Since You Went Away

Anne Hilton (Claudette Colbert) is the wife of a businessman who becomes an officer during WWII. Fighting back her own fears and anxieties, Anne strives to maintain a normal, stable household for the sake of her growing daughters Jane (Jennifer Jones) and Bridget (Shirley Temple). Monty Woolley and Joseph Cotten co-star.

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There were basically two kinds of films produced during WW2; those that made viewers forget the harshness of daily life with frivolity and laughter, and those that reinforced the sacrifices made by every American during the war. Since You Went Away is definitely in the latter category. It is a simple story of the family left behind by a man who serves his country. This wartime melodrama is full of propagandizing American patriotism and pride. With a superb cast including Claudette Colbert, Jennifer Jones, Joseph Cotten, a blustery Monty Woolley and a teenage Shirley Temple, Since You Went Away will tug at your heartstrings. Watching it over 60 years later, it does seem to drip with sentimentality. But, if you are looking for a film that really gives a sense of the home lives and attitudes of average Americans during WW2, there are few better examples in cinema than Since You Went Away.
- pterosaur

If you enjoy classic cinema, which I usually don't, this one should not be missed. Set during WWII, a mother (Claudette Colbert as Anne Hilton) attempts to deal with her emotions and financial situation when her husband joins the fighting forces. Joseph Cotton is excellent as the "best man" who befriends Anne and her daughters in the father's absence. I found this story to be inspirational, heartwarming, tender, sweet, and altogether wholesome. It proceeds down one path, but ends on another. 11-23-08
- Southern Belle 1