Christmas Movie Review: Day Twenty-Five

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

A young George Bailey, overwhelmed by family obligations and a sense of responsibility toward his community, feels tied down to a company he never had an interest in working for, and a life he never wanted to live. As he ages, he sees his youth, dreams and opportunities pass him by. Unknown to George, all of his friends and family have been praying for him to get through those hard times. Told through the point of view of a group of angels, he is met by his guardian angel Clarence, as he contemplates ending his life.

Ah, good old Frank Capra has done it again! 

 My family watches this golden classic together every Christmas Eve, and its something I look forward to every year. 

 Nothing in the world can make you smile the scene where George Bailey runs through Bedford Falls, screaming Christmas greetings and laughing in joy for being alive. 

 The jokes make you laugh, the emotional scenes make you cry, and the romantic moments leave you starry-eyed.  

Jimmy Stewart, one of the best actors Hollywood has ever known, gave life to George Bailey in typical Stewart fashion. His mischievous smile and quiet teasing is the sweetest thing, and he shows the broken, overwhelmed husband/father with such realism, it's heartbreaking. 

 Donna Reed as Mary, his wife, is wonderful, too. Someone asked me once: "Who is the real hero in this film?" 

 After a moment of pondering, I firmly replied, "Mary." And that's the truth. 

Mary stands by her husband no matter what, and when he comes home, obviously struggling, she doesn't break down in fear, but instead turns to friends and family, and most importantly, to God, for help. She even encourages her children to pray for Daddy, as they notice that something is obviously wrong. I thought that was beautiful. 

 Mary is the faithful wife we all would do well to try and be.   

The supporting cast is excellent, and Clarence the Angel is quite an adorable old man. <3 

 I loved seeing Beulah Bondi as George's gentle mother. The Bailey children are adorable, and Burt the Cop is cool. (Ward Bond of Wagon Train). Mr. Potter was such a convincing, mean old man. 

The lesson in this film is beautiful, as we are reminded that all of us are on put on this earth with a purpose, and no one has the right to wish they never existed. Life is a gift from our loving Father, and 'It's a wonderful life'. <33 

Content: 

Some drinking. A female character who is a bit of a flirt is shown throughout the film. One sorta awkward scene with George and Mary but it doesn't go anywhere. A few kisses. 

This my absolute favorite Christmas film. <333 

My review: Five Stars ✩✩✩✩✩

And that is the final review! Merry Christmas to all my followers, and God bless! <3

                                                                                                   LaKaysha

Christmas Movie Review: Day Twenty-Four

An Avonlea Christmas

The little town of Avonlea faces big changes when the first World War comes to P.E.I's quiet shores, and the King family must face one of the most frightening and hardest trials of their lives when Felix King is reported missing in action.

I grew up watching Road to Avonlea since it was something my Grandma loved watching, and the characters are as real and dear to me as if they were my own family. I didn't know this TV movie existed until I was much older.

 Seeing Janet (Lally Cadeau) and Alec's (Cedric Smith) pain as they wait and wonder about Felix's (Zachary Bennett) safety was awful. *cries*

 Alec King has always been one of my favorite characters in the show; maybe because he reminds me of my own dad, and his obvious sorrow at the disappearance of his only son is absolutely heartbreaking. 

 Janet's reaction is understandable. As a child I was little annoyed at her attitude, but now I can understand a little as to why she is so upset and bitter. (Not that I condone her behavior) 

 I mean, that's her son that's missing. Any mother would have a hard, hard time. 

I loved seeing all the characters we know and love, but I did miss a few. I wish they could have had Gus (another one of my favorites) appear in scene, just for a little bit. It didn't seem like Avonlea without him. Seeing Sara or Andrew would have been great, too, but Sara was overseas somewhere, so it would be rather unlikely that she would come during such a troubled time. But I would have liked to hear what happened to Andrew, since he more than likely would have been involved in the war. 

 My biggest disappointment, however, was the fact that they never mentioned Izzy Pettibone. If you've watched the show, you'd know that Izzy and Felix care deeply for each other, and it seems kinda obvious that at some point they'd get married. 

