It was summertime a few weeks into July and I was having the time of my life playing with my friends going to day camp and so on. I woke up and went in to the kitchen to get breakfast. My Mom was stunned by my appearance. I already had the measles and chicken pox. What was this rash all over me. The movie Never Fear gave me a sobering experience about my health in general. Carol Williams Dancer and engaged to partner Guy Richards are on the brink of getting the gig of their dreams which financially will put them over the top. The movie starts with the two dancing at a typical venue, Supper Club. After words a picturesque beach front scene as Carol is toweling down from an earlier midnight swim in the Pacific.They discus how there's nothing stopping them now with their act taking off to new heights.Marriage at this point is eminent and you wonder where this story is heading. The following day apparently Carol got up and walked to her studio in full leotards yet she looked lethargic lying on the floor as her fiancé oblivious to her illness is practicing on the piano. Finally he turns around and see's she is feverish and weak as he wraps her in a blanket and it's off to the doctor for further examination.The prognosis is Polio the damaging viral illness which affects the nervous system and causing temporary or permanent damage to limbs, the legs especially in Carol's case. Guy despite the hopeless situation is confident to get a job and is still determined to wed his afflicted bride to be as the feverish Carol lie hopelessly in bed. For Carol her legs were affected the most and rehab was the only way out of her quagmire. Guy finds work as a realtor with no prospects but does develop a love interest. Carol on the other hand is adjusting to her new surroundings at the center. You as the viewer hang on in this hopeless situation as Director Ida Lupino captures the difficulties of change in our leading characters. Choreography comes into play as well with a square dance the likes you'll never see. Well written story by Ida Lupino and screenplay by Collier Young as our misplaced lovers face enviable changes and adjust and move onward in a different direction. Sally forest who portrays crippled Carol obviously visited polio afflicted people and studied their mannerisms. Keefe Brassele who plays the leading man appeared to be on the goofy side and always seemed to be a little off.I literately took a double take and thought I was looking at Carl Switzer (Alfalfa).The highest praises to Writer, Director Ida Lupino for delving into dark post war subjects. As for my rash. My Mom and I rushed to Dr. Sherwood who examined me and told me I was diagnosed with asthma. As my Grandma Sadie used to say ,"If you have your health you have everything."
Review of Never Fear
