Saturday, June 04, 2022
Random Harvest
- Commentary: Why, oh why, do I own this movie, especially since, after Mom's death, I quickly passed Mrs. Miniver, a favorite of hers, on to the library? Aren't they both Greer Garson movies? Aren't they both painfully poignant, an attitude that Greer Garson was particularly adept at playing? Isn't Greer Garson as uniquely beautiful, stunning, really, in both? Yes, yes and yes. I can only say, I was indifferent to the WW II promotion of Mrs. Miniver and oddly intrigued by the WW I fallout of this movie. This movie, however, was not one of Mom's favorites, even though it was and is one of mine. So, I didn't own this movie until after she died.
What do I love about this movie? Well, first, Greer Garson. She has the same effect on me as Audrey Hepburn. I can't stop looking at her. The story, while bizarre, is involving. I love how Garson portrays the duality of her situation as an employee of her husband when he doesn't realize she's his wife. Her glossed over loss of her child is a bit jarring, but that's the only false note in the movie, for me, other than the fact that the story, itself, is implausible. Finally, I enjoy this movie so much that, between watchings, I forget that it's black-and-white! By which I mean, remember the scene where her husband-by-convenience (once her husband by love) gives her the bejeweled necklace and she fishes out the beaded necklace he once gave her and fondles it? I always remember those necklaces in color and am always shocked when I watch that scene, yet again, in real time and realize those necklaces are portrayed in black-and-white! It's that effect on me that I love about this movie.
It's also the best of a snuggle-in-on-a-snowy-or-ho-hum-day movie for me.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Ronald Colman Charles Rainier/John Smith Greer Garson Paula Ridgeway/Margaret Hanson Philip Dorn Dr. Jonathan Benet Susan Peters Kitty Chilcet Henry Travers Dr. Sims Reginald Owen Biffer Bramwell Fletcher Harrison Rhys Williams Sam Una O'Connor Tobacconist Margaret Wycherly Mrs. Deventer Ivan F. Simpson Vicar Marie De Becker Vicar's Wife
You want the Wikipedia write-up? Here it is.
Release Date: 1942
Directed by Mervyn LeRoy.
Labels: 20th-century-chick-flicks1, drama5, me-favorite1, popcorn-and-soda2, romance1