 But in this movie sequel, we see her brother Arthur and are informed that the Pettibone's have moved away. No one mentions Izzy, nor do they inform Arthur of Felix's being reported MIA. Which would be kinda normal, since Izzy is Felix's girlfriend. Am I right?

Other than that, it's a wonderful movie that I look forward to watching every year. The actors performances are wonderful; Alec's moment with his sister Olivia never fails to brings tears to my eyes, as he confesses he would go to war himself if he knew it would bring Felix back. *cries thinking about it* 

Content: 

Some war scenes. Janet uses the phrase 'tinker's d--m' once. 

My Review: Five Stars ✰✰✰✰✰

I highly recommend this film to Avonlea fans! It's sure to bring tears to your eyes and a smile to your face. <333

                                                                                                     LaKaysha

Christmas Movie Review: Day Twenty-Three

Meet John Doe (1941)

In this beautiful Frank Capra film, Ann Mitchell (Barbara Stanwyck) has just lost her job as a reporter. After being told she can write one more column before leaving, she writes a fake letter from a 'John Doe', claiming that on Christmas Eve he will commit suicide as a protest to fallen society.
 As the story sky-rockets, the editor rehires Ann and as an effort to boost newspaper sales and protect the paper from fraud, they go in search of someone to take the role as 'John Doe'.
 Enter Long-John Willoughby (Gary Cooper), a retired baseball player-turned-hobo, who agrees to the job if they agree to pay for surgery for his injured arm, in hopes of returning to baseball.
 As people begin to listen, John appears on the radio, urging people to open their eyes and embrace their neighbors, toss aside their political bands, and to return to the common decency God wishes for every nation.
 The speeches (written by Ann) of 'goodwill' and 'Love Thy Neighbor' touch the American people, and soon 'John Doe Clubs' spring up all across the country.
 Unfortunately, greedy statesmen take advantage of the movement for their own political gain, and it looks like John, who has grown to believe in the things he's been told to say, is in danger of fraud, and even worse: being exposed as a liar to all the people who love him.

*suppressed squeals*

I loooooooove this movie. <33 

 It shows the good, bad, and ugly of life as only Frank Capra can do, and every time I sit down to watch it, I'm reminded of all the beautiful quotes that can apply to our nation today and forever. 

 I mean, It's Gary Cooper! His boyish humor, adorable smile and simple way of talking captures the hearts of many people, even today, and he embodies the American 'little man' in every sense. 

 I like how confused and conflicted he is, with all the deceit he has to do, and when he tries to do the right thing, my heart broke at the way he was treated. 

 Watching him stand up in front of thousands of people, trying to explain as things being thrown at him is almost too much for me. *sad sigh*

Barbara Stanwyck's performance is spotless. <3 

 You can just watch her eyes sparkle and light up as she listens to John's wise words. Ann didn't truly think about the consequences of her little lie, but her speech at the ending scene shows that she's sorry for what she did, and when she begs John to keep on trying.... Ah, it's just so moving. 

 And their relationship is so cute. *happy grins* 

The best part of this film is the end. 

 Ooh, my heart breaks seeing the hopelessness on John's face as he stands next to the rail, ready to jump. And I cry at Ann's desperate pleas... Oh, but I can't give too much away! 

 Just to prove at how inspirational it is, here are some random quotes: 

"I'm gonna talk about us — the average guys, the John Does. If anybody should ask you what the average John Doe is like, you couldn't tell him because he's a million and one things. He's Mr. Big and Mr. Small, he's simple and he's wise, he's inherently honest but he's got a streak of larceny in his heart. He seldom walks up to a public telephone without shovin' his finger into the slot to see if somebody left a nickel there. He's the man the ads are written for. He's the fella everybody sells things to. He's Joe Doakes, the world's greatest stooge and the world's greatest strength. Yes sir, yes sir, we're a great family, the John Does. We are the meek who are supposed to inherit the earth. You'll find us everywhere. We raise the crops, we dig the mines, work the factories, keep the books, fly the planes and drive the buses, and when the cop yells, 'Stand back there you,' he means us - the John Does. We've existed since time began. We built the pyramids. We saw Christ crucified, pulled the oars for Roman emperors, sailed the boats for Columbus, retreated from Moscow with Napoleon, and froze with Washington at Valley Forge. Yes sir, we've been in there dodging left hooks since before History began to walk. In our struggle for freedom, we've hit the canvas many a time, but we always bounced back because we're the people — and we're tough."

