Main Cast: Jeanette MacDonald, Brian Aherne, Gene Raymond, Ian Hunter, Frances Robinson
Release Year: 1941
Country: US
Run Time: 101 minutes
Plot
Adapted from the warhorse stage tearjerker by Jane Cowl and Jane Murfin, this 1941 film version of Smilin' Through is even hokier than two earlier movie adaptations, but it works beautifully thanks to the sensitive direction of Frank Borzage. Brian Aherne dominates the proceedings as the aged Sir John Carteret, who has lived in embittered seclusion since the tragic wedding-day death of his beloved fiancee Moonyean Clare. Upon the outbreak of WW2, Cateret's estate is visited by his orphaned American niece Kathleen (Jeanette MacDonald), who is the living image of the late Moonyean. Finding a new lease on life, Sir John hopes against hope to avert the romantic disasters of his past, but this proves difficult when it appears that the deadly rivalries which cost the life of Moonyean are poised to avail themselves once more. Costarring in the dual role of Moonyean's ex-lover Jeremy and Kathleen's current beau Kenneth is Gene Raymond, soon to become the husband of Jeanette MacDonald. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Review
Even in 1941, Smilin' Through -- the third film version of an earlier stage play -- was beginning to feel a bit tired. Modern audiences coming upon Smilin' are apt to find it terribly dated, not so much in its details as in its overall feel and atmosphere. Although director Frank Borzage is known and respected for his special, sensitive handling of romantic films, he isn't operating at the top of his powers in Smilin'; his work is perfectly fine, but it lacks the magic touch that he was often able to use to transform soapy material into engaging, enthralling flights of romantic fantasy. Without that, the screenplay reveals itself as mechanical and contrived, and the often stilted dialogue comes across as arch. Matters are not helped by the fact that real life husband and wife Gene Raymond and Jeanette MacDonald simply don't have much chemistry on screen, or that MacDonald is a trifle old to be playing a girl in her late teens. Age aside, however, MacDonald does quite well given the lines handed her, and when given the chance to sing, she is incandescent. She's also photographed in beautiful Technicolor, which doesn't hurt either. Not a great film, but fans of the soprano will find much to their liking. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
Pat O'Moore - Willie; Eric Lonsdale - Charles (Batman); Jackie Horner - Kathleen, as a child; David Clyde - Sexton; Frances Carson - Dowager; Ruth Rickaby - Woman; Gene Raymond - Jeremy Wayne; Wyndham Standing - Doctor
The film was a remake of a previous 1932 version by MGM and was the third and final film version of the play. It starred Jeanette MacDonald, Brian Aherne and Ian Hunter. It was filmed in Technicolor and was remade as a musical for MacDonald with several older songs interpolated into the story. The plot remained essentially the same as in the play and previous film versions.
