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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
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oldie, but ....oldie
This old movie was and interesting story with a predictable 1940's ending. This movie was recommended to me by old and dear friends, and while I'm sure it was an exciting movie then, it seems to have lost a little with the times.
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Not just a "woman's movie"....
Yes, this is a tearjerker. But no way is it a simple "chick flick". This movie has two protagonists, one male, one female. Each of them has something they want desperately, and though their goals are slightly different, the motivations behind them speak to the hopes of every human being.
The second half of the movie focuses on the secret wish of a secretary to the rich Charles Rainier. The first half focuses on an equally desperate desire by wounded World War I vet Smithy. Either half in itself makes an interesting story. Bound by what the two haves have in common, the story becomes a classic that will resonate long after the credits roll.
James Hilton (who wrote the novel this movie was based on), had a unique and special talent for getting at the the heart of what drives human beings most deeply: the need to connect and to belong. One of the most touching moments in this film is a scene in which the mute and amnesiac Smithy is brought face to face with an elderly couple. They have lost their son in the War and travel to the sanitorium, mistakenly believing that he might be Smithy. As the two old people sadly shake their heads and turn away, actor Ronald Coleman stretches out his hand, and makes a small gesture toward them. It's a little thing, very staged, and it could never work in a film today, but its candid pathos is so touching, I've never forgotten it. See this film, you won't regret it.
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My Father's Favorite Film
My father -- who passed nearly three years ago now -- said "Random Harvest" was his all-time favorite movie; and Ronald Coleman was his favorite actor. I'm so glad I finally got to see this film. Coleman with his little pencil mustache was nominated for Best Actor for the film. While James Cagny would take home the trophy for "Yankee Doodle Dandy," Coleman turns in an excellent understated performance as the amnesia victim called "Smithy" and Charles Rainer, the wealthy businessman. Greer Garson shines on screen as Paula, the British actress who befriends Coleman, marries him and has his son. The early scenes with her witty repartee as she tries to draw out the taciturn Smithy are charming. Susan Peters was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role as Kitty, the young girl who wants Rainer to marry her. Teresa Wright took home the trophy that year for Mrs. Miniver. But Peters' story is touching, being paralyzed in a hunting accident two years later and dying at age 31. As Kitty, she is full of youthful optimism and then has a great scene where she lets Charles go. Philip Dorn who was in "I Remember Mama" and "Paris After Dark" plays Paula's friend Dr. Jonathan Benet in a touching cameo. Irish actress Una Connor who was in "The Invisible Man" also has a nice cameo as the tobacconist. Mervyn Roy was nominated for the Best Director Oscar that year, but saw William Wyler take home the trophy for "Mrs. Miniver." Roy went on to direct "Mister Roberts" in 1955 and "Gypsy" in 1962. He took home the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award in 1975. Greer Garson won a Best Actress Oscar that year, but for her role as Mrs. Miniver. James Hilton's story works well 66 years later as the romantic connection jumps alive. Dad was right! Enjoy!
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Random Harvest
Very romantic, old movie. One of the best stories ever written. I have enjoyed seeing it over and over again as have my friends with whom I have shared the video.
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Oh, Smithy...
What would happen if a man got amnesia and forgot completely about his wife, family, and life before? Would it be possible for the couple to reunite? It sounds absolutely impossible, but that is what Random Harvest is about. Charles Rainer (Ronald Colman) was a soldier in WWI when a shell went off and left him with no memory of his life. He does not even remember his name; his adopted moniker is John Smith. When the news of the end of the war reaches the assylum where he is kept, John manages to escape and meets a friendly redhead in the street. Paula (Greer Garson) takes a liking to the strange man, dons him "Smithy" and takes him away with her to start a new life. They marry and all seems well until Smithy goes for a job in the city. He has an accident that brings his memory back but destroys the three years he lived after the war.
Random Harvest exhibits the talent of many amazing figures of classic Hollywood. Colman is tremedous in his part. He brings the character to life but appropraitely shifts his personality with each memory lapse. It is a difficult role, but he makes it look easy. Garson is absolutely beautiful; each emotion is strongly conveyed in a subtle way. The story by James Hilton is an enchanting tale of love and loss.
Only classic Hollywood could have gotten away with such an outrageous story and made it believable. It works very well and captures a unique era in history.
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