Hedy Lamarr didn't move from Austria to Hollywood to make money and achieve fame, although her parents persuaded her to engage in the performing arts industry. Perhaps, because she was not as 'industrious' as some actresses, she could be convincing on film without much effort. Hedy didn't have to try to be beautiful, she was a natural. Hedy's female co-star, Bonita Granville was a petite little blonde (5' tall) who had a figure that would be appreciated in film today where women don't wear girdles. same with Hedy....she had a beautiful butt.Hedy was a scientist first, a movie star second. She did almost as much for the WWII allied effort as Golda Meir did for Israel, raising millions in war bonds. Hedy was still young and in demand in Hollywood when she retired. Do I wish I was born longer ago and could have met Hedy? Of course, although, being born in 1941 on Pearl Harbor Day,I am lucky to be alive during the 'electronic age' which fits nicely into my demeanor. As for the film....any movie starring Hedy Lamarr is a good movie.

I will say the same here that I have said every time I have ever watched a movie with Hedy Lamarr -- I just don't get it. Yes, I know, she was quite beautiful. But as an actress...well, frankly, I'd rather watch Marjorie Main! Her choice as one of the female leads here is one of the two things wrong with this movie, although she is adequate.The second relates to the college scenes. What a bunch of buffoons! Were they supposed to all be buffoons? Didn't college guys have any sophistication back then at all? Was there no substance at all? Now, beyond those two points, this is a decent movie, although I'm surprised that here it has a rating of above 7. Robert Young (Pulham) is a typical Bostonian businessman, who lives a very ordered life. His wife (Ruth Hussey) also lives a very ordered life. As one source related it -- passionless. Young is handed the job of organizing a college reunion, which leads to flashbacks of his earlier life. After WWI, he joins a New York City advertising agency, where he falls in love coworker Marvin Miles (Hedy Lamarr, and yes, the name Marvin is correct). Some of the scenes with the father (Charles Coburn) are quite touching, and I think rather realistic. Over time it becomes clear that Young is staid and Lamarr is flamboyant. Not a match. So, Young marries a woman from his own social set (Ruth Hussey). Then, Lamarr and Young have a chance at a personal reunion. Both are married, but will they run away together? That is the question.As much as many of us loved Robert Young in his television roles, many of his screen roles were less impressive (though there were a few notable exceptions, this being one, another being "Enchanted Cottage"). Another of our reviewers wrote that Young was too bland for his role here. Actually, no, a bit of blandness is just what this role was really about. Young does very well here.Ruth Hussey, perhaps a bit of an underrated actress does nicely here. As does Charles Coburn, Van Heflin (as an old college friend), and Fay Holden (as the mother).It's a good, though not great film. There are times the music seems a little out of place, and times when director King Vidor seemed to almost try to make this a comedy, which it is not. But, despite a few faults, it gets the job done and is worth watching...though it probably hasn't found a place on many DVD shelves.

This movie is very thought provoking about how life is or how it could have been. It helped me appreciate life, the good and the bad, most of everyday life is actually quite good especially when we don't dwell on the could haves. It was very nostalgic for me. I especially liked the spontaneity as thats something we like to do as a couple, but we don't see a lot of it these days. The idea of taking a chance was a little scary for me. The romance was soft and touching, very clean. It actually gave me some ideas on how to be more romantic. It was a kick seeing Van Heflin so young and skinny. The movie really was a fantasy, but so close to the truth that it just grabbed me. Being older, the film quality was worn, some of the pan scenes were distorted. That Robert Young smile is contagious, thats how I'll remember this movie in my mind's eye.

I watched this movie on TCM for one reason only, it was made in 1941 and from the few movies I've seen from that year, I feel, that's a good year in movies. And this movie didn't degrade that premise from my mind.Robert Young's character H.M. Pulham, mainly in the flashback era of the film, I felt was sort of a laidback William Powell. I felt, and not just because he was the main character of the film, but, I felt, without Robert Young as H.M. Pulham, this movie would have been less. He gave the character a conservative attitude about things with a slight pinch of the opposite.The film did venture on for awhile, but, in a way, I felt it sort of added to it a bit. I was thinking just of that, near the end of the film, and I believe if the Director: King Vidor, edited down the movie, it would have actually made it less of what it was.The 2 hours was sufficient for the story.I found this movie to be flirtacious, but, not in the since of sex, though that would apply to this movie, but, more of the attitude of the meaning behind the word. I also found it to be coy in a way.I found Hedy Lamarr's character Marvin Ransome to be straightforward yet cautious as well.It was -- well, I can't say it was sad, though it was, but, I also can't say it was happy either.It sort of rests in between.There are 3 stories I feel in this movie, but most probably only see the one. This is a movie worth watching more than once, and I recommend it to anyone.But, realize, it's an acquired taste.I do like this version, I do not know if they have made another version, doubtful, but, you never know. And I feel, if a version of this was made today and keeping the same vigor and attitude of this version, I feel it would bode well. Though, I am sure, in this case, it would also be an acquired taste, too.I give this an 8/10 and I am sure at the time, it was quite a controversial film that as well broke laws from the 'attitude' I state above, of the film.:)