The Best Years of Their Lives were Just Beginning.....(1946)

Rating: Null/10 (9 February 2006)

"The Best Years of Our Lives" was relevant to the end of WWII (1945). It pertained to returning veterans who had given all to fight for their country. Many gave their lives (for which we are grateful). For even more their place in our society, jobs and family. For them there appeared to be nowhere to go. Upon their return everything had changed.
Homer had lost his arms and couldn't believe that his girl, Wilma, could adjust to that and continue to love him. She was going to have to prove him wrong. (As we know, actor Harold Russell had lost both arms to a TNT accident while serving in the Army. The accident happened in 1944.)
Fred's wife, Marie, had lived an illicit party life on his military pay. She wanted nothing more to do with him because the money tree had ran out. And the captain's uniform was no longer there for 'eye candy'. They were going to have to work and rebuild their lives. But she had, already, given Fred 'the best years' of her life while he was gone. He had been overseas in London and Paris having 'fun' piloting bombers, probably, over Germany.
Al's family were extremely happy to see him. But they had grown-up. Milly had cared for Peggy and Rob, while learning independence. She had worked and kept the family together. Peggy was no longer Daddy's little girl. She was a young woman. And Rob...well Rob was a teenager...enough said. Then there's Al's job at the bank. It was a whole lot different than fighting a war. (I could have stood a stiff drink after a day there and I'm a teetotaler!)
Homer, Fred and Al didn't feel they fit in anywhere. What's next for these three heroes? How will their situations be rectified. Get it, watch it and see the outcome!
Since we are again at war it would be great if this movie could be pulled out of mothballs, as is, and be reintroduced to the military and civilians of today.