I met Dana Andrews in 1989 when I was 24 and at a temp job in a big office building in LA. I was in the little vending machine lounge and he was sitting at a table with a woman. He was old and she looked like she was a relative or nurse. Before I left I asked if I could say hi and she said yes and I thanked him for all the great movies and especially The Best Year of our lives. He got a big smile and just squeezed my hand. One of the best moments of my life.
@doylescordy
Жыл бұрын
Wow! Such a nice memory.
@sallybrown4947
7 ай бұрын
Terrific. Love that story. He seems like the kinds of guy who have acted just like that.
@maximilliancunningham6091
6 ай бұрын
His Brother was Steve Forest. Also a fine actor. The scene with Dana in the scrap yard is one of the finest ever put on film. he puts more into it, with the back of his head, than many actors achieve, in an entire career. kzitem.info/news/bejne/sKZ9tH-Fb6mrZGU
@Kinopanorama1
2 ай бұрын
You forget how much Hugo Friedhofer’s music score reinforces this scene.
@etherealtb6021
Жыл бұрын
This was one of the first movies to show what we now call PTSD. As a critic recently pointed out, all 3 main characters have it to varying degrees. Thank you for introducing this film to a young audience! Because it is so true and honest, I think it still packs an emotional punch.
@TheToledoTrumpton
Жыл бұрын
My father fought in WW2 and was captured at Singapore in 1941. He was one of the lucky ones, and came through physically unscathed on the surface anyway. But there was a different level of respect for veterans of war back then. His pronoun was "sir", he had the right to call you whatever he wanted, and everyone was fine with that.
@etherealtb6021
Жыл бұрын
@@TheToledoTrumpton Wow. Did he ever see Empire of the Sun? At the time it came out, our college president had been a civilian P.O.W. and he said how accurate the film was.
@TheToledoTrumpton
Жыл бұрын
@@etherealtb6021 The one he hated was Bridge over the River Kwai. He said you just couldn't talk back to the Japanese, if you said anything they shot you, if you looked at them they shot you sometimes, and certainly if you refused an order they shot you. I think the whole the civilian experience was different, so I don't think he would have much knowledge of that. I also don't think he would have watched Empire of the Sun, after his experience with BoTRK. If he did he never mentioned it to me. I read a John Grisham book which had a lot about the Bataan death march in it, which read very like the stories my father told me (very rarely) about his experience. i didn't really enjoy the book, but it was IMHO accurate.
@richruksenas5992
Жыл бұрын
It's really properly called shell shock.
@mideon84
Жыл бұрын
@@richruksenas5992 then came ww2, battle fatigue. Korean War, operational exhaustion. Vietnam War, post traumatic stress disorder. I'll bet If they had stuck with shell shock, veterans would be getting the help they need.
@Jeremy_theGent
Жыл бұрын
This is a tear-jerker. The scene near the end where Wilma shows her unconditional love for Homer despite his disability always makes me cry. It's an amazing movie.
@catherinelw9365
Жыл бұрын
Wilma is an angel.
@ebashford5334
Жыл бұрын
I rarely, rarely cry watching movies, but this one has me bawling in several scenes. I just feel really immersed in this movie and it feels like I'm there in 1946, witnessing real life as it was back then. It is my favorite movie of all time.
@osmanyousif7849
Жыл бұрын
I love how Cassie literally says how she's gonna beat Homer up, for saying he doesn't want Wilma in his life no more, while throwing a bit of a fit when she says "Let her love you!".
@commandosolo1266
10 ай бұрын
There are certain movies at which men are allowed to cry without teasing. It's alright to cry during Old Yeller. Crying during Return of the King is manly. Crying during Best Years is almost mandatory. Do not trust anybody who watches Schindler without tears. And refusing to ever watch Private Ryan again is completely understandable.
@georgegoodyear9631
6 ай бұрын
I completely agree with your comments. In fact, thinking about the poignant scene between Wilma and Homer is starting me to tear-up, even as I type this message. Such is the power of inspired cinema.
@bani_niba
Жыл бұрын
IMHO, one of the greatest movies ever made. This film shows what traumas these soldiers went through without a single battle scene.
@imp736
Жыл бұрын
As a Vietnam War vet (1970), when I feel a little down, I watch this film. It helps.
@philstubblefield
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for your service!
@BuffaloC305
Жыл бұрын
It's all the worse because Viet vets even now are misconsidered, ignored, etc. Perhaps you're a core component in blessing more recent war vets because my Viet vet pals seem to lead that charge but don't seem to get much consideration for their time in and, worse, the near blight-like swept-under-the-rug status they 'came home to'. Unproud to wear the uniform, the reluctance to even admit where they'd been for a few years. The disruption of their college life-span, returning to be clearly older and more mature than their college classmates and, if they used an 'veteran status', they could be facing sneers and ostracization. Few mention those years coming back to almost hiding aways, joining in the general acceptance of 'Viet vets' should shut up and fade away.
@sellsjeeps
Жыл бұрын
Welcome Home
@benjaminhughes2226
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for serving
@tomhill9445
Жыл бұрын
Welcome home. Thank you for your service.
@Cadinho93
Жыл бұрын
"We've got to find a way to live together-or else." Fun Fact: For his performance as Homer Parrish, Harold Russell became the only actor to win two Academy Awards for the same role. The Academy Board of Governors thought he was a long shot to win, so they gave him an honorary award "for bringing hope and courage to his fellow veterans through his appearance." Later that ceremony he won for Best Supporting Actor. Another Fun Fact: To avoid awkwardness when he first met his fellow cast members, Harold Russell made a point of reaching out with his hooks and taking their hands, thus putting them at ease with his disability. Also, the scene when Sergeant Al Stephenson (Fredric March) comes home and hugs Milly Stephenson (Myrna Loy) always gets to me. It's one of the greatest emotional scenes you'll ever watch.
@ollietsb1704
Жыл бұрын
I agree. Myrna Loy had been "America's Sweetheart" since the early '30s, and "Everyone's favorite wife" after the excellent THIN MAN 7-film series with William Powell.
@xbubblehead
Жыл бұрын
Where she realizes that it may be him that was at the door was so well done.
