 7.5/10*

By - #samthebestest.

This movie has managed to stay so watchable because the people portrayed in the movie are so real. Strip away some of the obvious 40s references and you get people facing issues that could occur in any era.

Agnes Moorehead's character, Mrs. Emily Hawkins, is alive and well and living in your city. Look at how some of the comments after Sept. 11 reflect the same mean-spirited mindset her character displayed.

More than a mere war story, this is a great character study, one that should be viewed several times, the more you watch it the more you get out of it.

Subtle and nuanced in most places, a bit obvious in others, Since you went away may be the best war movie ever made that doesn't have a war scene. It follows the life of a family in the early days of America's entry into World War II. The coming of age thrust upon young men and women is splendidly captured, but central is the silent pain and worry of those who with loved ones in harm's way. Watch for the scene when Mr. Mahoney leaves the movie theater. There is no dialog, and there need not be.

This movie is often shown near the Holidays because of a great Christmas scene,it's general warmth, and its theme of Country, God, and Family.

One of Jennifer Jones' best performances, with strong work by Claudette Colbert, Shirly Temple, Joseph Cotten, Robert Walker, Hattie McDaniel and Monty Woolley. Agnes Moorehead foreshadows her role years later in the series 'Bewtiched', playing the town 'witch'.

Yes, this film can be accused of being cliched and peppered with propaganda. It had it's share of critics even when it was released. It had the tall task of being compared to " Mrs. Miniver" but in the end it stands on it's own as a classic gem. To really enjoy and understand this movie (and truly, all vintage movies)you must place yourself in their time and place.. the context of the times.

I grew up hearing the stories of the hardships of the depression and WWII. My family was not as well off as the family in this film but the emotions were the same. If "since you went away" seems at times to be a little preachy, consider it a peak into a long gone America that we sorely could use a lot of today.

In the meantime, enjoy the wonderful acting, direction, lighting and beautiful score- and of course, the greatest goodby scene of all time! The train station farewell is a masterpiece by itself...get your kleenex!