My Mom and I used to stay up late and watch old classic movies together. We did this every weekend when my Dad worked his graveyard shift at the Post Office. Mom wanted me to “sleep in” so my Dad could get a few hours of rest in the early mornings. I used to love this time with my Mom. She would allow me to see most films that some might think were too “mature.” She knew all sorts of “movie gossip” about the actors. She taught me lessons about how challenging life can be through film. She wanted me to grow up confident, resilient, not a quitter, and always optimistic. Her plan worked. Sometimes she would take me to the movie theaters and then return home to watch another on television. A double feature. It was a magical time to share these precious moments. I decided many years ago that when I had my children, I would pass on this tradition. We were a “movie” family.
This week, the film I chose for my “Classical Movie” was one of my Mom’s favorites. I have rewatched THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES many times over the decades. It always makes me feel pride, sadness, and hope for returning Vets. And it opens my heart to a floodgate of memories. I see my Mom and me, and at the same time, I see Aaron and me sitting on the couch together, sharing film trivia. The cycle is complete. I have no doubt that Aaron will continue this tradition with his son, Aiden, when he is ready. I am, after all…an optimist.
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES opened in 1946. This was just a few years after World War II ended. It was the perfect time to create an honest and authentic film about Veterans returning home. It was a movie about adjustments, fears, PTSD, and not knowing how to pick up the pieces after the war. TBYOOL explored the differences between three men who were gone for several years and didn’t know to “fit” into current society. They didn’t want a “handout.” They just wanted to “feel normal” again. This would prove to be a difficult road for all three.
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES was the first movie to win the Oscar, the BAFTA, and the Golden Globe for Best Picture. It won Best Director for William Wyler, Best Leading Actor for Fredric March, Best Supporting Actor for Harold Russell, Best Screenplay for Robert Sherwood, Best Editing, and Best Musical Score. It was a phenomenon. The film hit home for everyone who saw it because the three men could have been anyone’s father, husband, uncle, brother, or friend.
Each character had their storyline, yet they were intertwined because they shared a plane and cab ride home to Boone City. They were all from this same imaginary place and lived their previous lives, never knowing each other. Army Sgt. Al Stephensen (Fredric March), was an upper-class banker. He was married for over twenty years to Milly (Myrna Loy) and had two adult children. Fred Derry (Dana Andrews) was a Captain in the Air Force. He was the “bombardier” who dropped bombs with perfect precision. He was only married a few days before being shipped off to the war. He was a “soda jerk” at a local drugstore. Homer Parrish (Harold Russell) was a Navy mechanic who lost both hands in an explosion. He was promised to the girl next door, Wilma (Cathy O’Donnell). “They could teach him how to use his hooks to light a match, but not how to hug his girl or stroke her hair.” Returning home is never easy, no matter the financial bracket.
What made this movie unique for its time was the fact that Homer, in real life, had no hands. On the first day of shooting, he made every cast and crew member “shake” his hooks, so there was no awkwardness. He was not an actor. He was chosen because of his handicap, and the writers rewrote his character accordingly. The three soldiers had amazing chemistry together. They used to meet up in Butch’s Bar for drinks, dancing, and discussions of their situations. The bar owner was portrayed by Hoagy Carmichael, a famous piano player, and singer in real life. Hoagy was asked to play one of his greatest hits as Butch. There’s irony in there, for sure.
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES was a movie ahead of its time. Wyler’s direction was sheer genius. He allowed his actors to explore and discover the dark recesses of Vets readjusting to civilian life. It is a sincere attempt to show America the complexities of being a soldier. It is truly a magnificent, spectacular contribution to the field of art and movie-making. At first glance, viewers might think it is a little sluggish, but in the end, all loose ends are tied together in a wonderful way that is a slice of Americana.
One of the most striking scenes was the airplane graveyard. Rows and rows of propellers, engines, wings, and entire B-17s and B-25s. There were thousands of planes. It was eerie and poignant. Each of those planes had a place in our history for helping to win the war. Their next journey would be becoming a part of affordable housing for soldiers. Another full circle.
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES is a classic in every sense. Several scenes are still used to teach dialogue work in acting schools today. In 2007, the American Film Institute ranked this as the 37th Greatest American Movie of all Time. I could not agree more.
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES can be streamed on AMAZON PRIME.
