Strong Cinematic Event.

Rating: Null/10 (7 July 2002)

Almost epic film that shows that the end of World War II does not necessarily mean the end of heartache and sorrow. Three servicemen (Oscar winners Fredric March and Harold Russell along with excellent character-actor Dana Andrews) are finally coming back to their small town after the war ends. They have never met before, but share a common bond due to their horrific experiences overseas. March has had a wandering eye while off to war and this creates sparks with wife Myrna Loy. The fact that he has also developed a bad drinking habit only adds to the couple's problems. Andrews has been two-timed by wife Virginia Mayo and he starts to develop feelings for March's daughter (the beautiful Teresa Wright). Russell, a sailor who lost both hands in the war, comes home and has trouble relating to his family and his fiance (Cathy O'Donnell) as he becomes embarrassed by the awkwardness he has with his hooks that act as his new hands. It is also made quite clear that fighting for your country does not necessarily mean a hero's welcome back as job opportunities are few and far between as the national economy adjusts to the fact that the war effort is no more. And of course there are those few in the U.S. who look down upon World War II veterans all together, questioning their motives and deeds. This film, directed by Oscar-winner William Wyler, pulls no punches in telling an important story that many would have stayed away from. Keep in mind this was made in 1946. The war was still very fresh in everyone's mind. March was truly one of the most under-rated actors of any era as he gives his finest performance here. Non-actor Harold Russell, who lost his hands ironically on D-Day (June 6, 1944) while he was back in the states (North Carolina) instructing paratroopers when some TNT went off in his hands, gives one of the most memorable roles ever captured on film. He remains the only actor in history to receive two Oscars for one role (he won a competitive Best Supporting Actor Oscar and an honorary Oscar as well). A moving and highly emotional event. With the exception of "Citizen Kane" and "Casablanca", arguably the finest film produced during the finest cinematic decade ever. 5 stars out of 5.