"Please don't give up. We'll start all over again. Just you and I. It isn't too late. The John Doe movement isn't dead yet. You see, John, it isn't dead or they wouldn't be here. It's alive in them. They kept it alive by being afraid. That's why they came up here. Oh, darling!...We can start clean now. Just you and I. It'll grow John, and it'll grow big because it'll be honest this time. Oh, John, if it's worth dying for, it's worth living for. Oh please, John...You wanna be honest, don't ya? Well, you don't have to die to keep the John Doe ideal alive. Someone already died for that once. The first John Doe. And he's kept that ideal alive for nearly 2,000 years. It was He who kept it alive in them. And He'll go on keeping it alive for ever and always — for every John Doe movement these men kill, a new one will be born. That's why those bells are ringing, John. They're calling to us, not to give up but to keep on fighting, to keep on pitching. Oh, don't you see darling? This is no time to give up."

"There you are, Norton. The people. Try and lick that!"

Content: 

Some drinking. A statue without clothes is shown for a brief moment. John's threat to attempt suicide may bother some. 

I just love all the characters in this film <3 

 Henry Connell's talk about loving the Star-Spangled Banner and about being lighthouses in a foggy world.... <3333 Oh, Frank Capra is the best film-maker. 

 I loved seeing Walter Brennan, and all the humor. 

Just take my word for it and give this movie a try! You won't be disappointed. 

My Review: Five Stars ✩✩✩✩✩ (I may even give it six)

Sorry about the delays! It's a busy time of year

                                                                                                           LaKaysha

Christmas Movie Review: Day Twenty-Two

Last Ounce of Courage

"This heartwarming movie tells the story of a local war hero whose son, Tom, goes off to war. Tom's new wife brings Christian, his first son, into the world while the young hero is away at war earning medals for valor. However, the tragedy that ensues on a cruel battlefield will change everyone's life forever. Tom Revere is laid to rest, paying the ultimate price for freedom. Fourteen years pass and Christian grows to be a teenager. Along with his mother, Carrie, he returns to the small town of Mount Columbus, nestled in the Rocky Mountains, to celebrate the holidays with family. Christian & his grandfather, Bob, are not connecting as they continue to struggle with the pain of losing Tom. In this beautiful story of love and forgiveness, grandfather & grandson discover a way to unite and to make a difference in their community by claiming their freedom of expression. Bob, who is both a pharmacist and the mayor of Mount Columbus, realizes that some of the freedoms his son fought and died for, are eroding. The first battle he chooses to fight in his mission to restore the town's freedoms is the right to celebrate Christmas. In many ways, Bob loses his "battle," but his gain is of greater value. Concluding the film is one of the most dramatic orations given in any movie, where Bob challenges the town to "Wake Up" and begin to take back the freedoms that are being lost, one by one." (IMDb Summary)

Many people hated on this movie for the same reason I loved it. It's packed with patriotism and stirring dialogue. 

 Oh, the liberals hate this film. I, for one, thought it was a great movie. 

Yeah, maybe some of the acting is cheesy, but its no worse (if not better) than those Hallmark Christmas movies everyone's so hyped for. *rolls eyes* 

 This film was made in 2012, but the message is more true today than ever. Our freedoms are being taken away, so slowly we may not notice it. And its 'time to take a stand'. 

I cried. Not gonna lie; I cried like a baby throughout this movie, and no matter how many times I've watched it, Bob's war story to his wife makes me break down. 

Content: 

A girl calls a boy hot. Some war scenes. I think that's it???