@MickeyHaistSr
Жыл бұрын
@@ollietsb1704 6 ‘Thin Man’ films, a good many other films with costar William Powell, but just 6 ‘Thin Man’ films . . . I just don’t want anyone pulling their hair out looking for a nonexistent 7th film - because if you watch those 6 movies and think there’s more, you WILL scramble to find another, they are that good.
@orangewarm1
Жыл бұрын
If a stranger reached out and grabbed you with a hook that would freak you out.
@michaelcheek7163
3 ай бұрын
Another fun fact: the actress that played Wilma also played Tirsa, Ben Hur's sister in the 1959 version of Ben Hur.
@cliffchristie5865
Жыл бұрын
One of the finest American films ever made and the only evidence you'd need for the value of older movies.
@chrisedwards7095
Жыл бұрын
I love seeing Hoagy Carmichael act. He was a songwriter, and wrote "Stardust" and "Georgia On My Mind".
@wwk68tig
Жыл бұрын
You beat me to the punch, Chris. It's always one of the first things I bring up when recommending this film.
@suebob16
Жыл бұрын
Hoagy Carmichael was also in Belles On Their Toes, a sequel to the original Cheaper By The Dozen with Clifton Webb and Myrna Loy. Carmichael plays Tom, an eccentric housekeeper working for the now widowed mother Lillian and the children.
@recyclerhopkins
Жыл бұрын
He also played another piano playing character, Cricket in a Bogart/Bacall classic To Have and Have Not (1944) that was adapted from an Ernest Hemmingway novel.
@Esus4
Жыл бұрын
"According to Ian Fleming's Casino Royale, James Bond bears a strong resemblance to Hoagy Carmichael - though Fleming had a touch of Hoagy about him too. Fleming would repeat the comparison in Moonraker, the third James Bond novel."
@longago-igo
Жыл бұрын
You beat me to it as well.
@bulldogbanda4761
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for your support of veterans. PTSD that is portrayed in this movie is real,some can deal with it some can’t. I’m 80% disabled with PTSD and a good wife that put up with my fault. She’s a good Marine wife.
@alanholck7995
Жыл бұрын
Semper fi
@vjear
10 ай бұрын
Semper Fi Brother!
@sellsjeeps
10 ай бұрын
Welcome home.
@jamesa.romano8500
Жыл бұрын
Harold Russell won two Oscars - both for Supporting Actor and an Honorary - for this part and he deserved them both - to this day its really hard to find many films that handle this kind of subject and even rarer to find one that has this kind of brutal honesty, in that they cast an actual wounded veteran in the part rather than having an actor using prop hooks or something. The part at 16:30 is just gut wrenching and made me tear up the first time I watched and now I'm tearing up all over again watching it. Its easy to underestimate Best Years going in because you would assume its really dated but you get through with it and its like you need to take a walk around the room to just process it
@xbubblehead
Жыл бұрын
Russell held his own and then some with some pretty high caliber professional actors.
@andyny29
Жыл бұрын
The Academy worried that Russell would not win the best supporting actor Oscar. So they gave him an honorary Oscar earlier in the ceremony. That’s how he wound up with two awards for the same movie.
@jamesa.romano8500
Жыл бұрын
@@andyny29 I read years ago that had to sell the Oscars he won later in life but looking into it he only ended up selling the Supporting Actor Oscar to pay for his wife's medical bills - but he wouldn't sell the Honorary Oscar because he thought it would be disrespectful to veterans
@osmanyousif7849
Жыл бұрын
Unpopular Opinion: But for me, I still debate whether his performance or Claude Rains in Notorious (1946) was the better one.
@jamesa.romano8500
Жыл бұрын
@@osmanyousif7849 Apparently Clifton Webb was favored to win in Razor's Edge that year (which I haven't even seen)? I think the fact that Myrna Loy got snubbed for an acting nom was a huge slap in the face given the fact that it won Best Picture and she hadn't ever even received a nomination - although she apparently didn't care all that much.
@MrGpschmidt
Жыл бұрын
One of the 1st films that was about WWII right after the war and its aftermath for its veterans & PTSD. Harold Russell won an Oscar for his portrayal of Homer. Nice job Cass (never lose the Swoon Cam!)
@shawnmiller4781
Жыл бұрын
2 Oscars
@joelok48
Жыл бұрын
Think about being in a darkened theater a year after the war ended with plenty of Veterans in the audience. Watching this masterpiece unfold on the big screen and quietly crying with everyone else in the same spots as you did. Such a powerful, sad and wonderful experience. Priceless.
@Johnny_Socko
Жыл бұрын
Growing up and learning about the unthinkably massive scale of WWII, I would wonder what it was like when it ended. What did people do? How did they feel? What about all the war materiel? Then I finally saw this outstanding movie that answered all of my questions. What a fascinating and beautiful little slice of history.
@davidvalensi8616
Жыл бұрын
Imagine having parents like this, my father could have been one of them. How green was my valley then.
@flarrfan
Жыл бұрын
I've always thought the scene with Wilma in Homer's bedroom is one of the best in cinema history, especially given the inexperience of the actors. This was the first movie for both of them, but Harold Russell had never even acted before. He got an honorary Oscar because no one thought he would win Supporting Actor, and then he did!
@TheHMan
Жыл бұрын
And Wyler let them act - there’s very little editing in those scenes, a sign of his trust in their acting. Absolutely wonderful filmmaking.
@jethro1963
Жыл бұрын
Technically Russell had "acted" before in Diary of a Sergeant. Billed as a documentary, he is "acting" in it, it is a staged portrayal.
@Jeff_Lichtman
Жыл бұрын
One of my favorite moments is when Peggy tells her parents that they can't understand her problems because they never had any trouble. Milly replies while looking at Al, 'We never had any trouble." How many times have I told you I hated you and believed it in my heart? How many times have you said you were sick and tired of me; that we were all washed up? How many times have we had to fall in love all over again?' That's an adult response in an adult movie. The Best Years of Our Lives does a great job of portraying the problems of vets adjusting to life after the war. Hoagy Carmichael played Butch. He was a songwriter as well as an actor. He wrote Stardust, Georgia on My Mind, Lazy River, Heart and Soul, In the Cool Cool Cool of the Evening, I Get Along Without You Very Well, Ole Buttermilk Sky, Riverboat Shuffle, Rockin' Chair, Washboard Blues, and many more songs.
