Margaret O'Brien did a lot of movies as a child actress and in several of them, there was such as high level of "schmaltziness" (i.e., way over the top sentimentality) that for a while, I avoided her films. I later realized this was just due to an occasionally bad script and she WAS generally a very good young actress--as I later saw in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, OUR VINES HAVE TENDER GRAPES as well as this film.
Now, although this is a wonderful movie, it will definitely tug at your heart--but not in a phony or manipulative way. So, when you watch it's best to have a box of tissues handy--even if you are a guy! Robert Young and Laraine Day are a young couple who just lost their only child. Later, when Young is in England during the war, he goes to a local orphanage--wondering if maybe he and Day should consider adopting. However, what he didn't anticipate was charming little Ms. O'Brien and how ultimately SHE picked HIM out to be her new father! Plus, she had befriended a little boy at the orphanage and wanted to bring him along as part of the deal. While Young's heart is definitely captivated, there are so many complications---not the least of which is whether or not his wife even wants to adopt--let along TWO kids at the same time! The movie is a nice blending of sentiment and positive wartime propaganda. Your emotions are stirred AND the film really does a lot to advance the war effort--giving us a lot to fight for when we think about the kids! A great wartime movie with a wonderful script, excellent acting and a deftness in direction that keeps your interest throughout.
Now, although this is a wonderful movie, it will definitely tug at your heart--but not in a phony or manipulative way. So, when you watch it's best to have a box of tissues handy--even if you are a guy! Robert Young and Laraine Day are a young couple who just lost their only child. Later, when Young is in England during the war, he goes to a local orphanage--wondering if maybe he and Day should consider adopting. However, what he didn't anticipate was charming little Ms. O'Brien and how ultimately SHE picked HIM out to be her new father! Plus, she had befriended a little boy at the orphanage and wanted to bring him along as part of the deal. While Young's heart is definitely captivated, there are so many complications---not the least of which is whether or not his wife even wants to adopt--let along TWO kids at the same time! The movie is a nice blending of sentiment and positive wartime propaganda. Your emotions are stirred AND the film really does a lot to advance the war effort--giving us a lot to fight for when we think about the kids! A great wartime movie with a wonderful script, excellent acting and a deftness in direction that keeps your interest throughout.