This a movie the whole family will enjoy! 

My Review: Five Stars ✰✰✰✰✰

                                                                                                         LaKaysha

Christmas Movie Review: Day Twenty-One

The Waltons: The Homecoming

"The Walton family is preparing for Christmas in the early 1930s. It's Christmas eve and they are waiting for father Walton to come home from his job in the city some 50 miles away. Since he is late, everyone is worried and over the radio the mother and grandparents hear about an overturned bus and hurt travelers but keep this news from the rest of the family. The story is really a coming of age story about the oldest son John-Boy who must cut down the tree with his grandfather since his father isn't home and is eventually told about his missing father and sets out to find him." (IMDb summary)

Well. Let's begin by saying I grew up watching 'The Waltons' and hadn't seen this TV movie until I was much older, so my review may be a little biased. 

 There was good and bad in this film, so I can't completely bash it.

Patricia Neal as Olivia (or 'Mama') wasn't horrid or anything...but she wasn't Olivia to me. She seemed a little more grumpy and harsh than the mother Micheal Learned portrayed in the show. 

 But she wasn't too bad. And since this is sorta the pilot for the show, I can't really expect everything to be the same. 

 I do have to point out it's easier to believe that they live in the mountains in this one. Not that I don't believe it in the show, but their home seemed much more cabin-like than the house they have in the show. And the countryside isn't nearly as flat in this movie. 

Thankfully all of the kids are the same. *wipes sweat* 

 Richard Thomas definitely wasn't full into his character yet, but he is still John-Boy to me. The rest of the children did all right as well.   

Grandpa, on the other hand, was awful. He didn't have that sparkle and humor that we all are used to seeing in the show. Grandma seemed softer than him, but maybe that's just me. 

Andrew Duggan isn't John to me. Oh, he did all right. But I'm so glad they got Ralph Waite for the role in the TV show. He seems much better suited to me. 

 It was heartwarming to see him return home, and I liked some scenes, but this movie just wasn't a big thrill to me. Like I said, maybe it's because I watched the show first. 

Content: 

I recall Mary-Ellen using a harsh word but I can't recall how... I think it was 'p--ss'. 

 Some drinking. I think that's it??? I can't remember, and online it doesn't have a parents guide. Thanks a lot, IMDb. 

My Review: Three Stars ✩✩✩

                                                                                              LaKaysha

Christmas Movie Review: Day Twenty

Mrs. Miniver (1942)

A rural English family struggles to cope during the early months of World War Two.

This film is, in my opinion, one of the best ever made during the Second World War. <3 

 Greer Garson is by far my favorite English actress. Her voice is like music, and I always thought she had the loveliest smile. Ah, if I was British, I would want to look and sound like her. 

 She portrayed the quiet, cheerful Kay Miniver wonderfully. 

I loved her strength shown throughout this film, and her steadfastness during a very difficult time in England's history. 

 Walter Pidgeon was also a joy to see, as her loving husband, Clem. 

Teresa Wright. <3 Ah, gotta love her. I honestly would never have known she wasn't British until I watched her in 'Pride of the Yankees'. Her accent is quite convincing, in my opinion.
Her character, Carol, is a wonderful person, and I thought she and Vin (Richard Ney) were very sweet together.... *quiet sobs* Oh, this couple just breaks my heart. Watch the movie and you'll see why.

I loved seeing the everyday life of the English people living in the country. That's something you don't see very often in films from this era. I have always had a tremendous respect for the people of Britain during the war, and this movie only made it grow. 

 The way they go on with their daily lives, despite the horrors so close by, and the bombs that dropped at any given time. 

 Kay does her best to remain so cheerful and kind to all the people she comes in contact with throughout the film, and you have to respect her for it. After all, her own son is in the Air Force, and at one point her husband is gone for days, making her wonder if he's alive or dead. 

 Speaking of which, I loved seeing the people involved with the Battle of Dunkirk. That scene fascinated me.  