@charlieeckert4321
Жыл бұрын
They dropped a big hint of their past troubles a couple of ways 1) Their song is Among My Souvenirs (look up the lyrics). 2) In the bedroom as they are dressing for the banquet, Al and Millie are discussing Peggy and Fred relationship. Millie talks about her instincts being pretty good - catch the look she gives him in the mirror!
@shawnmiller4781
Жыл бұрын
Did not know that
@adamwarlock1
Жыл бұрын
Hoagy's also in To Have & Have Not, which would be a great future film.
@catherinelw9365
Жыл бұрын
Kind of disappointed that the editor omitted that part.
@macc.1132
Жыл бұрын
This was the box office champ in 1946, with a domestic gross of around $500 million in 2023. It ranks #87 All Time, right between Rocky and Star Wars Episode 9. A 2-plus hour drama about WWII veterans returning home from war! It won Best Picture at the Oscars beating out "It's a Wonderful Life", which many don't agree with. All it tells me is that 1946 was a great year in film =) It's great when you dive into classics like these. There is a GREAT Netflix documentary called "Five Came Back" about 5 of Hollywood's greatest directors helping with the war effort for WWII - William Wyler, John Ford, George Stevens, John Huston, and Frank Capra. If you enjoy classic cinema and WWII content, then this incredible series is right up your alley. Each of them (and many other Hollywood actors and actresses) were instrumental in increasing public support (America was very hesitant to join the war until Pearl Harbor), entertaining troops (and thereby increasing morale), and showcasing the difficulties service members had in re-integrating back into society (as depicted in this film).
@vincentsaia6545
Жыл бұрын
This movie won multiple Oscars including two for Harold Russell (Homer) who was awarded with a special Academy Award and then he won the Oscar for best supporting actor. He remains the only actor to win two Oscars for one performance.
@ericburns9132
6 ай бұрын
Harrold Russell deserved that Oscar too
@ericstockdell3954
Жыл бұрын
After all the war movies you’ve seen, you’re finally ready for this one. This is the only one that makes me truly cry. Both my grandpas, (who could’ve been characters I think), said this was the most realistic war movie they ever saw. This one sounds like all the stories I heard growing up. It just hurts to watch…
@1MahaDas
Жыл бұрын
This film is about POST WAR! There is a difference!
@ericstockdell3954
Жыл бұрын
@@1MahaDas yes, and no. The men I knew who fought in the war said this, not me. I’m only passing it along. They’re all gone now, but they said that the most accurate movie about the war was a movie about coming home. That says so much about the reality of war. It really sucks. The veterans of real combat all say that the coming home is one of the hardest parts. If we could only understand that…
@ericstockdell3954
Жыл бұрын
Just another thought passed on from a combat vet: ask questions! Like that girl who wouldn’t give up on her love (who worked hard to push everyone away), she made it clear: I love you unconditionally. Ask them about their experiences. Or, at the very least, offer them a hug and tell them “I love you.” That’s one of the best things you can do for someone who has been through this stupid hell.
@1MahaDas
Жыл бұрын
@@ericstockdell3954 I've known Vets from WW2 to Afghanistan, and none of them ever expressed that any film regarding "coming home" was an accurate representation of a war film! I did take note of the fact that these men were highly traumatized from their experiences and for that reason could not live normal lives!
@jethro1963
Жыл бұрын
If there was ever a romance movie for men this is it. I would be curious to know which scenes affect women vs the scenes that effect men. To me the issues with Homer and Fred are fairly obvious but you have to dig a little deeper to figure out Al. Al is the guilt ridden protector who can't stop thinking about "the little guy" when it would be so easy for him to enjoy his good fortune. The inspiration of Al's speech is a highlight for me as is when the farmer says "God Bless Ya" to Al.
@NDHFilms
Жыл бұрын
19:31 This shot is an example of the "deep focus" that cinematographer Gregg Toland was known for. Usually, either the foreground or background of a shot is in focus, but here, the entire shot is sharp and clear. The viewer has to pay attention to multiple things happening in the frame at once, like the manager in the second-floor window.
@robertocarbonvarela6387
Жыл бұрын
The scene at 25:00 is another example of the "deep focus", with Fred (Dana Andrews) making an important phone call to Peggy (Teresa Wright) in the background...
@merlinsclaw
Жыл бұрын
You owe it to yourself to watch every movie Myrna Loy (Milly) was ever in - she's spectacular. Also, Teresa Wright (Peggy) made Oscar history, being the only actor to be nominated for her first three movies, winning Best Supporting Actress in 1943 for her third, Mrs. Miniver. Teresa was in Marlon Brando's first movie, The Men (1950) Definitely worth checking out.
@philstubblefield
Жыл бұрын
I second that! Myrna Loy is fabulous! 👍
@osmanyousif7849
Жыл бұрын
If you've seen Pride of the Yankees or Shadow of a Doubt, she's even more amazing....
@RetiredSailor60
Жыл бұрын
And you can't leave out all the Thin Man movies with William Powell and Asta!!
@sitting_nut
Жыл бұрын
Shadow of a Doubt.
@PhilipReeder
Жыл бұрын
*"Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House"* with Cary Grant. One of the funniest!
@merkury06
Жыл бұрын
I saw this late one weeknight with no background info, too late for a worknight really. I watched the whole film straight through and was blown away. A real treasure it its This was my grandparents/great uncles and aunts generation and by the time I saw it, I was in my 20s and only a couple of them were left. They had never really talked about the war but I understand why. It was real for them and not just history like it was for me. I'm glad you reviewed this movie, I hope it is never colorized, and I hope it is seen again and appreciated for generations to come. Thank you.
@nordvegfigg7746
Жыл бұрын
I'm 66 years old, and this movie makes me bawl like a baby every time I watch it.
@stevencraven4897
Жыл бұрын
Our family joke was how much Dad would "sweat" whenever we watched it. I still get teary and chills when Al gets home and Myrna realizes what is happening...
