John Andrew MacDonald (Orson Welles) goes off to fight in World War I, unknowingly leaving new wife Elizabeth (Claudette Colbert) with child.  Badly wounded and disfigured in battle, he lets Elizabeth believe that he has been killed, and after she bears his child, she marries Lawrence, her wealthy boss (George Brent).

Twenty years later, World War II looms, MacDonald returns to America, using the name “Erik Kessler”.  He goes to work as a chemist in Lawrence’s factory and, shortly thereafter, not only encounters the happily married Elizabeth, but also his grown son (Richard Long).

How long will it be before Elizabeth realizes that this crippled man is her lost great love?

CRITIQUE

Enoch Arden, the classic poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson about a man lost at sea who returns after ten years to find his wife happily remarried, has served as the uncredited basis for several films, from Too Many Husbands and My Favorite Wife, both released in 1940, to Cast Away in 2000.

Released in 1946, Tomorrow Is Forever is what was known back then as a “woman’s picture”.  It may seem a bit sappy by today’s standards but thanks to splendid performances by Ms. Colbert, perhaps the “queen” of this film genre in the 1940s, and, particularly Orson Welles, the picture is still able to evoke the proper emotional reaction from viewers.

The scene in which Elizabeth realizes that Erik Kessler is, in fact, her first husband (and he denies it) is heart wrenching, as is their final scene together.

The movie is well directed by Irving Pichel.  Lenore J. Coffee’s screenplay, though quite moving, does have a tendency to preach at times.  On the other hand, the picture was made during World War II, so flag-waving was perfectly acceptable to a 1940s audience.

A very young Natalie Wood charms as a young refugee adopted by Kessler in order to save her from the Nazis.

If you enjoy “weepers,” Tomorrow Is Forever is one of the best.

THE VIDEO

As part of MGM’s “Limited Edition Collection,” this is a “burned,” as opposed to a “pressed” DVD, and is manufactured from the best elements available.

The black-and-white picture has a few minor scratches, but no significant problems.

THE AUDIO

The Mono Sound is crisp and clear.

EXTRAS

There are none.

FINAL THOUGHT

Though slightly dated, Tomorrow Is Forever is a touching drama, enhanced by several fine performances.