Als du Abschied nahmst

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.

Watching this film, we couldn't help drawing a parallel between what the Hilton family went through in the early 40s to the actual conflict in Iraq. The film makes clear the hard times on the families left behind. The government, unfortunately, doesn't provide for the people that have to sacrifice a great deal by making do with a reduced income in order to survive, while the men, or women are away in combat.

John Cromwell directs the film with an accurate eye for details. There is a lovely sequence at an airfield hangar where we see couples in silhouette dancing a waltz. It's at that time when war seems so far away from the lives of the family at the center of the story. This is a distraction that is shattered shortly thereafter when Anne Hilton learns about the airplane accident where the young son of her grocer dies. War shows its ugly face no matter how far removed one is from the actual theater of operations, as it is in this case.

David O. Selznick adapted the novel in which the film is based. It runs for almost three hours, and it could have used some cutting, but this movie has proved to be a favorite for many that have discovered it years after it was first released.

Claudette Colbert was an accomplished actress who made this Anne Hilton come alive. Jennifer Jones is a compelling Jane, a girl deprived of a father and confused about what she want from life. Joseph Cotten plays Tony, the man who comes into the lives of the Hilton women. Monty Woolley, Robert Walker, Agnes Moorhead all have excellent moments where they shine.

It was also good to see in minor roles people that would go on to have careers of their own. Guy Madison, Keenan Wynn, Craig Stevens appear in the film shortly, but they leave their mark on it.

This is a film that will not disappoint.

The formula for a successful film incorporates good direction, a deep and talented cast, a sophisticated script, and a profound theme. This film has all of the above. The poignant theme is that of the Homefront's waiting for soldiers to safely return from the various battle zones of World War Two, with full knowledge that some would not return. In this film, released just two weeks after D-Day, the daily lives of the characters are dominated by the pall of war, and the casualty reports. Non-patriotic foils are sprinkled throughout, especially those who regularly violate the rationing system. In essence, the main thrust of the film to the audience is this: Do not despair, everyone with servicemen abroad is experiencing the same fears and emotions. Like "Casablanca" and other films produced during the war, the message of common sacrifice prevails. Everyone is in the same boat, or so says Hollywood. This film is both entertaining and instructive, as intended. If this film has a weakness, it is the title. It would better be something like "what would I do when you're no longer here to tell my troubles to?" No longer here could be for the duration of the war--or for eternity.

I saw this yesterday on TCM. Yes, it is sentimental, patriotic, and a bit syrupy in the dialog. But it was released in 1944 (filmed right in the middle of the war), so the sentiment and especially the times are aptly reflected. More than anything else, the film's virtues are the performances. Claudette Colbert reminds me very much of Norma Shearer's matriarch in 'The Women:' warm, intelligent, and very likable, but surrounded by the constrictions and circumstances of the time. (It's interesting to hear her tell Joseph Cotten two hours into the film that she feels useless and is not contributing to the war effort when in fact she's been contributing all along.) Cotten is wonderful as her surrogate mate (still carrying a torch after all these years) and daughters Jennifer Jones and Shirley Temple are quite good. The standout scene, of course is Jones and real-life husband Robert Walker parting at the train station. The Steiner score (echoing the chugging of the train) and especially Jones' tearful run as the train departs are especially heartbreaking. (Does she sense her soldier's fate? There's something almost psychic in her face as she reads the engraving on the watch.) Good performances also from Agnes Moorehead and Selznick veteran Hattie McDaniel. Nominated for a ton of Oscars, and deservedly so.

Saw it last evening on TCM. Excellent performances by a stellar cast, filmed at a time when Hollywood and American movie audiences were fully experiencing World War 2 on the "home-front". This film has somehow managed to avoid becoming "dated" and remains entertaining, appealing and instructive to a contemporary audience. The story is primarily about a middle class family and its attempts to deal with problems caused by the war. The characters are decent people confronted by issues that test their faith and ability to carry on with life in a normal way. I particularly enjoyed the performances of Claudette Colbert and Monty Woolley, although the entire cast did excellent jobs. The music was appealing and appropriate and helped create the mood intended. TCM played the opening "Overture" which added to the production quality. Three hours is a long sitting but this one is worth it.