@keithbrown8490
Жыл бұрын
This is a great film! Not just the people on screen but the multi talented people working behind the camera ! Director- William Wyler, Director of photography Greg Toland worked on many classic movies together. When Toland's name is brought up the term deep focus is also mentioned as a way he had people close to the camera and those in the background all in sharp focus. Many times in this picture someone way back is doing something that is important for the characters that are up close. The audience can follow it all with no difficulty and it adds so much to the drama taking place.
@jethro1963
Жыл бұрын
Gregg Toland is the GOAT!
@antonego9581
Жыл бұрын
this is such an incredible film. feels so modern in both content and filmmaking. a true masterpiece, unreal it came out in 1946
@wraithby
Жыл бұрын
I love Harold Russell's Boston accent. He moved from Nova Scotia to the Boston area as a youngster. He went on to be a great ambassador for veterans after this film.
@donovanmedieval
8 ай бұрын
And the town is supposed to be in the Midwest.
@TheJokerperez
Жыл бұрын
Hollywood has forgotten how to make movies like this.
@ricksamericana749
Жыл бұрын
Director Willie Wyler was made virtually deaf from flying combat missions over Italy. He personified the three main characters, in real life. He was a successful middle-aged professional returning "to earn money" after the war. He was also a physically disabled vet. Further, he had very real but virtually invisible war wounds. Anyone appreciating "The Best Years Of Our Lives" should see Steven Spielberg's excellent Netflix series on the five Hollywood directors who went to film World War II, "Five Came Back". Spielberg has said, I watch "The Best Years Of Our Lives" at least once a year". I think I will too, now.
@deanvavra5695
Жыл бұрын
Please note that military life is often a reversal of civilian life. The aviation officer was a "soda jerk" and the mud slogging infantry sergeant was a bank president. I have been to Iraq and Afghanistan. Being In uniform is the great equalizer that cuts away all vestiges of class.
@jocelynhaeberle1401
Жыл бұрын
This is a lifetime favorite. My father, a WWII Navy vet told me that "nervous out of the service" was really hard for some. This film depict it well! If you want to see something else along these lines check out Since You Went Away, another classic. 🥰
@kenfreeman8888
Жыл бұрын
One of my favorite films. Each couple has a relationship worth emulating. They each show compassion, kindness and love, and when Millie talks about continually building and re-building a healthy, loving marriage, I am so moved. I love this film. And I love your swoon cams. ❤😊
@davidhutchinson5233
Жыл бұрын
Academy Award for Best Picture and completely deserving of it. Such a great movie. And my favorite femme fatale, Myrna Loy. Thank you for this. I saw this in the early 70s with my grandparents and great aunts and uncles. I didn't understand it then but how grateful am I for the sacrifice made for all of us.
@osmanyousif7849
Жыл бұрын
Over IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE? Come on, now that's debatable.
@ericburns9132
6 ай бұрын
It's a great movie but I think It's a Wonderful Life deserved the Oscar for Best Picture
@dudeusmaximus6793
Жыл бұрын
This was my grandma's generation. Knew alot of people from that age group, just looking at the sets and hearing them talk and interact, can't begin to tell you the memories. Some of that was still around when I came along.
@merkury06
Жыл бұрын
Same here. I was born 20 years after this movie and in many ways the past had been put away by my time. But it was still there, pictures, old names, etc. In later years now as they have passed on, I found more pictures, letters and people, they had but never mentioned to me.
@thomast8539
Жыл бұрын
So glad that Cassie is getting around to this one. There are so many great classic films out there waiting for reactions.
@morgananderson9647
Жыл бұрын
I'd like to see her do a reaction to "Goodbye Mr. Chips"...
@jethro1963
Жыл бұрын
How Green Was My Valley, Captains Courageous were a couple of my favourites. I had seen most of the classics but had never seen Little Lord Fauntleroy until a couple of years ago. I guess I was put off by the title but like Captains Courageous Freddie Bartholomew knocks it out of the park again. It's a little slow until about an hour in when he meets his grandfather, man that kid could perform
@pthaloblue100
Жыл бұрын
"Let her love you!!" Your reaction video's are such a delight to watch Cassie, the edition of the "mind-blown cam" made me laugh out loud.
@osmanyousif7849
Жыл бұрын
I love how one minute she goes from, “I want to give him a hug.” to “I’m gonna punch you Homer!”
@jeffpawlinski3210
Жыл бұрын
As time has passed, this has become one of Hollywood's most beloved yet forgotten gems. It's a masterpiece, plain and simple! Thank You for featuring it for this generation, Ps. Where's my tissue?
@princeoftonga
Жыл бұрын
I always found it amazing that these men were away fighting a war (or in prison camps) for so long. Then they just had to go straight back to civilian family life having seen and experienced the things that had. I’m from the UK and my grandfather was in the Army reserves pre-war. He left for summer manoeuvres with his unit in August 1939 and was called straight up when the war started. He was supposed to be leaving for 3 weeks and didn’t make it home again for almost 4 years after he got wounded!
@SuburbanSavage
Жыл бұрын
It's a rare "Golden Age-era" movie that addresses PTSD (referred back then as shell shock. I genuinely enjoyed watching it with you. You should check out "Marty," starring Ernest Borgnine, who rightfully won an Oscar for the role.
@wsw32606
Жыл бұрын
"Marty" is a short (90min) and very powerful film.
@jethro1963
Жыл бұрын
My girlfriend who is very similar to Cass in taste and temperament, loved Marty. In the beginning I wasn't sure about Borgnine because I had seen the original Chayefsky teleplay with Rod Steiger but he won me over.
@selkirk57
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for not only reacting to older films like this one but also for watching dramas. I get so tired of the endless reactions to action films and comedies. I get it, those get the views. But it is like a breath of fresh air when you come out with a classic drama like this one. It is easy to see why this movie won seven Academy Awards. Another drama that I think you would like is The Elephant Man, which was nominated for eight Academy Awards and was based on a true story.
@paintedjaguar
Жыл бұрын
Didn't care for "The Elephant Man" myself, not a Lynch fan. Otherwise I'm right there with you.