WARNING: This movie is sad, okay? I mean, you can't watch a film about the London Blitz and not expect some heartbreak. *wipes away tears just thinking about it* 

 But it's beautiful. It shows the immeasurable faith and strength of average people during a very frightening time. There's humor and laughter, as well as tears and heartache. I suggest keeping tissues on hand. 

 Technically it isn't a Christmas movie, but I think it's a great film to watch during the Holiday season, because it reminds us of just how blessed we are, and how strong we can be when we have family and out loving Savior beside us. Just how much we can endure when we have Christ in our heats. That seems to fit in with Christmas to me. 

Content: 

Some social drinking. A few kisses. Kay wears a nightgown that is a little low but it isn't bad and doesn't last long. During a very tragic scene Kay takes God's name in vain, but it almost could be taken as praying. Some sad and frightening scenes involving bombs and machine gunfire. I think that's it. 

 This movie is beautiful! <3 I highly recommend it to anyone who is a classic movie fan or a WWII geek (like me!).

My Review: Five Stars ✩✩✩✩✩

                                         

                                                                                                            LaKaysha

Christmas Movie Review: Day Nineteen

Barbie in The Nutcracker

Yes, Barbie. I am a young adult who will admit, with only a little embarrassment, that I still watch (and love) Barbie movies. The good ol' ones I grew up with, that is. 

 Just the other day I found out that Barbie and the Diamond Castle, one of the films that I consider to be a new Barbie movie, is eleven years old. *that moment you realize you're getting old* Umm, what? No.

 Anywho, on with the review. *quietly stuffs eight-year-old-self back inside me* 

"In her very first movie brimming with enchanting music, Barbie gives life to the plucky young girl, Klara, as she narrates the fascinating story of the Nutcracker to her younger sister, Kelly. When Klara receives a lustrous wooden nutcracker from Aunt Elizabeth as a Christmas present, that same night, the magical toy comes to life to protect her from the army of the evil Mouse King; however, the invader manages to shrink her to toy size. Now, Klara and her defender, the brave Nutcracker, embark on a marvellous adventure, in search of the beautiful Sugarplum Princess--the only one capable of breaking the spell. Can a dash of valour help Klara thwart the king's plans?"

(IMDb summary) 

*eight-year-old-self struggles to rise up again* 

Okay....I love this movie. Laugh if you want to, I don't really mind. The music in here, is, of course, beautiful, the animation unique and stunning in its own way, and the dialogue honestly is pretty good. As a little girl I was fascinated by the images of dancing fairies in all their tiny glory, wishing I could be one of them. The young winter fairy was adorable. 

The Mouse King is pretty cool as Barbie villains go, I must say. He actually has depth to his character, instead of being a typical power-hungry bad guy. I mean, yeah, he wants power, but he's willing to go to much bigger heights to get it than most Barbie villains, which makes him seem like a more believable bad guy. As believable as a crown-wearing mouse can be, that is. 

Klara and the Nutcracker......... *sighs* Don't get me started. 

 As a little girl, I was positive there wasn't a more sweet, more adorable couple as Klara and Prince Eric. I thought the Nutcracker was the bravest, handsomest hero alive, even if he was made of wood. That made his character come through even more. He shows himself to the most perfect gentleman in every moment, even during times of danger. *Eight-year-old definitely comes through*

 Not gonna lie, I had a crush on that wooden hero. 

And Klara was the perfect heroine. Brave, kind and generous, but still maintaining grace and femininity, just like I think all heroines should be. Strong enough to stand on her own when need be, but gentle and delicate enough to want someone by her side. 

 Also, as a little girl, I thought she was absolutely stunning. 

 (I want her Christmas gown; I'm not ashamed to say it.)  

Aside from 'scary' moments, I don't believe there is any content worth mentioning. 

Maybe I'm biased, but this movie will forever have a special place in my heart. And it seems the eight-year-old is completely in charge today, because we're putting five stars on this one. 

My review: Five Stars ✩✩✩✩✩

Day Nineteen down, less than a week to go! Did I just blow your mind? Christmas is nearly here!

