This movie survived by a very effective layer of gloss, the class and distinctiveness of both Niven and Young's portrayals and the production values. But, oh, the surrounding stuff. Broderick Crawford as a love interest for Ms. Young? Magic acts? What an embarrassing entry this must have been for the star performers in the year of some of the most classic films ever made. This film is one good example of the leads overcoming the liabilities of the vehicle, thus saving the show. Well, sort of. Ms. Young later recounts the scene on the bed with Niven being her favorite subtle type of love scene. Reviewers cite this particular scene as what could have been a censor objection had not the actors handled it with so much sophistication and grace.

Loretta Young and David Niven play a rich and successful couple who travel the globe with his magic show. Despite the glamor, Young is miserable, as Niven is addicted to his career--the excitement, the night life and the adulation from his public. But, Niven is sometimes too adventurous--doing some outlandishly dangerous stunts. Also, although he's promised his wife that they'll vacation and act like a normal couple, he really doesn't mean it and she's sick of the life. Despite telling him this, he doesn't seem to hear her--only thinking of himself and his career. So, out of desperation, she leaves him--running off to Reno for a divorce. He only catches up to her when it's too late--she's now on her honeymoon with her new husband, Broderick Crawford. What can be done? Niven does love his ex-wife and wants to reform...and is there any way to get her back? and what about poor Crawford? "Eternally Yours" has one huge thing going for it--David Niven. Aside from a few turkeys (such as "Casino Royale" and his last Pink Panther appearance), I will watch him in about anything. The film is enjoyable but inconsequential--with a very good supporting cast, such as the always enjoyable C. Aubrey Smith, Eve Arden, Zasu Pitts and others. However, one weakness in the film was the way poor Crawford was treated...he was sadly misused by Niven and Young and this made the film a bit cold-hearted. Still, it is worth seeing.By the way, the parachute scene was awfully poorly done. Not only did it look rather fake but the chute opened about 30 or 40 feet from the ground (after jumping from 15,000 feet) and yet he was pretty much physically unharmed--BOTH times he did it. Such a landing would have no doubt killed him or at least resulted in a VERY prolonged hospital stay! Also, Niven's explanation of the powers of hypnosis (such as being able to make someone kill when hypnotized) are ridiculous! I've trained in hypnosis and surely would have used it for evil had these sort of powers been possible!!

Beautifully dressed Loretta Young (as Anita) goes to a magic show and is stricken with love for "The Great Arturo" magician David Niven (as Tony Halstead), and he returns her love at first sight. They are quickly married with Ms. Young becoming Mr. Niven's on-stage female assistant. However, Young doesn't like Niven's popularity with the ladies and frets when he starts performing daredevil stunts like jumping out of airplanes in handcuffs. Consequently, Young decides to perform a "disappearing act" of her own. Will "Eternally Yours" live up to its title? **** Eternally Yours (10/7/39) Tay Garnett ~ David Niven, Loretta Young, Broderick Crawford, Hugh Herbert

I saw this on an AMC DVD. It was not a very good print. Most scenes looked somewhat muddy. I hope someone releases a better print someday.There is a lot of talent in bit parts here: Billie Burke, Eve Arden, Hugh Herbert, Zasu Pitts, and Broderick Crawford each contribute a few minutes of pleasantness.I wasn't all that impressed with Loretta Young. She was fine, but I didn't see anything special that she brought to her role. On the other hand, David Niven was quite impressive. He brought just the right tone of bravado and cool to his part of a dare devil magician.James Bond writer, Ian Flemming, wanted David Niven to play James Bond. You can see why from this film. He is handsome and suave in the Cary Grant manner, but he's also sly and intense. When he does a handcuffed falling out of a plane stunt, one really feels his fright and nervousness.Niven did end up playing James Bond in the spoof "Casino Royale" (1967), but by that time he was about ten years too old for the part.The movie jumps a bit. It looks like they edited out a number of scenes. Still, it is fast paced, clever and surprising. I recommend it, but I hope they come out with a better print.