I can't imagine the studio believed this dour exercise about a man's unrelieved grief over the loss of his family would make money. Judging from the post-war release date, this was likely part of MGM's effort to refashion a more daring image from its pre-war Andy Hardy wholesomeness.
A key problem, as I see it, is that the haughty Prof. Ainley (Milland) is not much different emotionally before the tragedy than after. Thus it's rather hard to work up much sympathy for his loss, since his grief can only be guessed at. Now this absence can be rationalized as refusing to take an easier way out. Making him cold and unsympathetic both before and after means having to find sympathy for even a hard case. Still, it does detract from identifying with him for the great bulk of the movie. It also makes the awkward Hollywood ending that much more implausible.
In the central role, Milland does a good job at showing little emotion and making himself haughty. I assume we're supposed to identify instead with the likable Prof. Lawry (Hodiak) who remains a generous friend throughout, even if he does suspect Ainsley's designs on his girl. But pity poor Jean Hagen's affection-starved "Girl next door" who's awkwardly dropped in one moment only to be spurned the next. Good thing that fine little actress, the non- glamorous, Nancy Davis Reagan is on hand to lend genuine realism.
Except for the predictable Hollywood ending, the movie may be an earnest effort at dealing with a common human problem. But, in my view, it's simply too flawed to really register. Maybe that's why it's become so obscure.
A key problem, as I see it, is that the haughty Prof. Ainley (Milland) is not much different emotionally before the tragedy than after. Thus it's rather hard to work up much sympathy for his loss, since his grief can only be guessed at. Now this absence can be rationalized as refusing to take an easier way out. Making him cold and unsympathetic both before and after means having to find sympathy for even a hard case. Still, it does detract from identifying with him for the great bulk of the movie. It also makes the awkward Hollywood ending that much more implausible.
In the central role, Milland does a good job at showing little emotion and making himself haughty. I assume we're supposed to identify instead with the likable Prof. Lawry (Hodiak) who remains a generous friend throughout, even if he does suspect Ainsley's designs on his girl. But pity poor Jean Hagen's affection-starved "Girl next door" who's awkwardly dropped in one moment only to be spurned the next. Good thing that fine little actress, the non- glamorous, Nancy Davis Reagan is on hand to lend genuine realism.
Except for the predictable Hollywood ending, the movie may be an earnest effort at dealing with a common human problem. But, in my view, it's simply too flawed to really register. Maybe that's why it's become so obscure.