@macc.1132
Жыл бұрын
And honestly, most films reactors watch do not favor films starring women in which they interact with each other beyond a few lines. Many of the films have a token girl who's the girlfriend/wife, babe, or mom. Modern television is much better at depicting women (and following the "female gaze") than the past couple of decades of cinema. Older Hollywood films have their faults, but there were many popular films in which the actress was the star with a strong supporting actress or two. I've always thought when the battle of the sexes is closer to "even", the resulting output at its best, such as in 1940's film and on television now. Modern film still caters mostly to men (specifically, young men) and something like 80%+ of all box office receipts come from films with a male protagonist. At least television has never been better.
@amberdot42
Жыл бұрын
I can’t believe you reacted to this! I love this movie,it’s in heavy rotation on Turner Classic but I don’t see it talked about much. Also loving how many others in the comments like and appreciate the film,
@johnmagill7714
Жыл бұрын
This is in my personal all time top 5 Film's. It has an A-list cast. And the only Actor to win two Oscar's for the same roll. Harold Russell a actual WWII Vet. Lost his hands as a trainer in the 13th Airborne caused by a defective fuse. 1914-2002 as ( Homer ) He also started AMVETS later. He was nervous about being a rookie actor. But he said the cast was amazing with him. Fredrich March 1897-1975 ( Al Stephenson ) In Particular helped Harold Russell in his acting. The gorgeous and very talented Myrna Loy 1905-1993 ( Milly Stephenson ) became close friends With Harold, she made certain he was treated as a top star, made sure he had everything he needed. Dana Andrews 1909-1992( Fred Derry ) became a fan and friend of Harold's Dana said he was amazed what Harold could do with those hooks. Said he would never complain about any difficulties again. The stunning Virginia Mayo 1920-2005 ( Marie Derry ) would watch him in scenes even ones she wasn't involved with cheering him on. Harold said the best thing is she hugged him every day after each days filming. I would be smiling a lot to. Couldn't find out much about Teresa Wright 1918-2005 ( Peggy Stephenson ) and Cathy O'Donnell 1923-1970 ( Wilma Cameron ) Other than he stayed friends with them to for life.
@paintedjaguar
Жыл бұрын
I wish Teresa Wright and Cathy O'Donnell had each made more movies. Love them both.
@charlieeckert4321
7 ай бұрын
Cathy's last movie role was in Ben Hur, playing Judah's sister. She met her future husband, Robert Wyler - the director's older brother, while she was making this movie. Sadly, she died of cancer on April 11, 1970, their 22nd wedding anniversary.
@Shah-of-the-Shinebox
Жыл бұрын
This is one of the most beautiful and heart warming movies ever made. A feel good movie and tearjerker of the highest order. Hope you enjoy.
@BryanAlaspa
Жыл бұрын
This one is often on lists of greatest movies ever made. It's so good.
@storiedworlds6261
Жыл бұрын
I haven’t watched this movie in years. Thanks for the reminder. Such a classic.
@peterramsay4674
Жыл бұрын
I’ve commented before about this in other films you reacted to. I won’t burden you with repeating but just know that I recognize this scenario so well. Returning vets struggling to make sense of what happened overseas while trying to reenter society troubled in many different ways. The struggles I saw first hand. Being a Legion member I saw great men. Brave soldiers that could let go for a few hours with other men who undersdtood. Very powerful impact they had on me. It was my privilege to be allowed to be friends with THE GREATEST GENERATION.
@windstorm1000
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for defending our country. Yes it was lonely . I hope you found that harbor. You and other veterans deserve it
@RHampton
Жыл бұрын
This is a fantastic film. Thanks for putting this one in front of your audience. Butch is played by Hoagy Carmichael btw. Tremendous screen presence. Shows up in a Boggart/Bocall film as well. Not his first time in front of a piano.
@titusmartin9120
Жыл бұрын
I'm an Army Vet, and I have friends who lost limbs. Its not easy to adjust to losing them. They all had very hard times coming home. Its not easy like you think.
@windstorm1000
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for defending our country. I'm sorry for your injuries and the hardships you faced. Thank you from my heart. An American
@andyny29
Жыл бұрын
The Best Years of our Lives is one of the greatest movies ever! I have seen it many times. It’s set in 1945 after the Second World War.
@williamlarson8589
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for liking this movie. Too many reactors seem to think that film history only exists in the last 50 years. I so admire that that you understand the emotions and context of past eras, WWII seems so long ago now, and yet somehow you get it! Whether you know it or not, you are a very special person and I think it is a privilege to have found you on KZitem. Bless you and all that you love!
@goldenager59
Жыл бұрын
We are of like sentiments, it seems. Well spoken, sir - _very_ well. ☺️
@bkazmer
Жыл бұрын
This is one of my all time favorite movies I saw it as a kid and loved it back in the 50s. I like Homer and Wilma the most even when I was a kid. I grew up in a military family and nine uncles and my father all served and fought in WWII. My dad also in Korea. I did mine in Vietnam. Movies like this always make me think of my family!!!
@andreraymond6860
Жыл бұрын
Director William Wyler actually flew in several Bomber missions over Germany with the Eighth Air Force as a war documentarian, to the point of having PTSD after the war. He saw some fairly harrowing stuff while making his famous documentary 'Memphis Belle'. This movie was part of his deal with Frank Capra upon returning from WWII. They formed Liberty Films. Each director was to make and release one movie. Capra made 'It's A Wonderful Life' (which didn't make any money) and Wyler made 'Best Years Of Our Lives' which was a huge success.
@rabbitandcrow
Жыл бұрын
And both of them worked on documentaries during the war. Capra did his classic "Why We Fight" series , explaning the war to civilians.
@SueProv
Жыл бұрын
He also had substantial hearing loss as a result.
@macc.1132
Жыл бұрын
If you haven't watched it, there is a Netflix documentary called "Five Came Back" that covers a lot of what you mention, plus much more. It's about 5 Golden Era directors and their involvement in WWII. Engrossing for anyone who likes classic cinema or for anyone who eats up WWII documentaries. If you like both, then you'll probably binge all three episodes right away!
@thatperformer3879
Жыл бұрын
@@tayzk5929 Blame British commander Bernard Montgomery, Eisenhower was very strictly against these practices.
