Sublime Alvorada

This is a very interesting film, because it was released in 1942--not long after America entered the war--but it takes place in 1940 and 1941, so audiences had just lived through the events that were the background for the film's action. And they knew some of what was to come after the final scene in the movie.

Robert Young and Laraine Day are a young married couple who have been "on the scene", we might say, as the Nazis have invaded and threatened much of Europe. As the film opens, they have moved to London, where the city is under constant threat of bombardment. Their greatest desire is to have a child. In essence, they seek normalcy in a world where people have become accustomed to war, i.e. they are perpetually afraid.

I can only imagine how much viewers in 1942 identified with the characters in this film. Wishing to bring children into a safe world is such a visceral, universal desire. Later in the film, Robert Young is confronted with an emotional choice that surely tugged at the heartstrings of all who watched. And the ending of the film is a scene that brilliantly involves the emotions of viewers via a graphic representation of the horror of war. No doubt it inspired many to buck up with its hopeful message--as films of the day were designed to do.

Robert Young is strong in his role as the husband who is strong for his wife. Laraine Day is inspiring as the wife, though her part is limited. The two children (including Margaret O'Brien in her first credited role) are delightful.

I have always loved Margaret O'Brien's movies. She is the cutest little girl. I don't think I have missed one. I don't understand why anyone would consider her an albatross or not like her in Journey for Margaret. I wish she had of made more movies. My very favorite movie with her in it was Little Women. She was also very good in Our Vines Have Tender Grapes and The Canterville Ghost, Glory, and Jane Eyre. She is very diverse in her acting. The movie Journey For Margaret was based on a true story. When John Davis was trying to find someone to take one of the children on the plane in place of luggage and he spoke to the Japanese embassy representative who told him he needed to be back in Japan by the first of December ___(1942), it reminded people of what happened on the 7th. Lots of history in this movie.

"Journey for Margaret" is a beautiful film about the stress of World War II. John Davis (Robert Young) is an out-of-place guy who adopts two children, Margaret (Margaret O' Brien) and Peter (William Severn). While these children are sometimes hard to take care of, well, because of their fear of war. And that's what makes the movie so great.

Robert Young as the film's main protagonist gives out an eye-catching and astonishing performance as the children, especially Margaret, are set to make your eyes well up; with their unforgettable performance and gorgeous talent. While Margaret was only like 4 at the time, she still did well acting in "Journey for Margaret" and almost immediately caught the audience's attention despite her unique crying in "Meet me in St. Louis", her funny attitude in "Thousands Cheer" and tempting brattiness in "The Secret Garden." Robert Young was also a great actor too. Though, I remember him being in another Margaret O'Brien movie a couple years after this one where they were trying to help a cowardly ghost or something like that.

The concept of this movie being based on a true story is what makes it such a fantastic film. Kids probably wouldn't get it, but adults will find it truly amazing

10 out of 10

"Journey For Margaret" was one of the best movies regarding WWII I have ever seen. Did you know this was based on a true story? I read it in an old Readers Digest, and the original tale is much sadder as because of wartime regulations, only Margaret can be adopted and taken back to America. However, there is no way that ending would have played in 1942! Robert Young and Laraine Day, overlooked so often when discussing MGM/old Hollywood stars, really portray the pathos of would-be parents losing, then gaining their chance of parenthood. Don't miss this flick when it next plays on Turner Classic!

Margaret O'Brien did her first starring role in this film after only a bit part in Babes On Broadway. In fact in Journey For Margaret her troubles during wartime are the whole basis for the film.

She's not alone in her troubles, World War II left a lot of British and other children orphans. Newspaper correspondent Robert Young rescues young Margaret from a bombed out building during the London blitz. But unfortunately the experience leaves her an orphan.

A short time later Young is sent up north to a residence for war orphans and wouldn't you know it he meets up with Margaret along with the woman who runs the home, Fay Bainter. Of course a bond develops between Young and O'Brien.

Young's grieving as well, he and wife Laraine Day lost their unborn child during a bombing attack. Day's also suffered some post traumatic stress as a result and is in real danger of going off the deep end permanently. And still another orphan William Severn also manages to charm Young as well.

If this isn't enough plot ingredients for a real ten towel weeper than you have the soul of Medusa. There was tragedy behind the camera as well because director Woody Van Dyke was dying of cancer as he made this film. He would take his own life after completing Journey For Margaret.

Any committed film-goer knows exactly where this plot is headed. But the players are all capable enough and Journey For Margaret will still draw some tears from the most hard hearted of audiences.