The Enchanted Cottage (1945). Cast: Robert Young, Dorothy McGuire, and Mildred Natwick. It was based on a play by Arthur Wing Pinero. The Enchanted Cottage was previously adapted for the silent screen in 1924, with Richard Barthelmess and May McAvoy as the newlyweds.
While waiting for Laura and Oliver Bradford to arrive, their friend blind pianist John Hillgrove, plays a song called "The Enchanted Cottage," for his guests: The story begins when the main house is destroyed by fire. Which leaves only one wing left standing. The original owner, an English nobleman, remodeled the wing and rented it out to honeymooners. One day, Laura Pennington, a Lonely/homely young woman, arrives looking for work at the cottage as a housekeeper. Mrs. Minnett, likes the the girl and hires her.
Oliver Bradford and his fiancee, Beatrice Alexander, decide to rent a room at the cottage but, Beatrice, is disappointed by what she sees. Laura tells her that the cottage is enchanted and shows her the window on which lovers throughout time have etched their names. When Oliver etches Beatrice's name using her engagement ring, the stone falls out of its setting, creating a sense of doom. Oliver, a pilot, is called to war before they can marry and they have to cancel their plans.
One year later, a telegram comes from Oliver, saying he would like to rent the cottage for an indefinite period of time. Expecting the newlyweds, Laura is shocked when Oliver arrives alone, horribly disfigured and disabled from an airplane crash.
Soon after, Oliver's mother, stepfather and Beatrice come to visit, but Oliver refuses to see them. Oliver receives an ultimatum from his mother.. either come home or she will move in with him. Not wanting to live with his mother, Oliver proposes to Laura and she accepts. You have to watch the movie to find out if they too fall under the spell of, The Enchanted Cottage.
This is without a doubt a very powerful touching love story, one of my all time favorite films. If you love romance films, you will love this one.
Dawn, This is another good film from John Cromwell, one of my favorite directors. BTW The actor James Cromwell is his son.
ReplyDeletePaul, Thank you for the fun fact!
ReplyDeleteDawn, this is one of my favorite Dorothy McGuire films. I saw it again this morning when it played on TCM. Dorothy McGuire is one of my favorite actresses. Thanks for posting a wonderful review. I am curious to know if I can find the 1924 version of The Enchanted Cottage.
ReplyDeleteAlso to be noted is Herbert Marshall's wonderful performance as the blind friend. He is a wonderful actor, and his character in this movie holds the story together.
ReplyDeleteSilent, Thank you. I dunno.. I'm still doing research on the, 1924 version of The Enchanted Cottage. I will post it up, if I find anything.
ReplyDeleteBeck, I agree...Herbert Marshall, did give a wonderful performance.