 Now if you'll excuse me...I just remembered a bunch more Barbie movies that I want to re-watch. (Swan Lake, here I come) 

                                                                                                    LaKaysha 

Christmas Movie Review: Day Eighteen

Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front

I loved the Molly books as a young girl. I re-read them over and over again until the pages got worn, and stared in fascination at all the pictures showing the hair and fashion of the 1940's. 
 I think I can honestly say Molly is one of my favorites in the American Girl series, so I was excited when this film came out in 2006. 
 I can't say I was completely let down.... but pretty much. 

Molly McIntire (Maya Ritter) is ten years old, living in Jefferson County, Illinois, in the year 1944. World War Two is raging across the globe, and although everyone around her urges her to grow up and accept the changes that come with war, Molly can't understand why she has to sacrifice. Things become much harder when her father (David Aaron Baker), a doctor, announces that he is going to London to help injured soldiers. 
 Soon Molly's world is turned upside-down. 

I can't say this movie was absolutely horrible. There were good things about it. But the bad just seemed to really stand out to me. 

 Personally, I think most of the acting throughout this movie is terrible, especially on Molly's part. She mumbles most of her lines, tries her hardest to sound genuine and sounds more like she was reciting a very boring poem she's memorized. 

 Her siblings aren't much better, which really disappointed me because I loved Jill's character in the books. Also, she's missing a brother??? Was it really that hard to find someone to play Brad?

They did all right, though, at capturing the feel of the 1940's, and I wished we could have seen more jitterbugging in the scene at the park. Ah, I do love me some good jitterbugging. 

 The fashion was pretty good, too, although Molly's mom just didn't look right to me. I always pictured her slimmer, with shorter hair and not so much makeup. Her acting, honestly wasn't the greatest, either. 

Emily's portrayal was better than Molly's, but still seemed to be missing something. I also found myself wondering throughout the movie if the actress was really English...the accent didn't sound quite right to me, but maybe I'm just skeptical. *goes to look up the actress real quick* HAH! I was right. She's no Limey.  

There was just so much missing from this film, like the whole part of Jill and Molly trying to set Molly's hair...I loved that part. *sigh* 

But there were some nice parts to this film, too. I would sit down and watch it again for entertainment sake, and it really is a good family movie. It just wasn't as great as I had hoped. 

My Review: Three Stars ✰✰✰

I'm twenty-one years, old (nearly 22) so, while this movie might not have thrilled me, you can't exactly take my opinion as gold. It is leaned toward a younger audience. Don't be afraid to give it a watch! 

                                                                      LaKaysha

Christmas Movie Review: Day Seventeen

Meet Me in St. Louis 

 The Smith's lead a comfortable, happy middle-class life, in their small city of St. Louis, Missouri. Alonzo Smith (Leon Ames) is an attorney, while his doting wife Anna (Mary Astor) runs the household, along with the help of Katie (Marjorie Main), their maid.
 They have four daughters; Rose (Lucille Bremer), Esther (Judy Garland), Agnes (Joan Caroll) and 'Tootie' (Margaret O'Brian), and one son: Lon (Henry H. Daniels)
The family is happy, getting into all sorts of scrapes and mischief, learning lessons of life and love, until Father announces that they will be moving to New York.

Ah, Victorian America.  This movie isn't exactly a Christmas movie, since the stories follows along all four seasons, but it definitely has that Christmas feel. Plus, this film gave the world the song "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas) so I think it qualifies. 

Esther's character is cute. <3 Her crush on the boy-next-door, despite never having met him, is adorable (and I can somewhat relate. *cough)  and her optimism is sweet. 

 I think her relationship with John Truit (the boy next door) is the most cutest thing, and it makes me wish I had someone like John. He's so polite, and the perfect gentleman. <33

 Judy Garland's singing is, as always, beautiful, and all the songs in this film are fun to sing along with. 'The Trolley Song' is positively adorable, I must say. That's one of the my favorite parts of the movie. 