@brettfromla4055
Жыл бұрын
“3 on a match” is a military superstition that the third man who gets his cigarette lit gets a bullet. To quote Roger Sterling from Mad Men; “First man lights up, they notice you. Second man, Jerry takes aim. Third man, auf wiedersehen.” I remember my WWII vet father saying that he chose not to stand under streetlights due his experience with snipers during the war.
@mledda621
Жыл бұрын
I just watched this with my Mom. I've never heard of it before but I enjoyed it.
@richardb6260
Жыл бұрын
Some of my favorite reactions of yours are the ones with old movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood. There are decades of great films with great movie stars that you just don't see on many reaction channels. I'd love to see you react to movies like Bringing Up Baby (Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn), The Grapes of Wrath (Henry Fonda), Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (Gary Cooper), High Noon (Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly), A Face in the Crowd (Andy Griffith), Harvey (Jimmy Stewart), Of Mice and Men (Burgess Meredith), The Philadelphia Story (Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart), North by Northwest (Cary Grant), even the original King Kong from 1933. Now this next film has become problematic, but I think you should watch Gone With the Wind. Even today, no film has sold more tickets. It was a huge hit of Star Wars proportions for it's time. You just need to watch it in the context of when it was made. My mother was in her 20s when it was released and it was her favorite film. She didn't go to the movies much. But she went everytime the film was rereleased and watched it on TV whenever it aired. She even kept me home from school once to go with her to see it at the theater (frankly, I was bored. I was 10 and if Godzilla wasn't in it, I wasn't interested). I honestly think you'd like it. It has one of the greatest movie romances in all of film.
@paintedjaguar
Жыл бұрын
"Gone with the Wind" is a terrific movie, and still looks great and holds up technically today, but regardless of when it was made, the story itself is told from the point of view of certain Southern aristocrats. Expecting something different is like expecting "Anna Karenina" to be all about the lives of the Russian serfs. And whatever you've heard, the movie does NOT glorify either Southern society or the Lost Cause legend. I can't guarantee anyone will like the movie or the story of course, but I can say that it's worth seeing. I'm not sure I would sell it as a romance either, but it certainly isn't about either slavery or the War per se. Those are just the background for a character drama.
@richardb6260
Жыл бұрын
@@paintedjaguar it's really about a woman who learns to be strong to survive. But it's still one of the great movie romances no matter how it turns out. Afterall, the paperback romance industry has been trading on the imagery from that film for decades. It seems like half the covers are based on the GWTW movie poster.
@paintedjaguar
Жыл бұрын
@@richardb6260 I know it's old, but you might want to edit out any potential spoilers.
@osmanyousif7849
Жыл бұрын
Don't forget Notorious (Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman).
@michaeldmcgee4499
Жыл бұрын
You should check out Teresa Wright (Peggy) in "Mrs. Miniver" and Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt ". Myrna Loy is great in " The Thin Man" and with Cary Grant and Shirley Temple in " The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer".
@sreggird60
Жыл бұрын
Be prepared to cry. Another movie similar to this and even harder to find is Till The End of Time. An uncle on each side of the family came home in 1945 and we owe them and the rest of their generation so much.
@windstorm1000
6 ай бұрын
We sure do. They were indeed the " Greatest Generation"
@EgbertWilliams
Жыл бұрын
When Homer falls asleep on the plane and one of the other guys says, "I hope Wilma really is a swell girl." always gets me.
@jethro1963
Жыл бұрын
IMO, the greatest shot in Hollywood history is the closeup of Homer when he wakes up. It portrays every emotion, hope, fear etc
@RetroClassic66
Жыл бұрын
Always a wonderful film! I first saw this when I was maybe a preteen back in the 70s and I’ve always loved it. The emotions in it are so REAL! The cast is absolutely perfect. Thank you for finally seeing this! (You should rewatch it with Carly! I bet she’d love it too!)
@kh884488
Жыл бұрын
Wow! So glad that you're reacting to this film. Almost everyone has heard of and seen "It's a Wonderful Life", but few people these days have heard of or seen this film that also came out in 1946. It's particularly meaningful in that Robert Sherwood (screenwriter) and Fredrick March (Al) were WWI vets and Willim Wyler (Director) and Harold Russell (Homer) were WWII vets.
@petermonteleone8153
Жыл бұрын
What I really love about this movie is that I think many people believe service men and women coming back from the war, or any war, were coming back to a great, idyllic life, sort of like Leave it to Beaver. However, the reality was many had an exceptionally difficult time readjusting and this movie highlights that. Great film!
@Mike-wr7om
Жыл бұрын
Great reaction! There's lots of emotion in this movie. Those are the best kind of movies to react to. It was a beautiful experience watching you react to this. Thanks!
@patrickcosgrove886
Жыл бұрын
Always moving. The story of my parents generation. I first saw it on TV when I was in Jr. High. Hoagy Carmichael who played Butch was a great songwriter. Georgia on My Mind is one of his best known tunes.
@Esus4
Жыл бұрын
Stardust is his big song. He wrote the melody for it and words were added later. Willie Nelson does a phenomenal interpretation of it and worth checking out.
@michaelvincent4280
Жыл бұрын
So glad you are checking this film out. It's an incredibly important story for the time, and even for today.
@billparrish4385
Жыл бұрын
Harold Russell who played Homer was from Canada -- North Sydney, Nova Scotia. He also won Best Supporting Actor at that year's Academy Awards. Earlier in the ceremony, he also won an honorary Oscar for being an inspiration to returning veterans, making him the only person to ever win two Oscars for the same role. He lost his hands as an Army demolition instructor in North Carolina, when a defective fuse detonated some TNT he was holding. He died in 2002 at age 88.
