Some reviewers are appalled by the fact that the characters are judged on their appearances but that is reality. It's something that occurs even in modern times. The person who feels they will never find love because they are too fat, too thin, not perfect in the eyes of society. That is what Laura is feeling.. This makes her quite shy and homely. Then there is Oliver the once popular socialite who in the outside world would have never even given Laura the time of day. The cottage brings them together and they share this mutual feeling of being lonely due to their appearance. I don't see this as something unrealistic or even disgusting as one reviewer stated. It's the way society is and it was worse in the older days. The division of classes and the fact that love is simply based on a physical attraction is shattered in this movie. The characters see beyond that once they fall in love. That is the key... They had already fallen in love before the change occurred in their eyes only. The cinematography is so well done as is the direction. My favorite character is Mrs. Minnett who gives the tear jerker explanation that brings the story together. This film for me expands on love.. I can see this also as the love a mother has for a child... Even when a child is grossly disfigured the Mother sees beyond that.. That see the child for who they are inside and the love of wanting to care for them forever. That's true love. Loving the person so much that their exterior always looks beautiful because their beautiful inside.

This sweet and heartwarming movie is a classic in it's own right. It's not very well known today which is a shame. Dorothy McGuire plays Laura Pennington and Robert Young plays Oliver Bradford. In a village by the ocean there is a cottage that has enchanted past honeymooners. Now it's magic will work on two lonely souls. Laura, a homely looking girl, is hired by the recent owner of the cottage a widow, Mrs. Minnett, to take care of the cottage.They are soon visited by a couple, Oliver and his bride-to-be that want to rent out the cottage, however at the last minute Olive is called to war. He comes home disfigured and his family is pretty nosy and fussy. He needs time to come to terms with what's happened to him and his family just won't let him have his space.So he rents out the cottage, it seems that he has family money that allows him to do this, and takes refuge in the cottage. He takes a liking to Laura not because she's beautiful, but because she's kind to him and treats him like a normal person.Oliver soon makes friends with a successful blind pianist, Major John Hillgrove, and soon feels at home in the cottage. Oliver asks Laura to marry him, they marry out of convenience, but soon after they make it home from their ceremony the cottage begins to work it's magic on them.

I liked this movie a bunch. Not sure why this is supposed to be such a rare occurrence that when people fall in love their entire aura, persona, appearance completely changes in an instant. And this is not just for lovers, it also happens with close friends, professional and even casual acquaintances. Apologies folks but seeing beauty as a result of uplifting fine inner qualities is not a new concept or one to be forgiven.Enchantment is a veritable experience and most are very grateful to feel the warm envelopment of these most elevated moments. For most of us they are transient, the lucky few, a lifetime. I have never lost hope of this message because it has occurred to me many many times. It is one of the reasons I live for. I have only seen one other film that addresses this concept, "Winter's Tale" with Colin Farrel. Also, an enjoyable fantasy love theme.High recommend for hopeful romantics and those who see beyond their eyes.

It has been quite a few years since seeing this movie, which is a shame since I am such a fan. This movie was appropriately released at the end of WWII, as many military men were returning from war. No doubt the theme of a disfigured veteran was very relative to many of them, and their families.This is a very heartwarming tale. Some will think it very melodramatic and sentimental, but I find it very endearing and sweet. Young's character is very arrogant and rude to begin with, then becomes very bitter after the accident. He plays both extremes quite well. It is interesting to see these characters as they are transformed by the very powerful effects of love.