Mr. and Mrs. Smith are another sweet couple in this film, I'd like to point out. Anna doesn't want to move to New York, and she lets it be known, but when it comes down to it, she tells her husband she'll do whatever he wishes because he knows best. 

 I think her quiet way of standing beside him is so sweet, and I respect the character for it. 

I enjoyed seeing Marjorie Main as Katie, since I grew up watching her as 'Ma' in the "Ma and Pa Kettle" movies. 

Tootie kinda freaked me out, not gonna lie. Only a few minutes into the film she had me wondering "What's wrong with this kid?" but she can cute as times. Her strange obsession with dying dolls and death will have you wondering the same thing, but thankfully it doesn't go into it too much. 

 It did also irritate me at how spoiled she was. When she lies and nearly causes John Truit to get into all sorts of trouble, instead of severely scolding her, they end up ignoring Tootie like that will help. 

 Clearly she needs some form of discipline. 

The party scene was probably my all-time favorite of this movie. The dancing, singing, and all the pretty dresses makes me wish I was there. It looks like they had such fun in the old days. 

Content: 

A few simple kisses. At the Christmas party some of the girls' necklines are a little low. 

 There is also a Halloween scene that I always skip just because I think Tootsie is creepy and odd... I don't support Halloween at all, so I personally have to use for that part. 

I love this movie! The romance is positively adorable, and the songs are awesome. 

My Review: Five Stars ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Christmas Movie Review: Day Sixteen

Since You Went Away

It's 1943. Anne Hilton (Claudette Colbert) has just said farewell to her husband, who, although well past draft age, has volunteered to fight for his country. As Anne returns to her home with her two daughters, Jane (Jennifer Jones) and Bridget (Shirley Temple) she prepares herself for the terrible adjustment of living without her husband. 

This another war-time classic leaves you proud to be an American, so thankful for your family, and warm inside because of all your blessings. 

 I watched this movie for the first time a few years back, and it made me cry real tears. *sniffs* 

It shows the good, the bad, and the ugly of the everyday lives of the families waiting on the home front, praying for the safety of their men and trying hard to do their own part for the war effort.  

Claudette Colbert's performance as the faithful wide was excellent. She has that quiet strength that all mother's seem to have, especially during times of great crisis, and she makes me hope I can be such a wife in the future. 

 Her breakdown that first night without Tim just tears at my heart, and the way she dives into his bed, wraps herself in his blankets and weeps makes you feel her pain and loneliness. 

 I loved Joseph Cotton in I'll Be Seeing You, and he isn't terrible in here as 'Uncle' Tony, Anne and Tim's long-time friend. 

But it did irk me the way he was constantly flirting with Anne. Maybe he wasn't entirely serious (as he later admits in the film, he'd "wring her neck" if she ever responded to his attentions) but there are certain things a gentleman just doesn't do. Like flirting with his best friend's wife. 

Bill and Jane.... *cries*  

 Bill's boy-next-door innocence and manners is thoroughly lovable, and Jane's sweetness makes them all-around the cutest couple. I like how Jane's earlier crush on 'Uncle Tony' just vanishes when she meets the kind young man, and we watch her turn from a starry-eyed teen to a mature woman with deep feelings. 

And we have the ever-lovable Shirley Temple! 

 Her relationship with the stiff, grumpy Colonel Smollett is sweet, and you can't help but smile at how giddy and friendly she remains, even as the man is snapping at her. 

And of course, her sad parts would as heart-breaking as ever. The girl really knows how to cry. 

Content: 

Tony flirts with Anne throughout the film. Some drinking, I think, but not much. A few kisses. Uncle Tony brings a painting to the house which is a little inappropriate (shows quite a bit of a woman's legs) and he is promptly ordered to take it away. But the scene is very brief . 

This movie is wonderful. <3 

 It makes you laugh, it makes you cry. It shows the real-life of people waiting at home, and the heartbreak that comes with war. The ending scene is enough to make you weep in joy!

My Review: Five Stars ✩✩✩✩✩

I highly recommend sitting down to this old film!

                                                                                         LaKaysha