@silverlobo2135
Жыл бұрын
Greetings Cassie This film is so iconic because it won 7 Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Director, Beast Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Film Editing, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score) including for 'Al' and 'Homer' actors. An interesting fact: Myrna Loy (Millie) has a personal connection to this film. She was assistant to the director of the military and naval welfare for the Red Cross during WWII. So being in a film about returning home soldiers would have been familiar to her. This film deals with the concept of war trauma (PTSD) without fully mentioning it or calling it by name. The closest it gets to it is when Marie (Virginia Mayo) is talking with Fred about getting a job (17:22) and says, "Are you really alright... I mean in your mind?" It also deals with the trauma about coming home with missing limbs (Homer) and learning to get used the change, adjusting to the new way to do somethings, how others will react to you, and accepting yourself. Issues that to present day are still being dealt with. Understand that films like this HAD to have better characters, dialogue, and meaningful performances. Since the average citizen didn't have the funds to go to the cinema on a weekly basis, studios could not afford to waste money on "average" or "subpar" screenplays or acting. They also could not rely on special effects. technical tricks, or post-production techniques to take an average / fair film to good or award winning, with very few exceptions. Unfortunately, this is not the case in many of the movies being made over the past 15 years, at least.
@jimearnest4342
Жыл бұрын
No matter how many times I see this movie, I cry from beginning to the end,especially the part where Homer takes Wilma up to his room to see his nightly routine, breaks me every time.
@DanSolo871
Жыл бұрын
The Butch seen with Homer was important. As Homer explains how everyone is uncomfortable around him, Butch continues to play the piano, highlighting his hands on the keys indicating that he’s not uncomfortable showing he has hands.
@woodedlane
Жыл бұрын
One of my absolute favorite movies. The part when Homer comes home and his little sister goes running next door to tell Wilma and then runs back and just falls into his arms. Goosebumps every time.
@jethro1963
Жыл бұрын
Marlene Aames as Luella Parrish was a perfect portrayal. She was obedient, not precocious, perfect for the time. It's not often you see "normal" played so well.
@alexbrunner1900
Жыл бұрын
It’s a great movie and it does a great job showing soldiers getting used to normal life again.
@vermithax
Жыл бұрын
Brilliant movie. Thanks so much for including some of these older classics. As some others have mentioned, another great WWII tear jerker is Mrs. Miniver. It's about life on the home front in Britain and was made during the war. By the bye, Hoagy Carmichael, who played Butch, grew up in my hometown and wrote Stardust while going to law school there.
@ADuchessInside
Жыл бұрын
I love this movie so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it too. It's such a heartwrenching look at what veterans and their loved ones faced after the war, and it all feels so true to life. One of the best movies ever. :)
@gailseatonhumbert
Жыл бұрын
"Mrs. Miniver" is a film from 1942 that shows the London experience of civilians in a very similar way.
@johnjames6980
Жыл бұрын
One of the best movies you've had on here. Thanks for reacting to it!
@emilyfarfadet9131
Жыл бұрын
Such an incredible movie. I love how at the heart of it what they all need is to share their vulnerability with the ones they love.
@richardlong3745
Жыл бұрын
Bless you Cassie for actually watching this movie about the WW2 troop difficulties to readjusting to civilian life when the civilians that stay behind were actually making big money for the first time since 1929 because of huge amount military spending for war production which in turned caused allot of fear in the civilian worker force because of returning GI's and military spending cuts.
@enriquecarro8413
Жыл бұрын
One of the greatest films I've ever seen. The cast is all memorable, but I'd like to give a special mention to Dana Andrews (Fred), one of my favourite character actors ever, equally great as a baddie (Ball of fire, one of the greatest comedies of all time), a hard-boiled detective (Laura. Unforgettable masterpiece too), a victim of a curse desperately trying to save his life (Night of the demon. Excellent scary but not too scary for your next Halloween season), or veteran suffering PTSD (as here).
@johnwatson3948
Жыл бұрын
“Boone City” was modeled after Cincinnati Ohio - which might explain why there’s so much night life in what sounded like a small town. Many of the views from the airplane were shot over Cincinnati.
@MARKEJ67
Жыл бұрын
This film had much more impact when it came out. The movie came out as a majority of the vets were just returning home. The war in Europe ended May 1945. Few soldiers got to go home, most were getting ready to go to the pacific (Remember Band of Brothers point system) The Pacific war ended September, 1945. It took months to disarm the Japanese and to begin the Occupation. This film was released November 1946. This won a lot of awards because it was great and it was a 'Public Service Announcement" on how people were to deal with a variety of real situations now that the soldiers were coming home. At the time of the movie people would know what the uniform ribbons and patches meant...that each man had seen much combat. When Homer said he was on a CV people knew then that was a navy term for Aircraft Carrier. Officers made over $400 while a regular soldier only made $100 As a result many women were gold diggers who chased these men to get married. US soldiers could pay a penny a month to get life insurance, If they were killed, next of kin got $10.000, a hefty sum. Fun Facts: Butch in real life was super famous entertainer/song writer of the era. Wilma played Ben Hur's sister who had leprosy. Homer in real life lost his hands while training GI's in boot camp how to use a hand grenade. The grenade was defective and blew up after he puled the pin. The aircraft were being recycled because we had tens of thousands and they were obsolete now that we had just developed the ultra modern B-29 with it's long range, higher bomb load, pressurized cabins and radar controlled gun turrets.
@ThomasCorp
Жыл бұрын
One of the tougher films to watch, yet one that everyone needs to see. Glad to see that you’re reacting to it.
@ericthered760
Жыл бұрын
Cassie. The music for this film was composed by Hugo Friedhofer who, IMHO, is one of the greatest but least appreciated Hollywood music composers. He wrote or contributed to many classic scores, for which he was not credited. However, he did win an Oscar for his score for this movie. I get choked up every time I hear this brilliant score, which sets the mood for this fantastic film. This movie swept the Oscars in 1947 (based on films that came out in 1946), winning 10 Academy Awards including, of course, Best Score for Friedhofer.
@philisett1888
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, thank you, thank you for reacting to this film. I just discovered it last year, and I have watched it a number of times since. I just find the story, the characters, and the performances so compelling. And I think the music score is really moving. Thank for watching these older films, Cassie. I'll be there to watch your reactions every time!
@jethro1963
Жыл бұрын
The brilliant Hugo Friedhofer score captures you from the very beginning. When it starts you know you are going down the road of something special. They have some pieces of it on KZitem on it's own without the video, it's even better that way. It's called The Best Years Of Our Lives | Soundtrack Suite (Hugo Friedhofer)
@GeneRogers-di6cl
6 ай бұрын
I found your channel by accident looking for this movie. It’s probably the greatest movie about Veterans returning from World War Two! My Dad fought in that war with his older brother. I am a veteran of the Vietnam War. Coming home is the hardest thing to do and adjusting to normal life, family and friends. Glad you are watching this movie. Thank you!
