Since You Went Away is a 1944 American epic drama directed by John Cromwell, produced by David O. Selznick, and distributed by United Artists. Adapted from Margaret Buell Wilder's 1943 novel Since You Went Away: Letters to a Soldier from His Wife, the film portrays the American home front during World War II. The musical score was composed by Max Steiner, and the cinematography was handled by Stanley Cortez, Lee Garmes, George Barnes (uncredited), and Robert Bruce (uncredited).
Setting and Themes
Set in a mid-sized American town near a military base, the story focuses on the lives of those with loved ones in the armed forces, navigating the challenges and contributions demanded by the war effort. While the film contains sentimental moments, it also presents a somber view of the war's impact on ordinary people, highlighting themes of grief, loneliness, and fear. Scenes depicting wounded and disabled troops in hospitals underscore the harsh realities of war.
Plot
"This is a story of the Unconquerable Fortress: the American Home...1943"
In January 1943, Anne Hilton, an upper-middle-class housewife, lives in a Midwestern town near a military base with her teenage daughters, Jane and Bridget ("Brig"). Anne's husband, Tim Hilton, has volunteered for the U.S. Army. Adjusting to his absence, the family makes sacrifices for the war effort, including food rationing, planting a victory garden, and reducing their maid Fidelia's full-time services. They take in a boarder, the curmudgeonly retired Colonel Smollett.
During a train trip to see Tim before he ships out, the Hiltons meet others affected by the war. However, their train is delayed for a defense supply train, and they miss seeing Tim. Meanwhile, their neighbor, Emily Hawkins, complains about the war's inconveniences and engages in unsupportive behaviors like hoarding food.
Colonel Smollett has a strained relationship with his grandson, Bill Smollett, a corporal in the U.S. Army. U.S. Navy Lieutenant Tony Willett, an old friend of Anne and Tim, visits the Hiltons, and Jane develops feelings for Bill. Despite his affection for Jane, Bill persuades her to wait until after the war to marry. Jane begins volunteering as a nurse's aide at a military hospital, and the family learns Tim is missing in action.
Tragically, Bill is killed in action at Salerno, and the family mourns together. Jane and Anne confront Emily Hawkins, and Anne decides to train as a welder to contribute to the war effort. Tony returns and expresses his feelings for Anne, but they choose to remain friends.
On Christmas Eve, Fidelia places gifts under the tree from Tim, and Anne receives a cablegram informing her that Tim is safe and returning home. The film concludes with a hopeful embrace as the family anticipates Tim's return.
Cast and Reception
Jennifer Jones and Robert Walker, who played young sweethearts in the film, were married in real life but divorced shortly after its completion. The New York Times critic Bosley Crowther praised the performances but criticized the film's excessive emotional detail and length. Manny Farber of The New Republic found the film to be inconsequential and overly idealistic. Despite mixed reviews, the film was a box office success, earning significant rentals during its theatrical release.
In Popular Culture
The farewell scene between Jones and Walker at the railway station was parodied in the 1980 film Airplane!
For more classic movies, subscribe to: youtube.com/@TheClassicalHollywoodCinema
#ClassicMovies #GoldenAgeofHollywood #VintageMovies
Licensed from: The Classical Hollywood Cinema Inc.
