The Best Years of Our Lives at the Alamo Tonight

Samuel Goldwyn had a run of critically-acclaimed hits during the run of his studio, and The Best Years of Our Lives was one of the biggest. The multiple-Academy-Award winner is a dramatic look at three American veterans returning after their service in World War II to their hometown and the changes that have occurred there. Fred (Dana Andrews) has to cope with PTSD and a working wife (Virginia Mayo) he barely knows while he tries to find a job. Al (Frederic March, who won an Oscar for the role) comes back to a loving family and a job at the bank, but still depends a little too much on alcohol. Homer (Harold Russell, another Oscar-winner from the film) has to deal with the ramifications of his wartime injury which has left him without hands and somewhat dependent on others.

Not only a showcase for the male actors, this film highlights Myrna Loy's dramatic chops and gives Virginia Mayo a chance to shine as well. Watch for a cameo by Hoagy Carmichael as Homer's piano-playing/bar-owning uncle.

The Austin Film Society is closing out their celebration of Fredric March's comedic films with this poignant number at the Alamo Downtown tonight. Certainly a few aspects of The Best Years of Our Lives seem dated, but overall the film still packs a powerful dramatic punch.