@philstubblefield
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Cassie, for another wonderful reaction! I'm so happy that you (and Carly) have discovered that "black and white" does not automatically equal "boring"! 😄
@hulkhatepunybanner
Жыл бұрын
*And not all movies in color are exciting.* LOL
@philstubblefield
Жыл бұрын
@@hulkhatepunybanner True! Love your name and image! I wonder how many people would recognize that image these days?
@wakinossin
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the reaction, I enjoyed watching you enjoy it. Most reactors don't watch old films, I'm glad you did. One of my favourite films.
@richruksenas5992
Жыл бұрын
The actress who played Peggy was seen in another of your reaction movies. She's Theresa Wright, and was the elderly caretaker to Elise McKenna in "Somewhere in Time."
@matthines4748
Жыл бұрын
If you lived Dana Andrews here, you should see him in the mystery film “Laura.” He stars opposite Gene Tierney as Laura - who was considered one of the most beautiful film actresses on the silver screen.
@raymondtaylor5223
Жыл бұрын
this film was made during a time when all the trauma of the war was still fresh, as a matter of fact, the director was very hearing impaired due to an explosion going off near his head while serving in the war himself. It made his directing more difficult but no one complained. He sacrificed himself to make a movie about sacrifice making it, for its day, one power house of a movie.
@oriole21bird
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for reacting to movies like this. I'm sure the average younger person these days has never heard of this film, but thanks to you, many more people will become aware of this fantastic movie. It's a shame this won't get the number of views you would normally get.
@TheTomt50
Жыл бұрын
This is one of my favorite movies all-time. This was the first movie after WWII to examine the challenges faced by returning veterans. Like you mentioned, everyone was adjusting to life after the war. And each of these veterans faced them differently. Homer's (by the way he really lost his arms in the war) struggled to come to grips with his physical injuries, and how could he have a relationship. Both Fred and Al struggled with untreated PTSD. While Fred suffered divorce he would ultimately unite with Peggy. For Al, we see his growing alcoholism. Truly a great movie that captured the challenges for many vets.
@LawrenceMorey
Жыл бұрын
Cassie, I have enjoyed many of your reactions. I am glad whenever I see a new one. But I especially enjoy your reactions to classic movies - this is my own favourite period, 30's and 40's Hollywood - so many great films. There is one that I have not seen suggested that I think is precisely your kind of movie - Now Voyager, 1942, with Bette Davis. It is the pinnacle of the weepie romance, but not sappy at all. It also stars Paul Henreid, the underground war hero from Casablanca. As I say, I think you would absolutely LOVE this movie. Lots of complex mother - daughter stuff along with romance. The 30's and 40's have loads of what were called "women's" pictures. Some have been mentioned here - but Mildred Pierce, The Heiress, Mrs Miniver are all standouts. This was the age when women ruled the silver screen.
@johnwood9504
Жыл бұрын
So glad you reacted to this, very few have. I first saw this maybe 30 years ago. I was astounded by how emotionally involving it was. It must have been very cathartic when it was released.
@wwk68tig
Жыл бұрын
A tremendous movie, on every level. And to think it was out so soon after WW2!!!!
@SmokeDogg11
Жыл бұрын
I'm so happy to see you reacting to one of my favorite movies. This is one of those that I have to watch every time it plays on TCM. It gets me every time.
@geneaikenii1092
Жыл бұрын
Excellent classic black and white pictures. One of my favorites. The WWII War movies are really great. I love all of those classic, golden, big studio era Hollywood films. They are just are so good. Great storylines and superb acting Thanks for the heartfelt reaction. And those tears...beautiful. You have such a warm and tender heart. Guard her well. Big shoutout to you from this old, longhaired, hippy dude connoisseur of fine Hollywood pictures. Much peace, love, and happiness to you and all the "Popcorn In Bed" Family. Bless you all. Go with God. Later.
@Divamarja_CA
Жыл бұрын
There’s a reason I had a vintage 8x10 of Dana Andrews on my bedroom wall, growing up in the 70s…this and “Laura” had a lot to do with it!
@etherealtb6021
Жыл бұрын
Oh, she'll love Laura!
@Divamarja_CA
Жыл бұрын
I agree!
@fosbury68
Жыл бұрын
That camera frame at 31:54, shot over Fred's shoulder, looking at Peggy as she stands by her parents, then Homer and Wilma and Homer's parents (all in focus). One of the most perfect camera setups in film history. Your reaction was shared - and deeply - by millions of cinema goers in 1946. That's why it captured the Oscar for best picture of the year. And why it still touches people today.
@Jadibob
Жыл бұрын
I was really into watching movies off the American Film Institute's top 100 films list and that's how I saw this one. It is really impactful and even though I didn't remember a lot of specific plot points, the movie really stays with you. What a happy surprise to see you watch it here. Glad you liked it!
@kschneyer
Жыл бұрын
You are always so sweet. I saw that you were going to react this film, which I'd never seen before, and I watched it over the last few nights so that I could see your reaction. It's a wonderful film, and your reaction was wonderful too.
@tyinyvr
Жыл бұрын
You should watch the 1934's "The Thin Man" the comedy detective series of movies with Myrna Loy (Milly) and William Powell. And 1943's "Shadow of a Doubt" another Hitchcock classic with Teresa Wright (Peggy) and Joseph Cotten.
@windstorm1000
Жыл бұрын
This film is about humanity and how we can all be there for each other if we only look-and feel. Your reactions and comments Cassie were suthentic and heart felt
@ParkerAllen2
Жыл бұрын
I really enjoyed your reaction and how engaged you were with the various characters' stories. I'm one of those people who has a handful of favorite movies that they watch every few years, and the movie I've seen more often than any other is The Best Years of Our Lives. I was so happy to see you add it to your list of watched movies, and maybe help other people discover this much-loved, but older classic.
@AnyahEMB
Жыл бұрын
Ah. . . One of my favorite movies. I love the soundtrack. The music is wonderful.
Пікірлер