Wonderful Film is One of the Best Ever Made

Rating: Null/10 (15 October 2014)

"The Best Years of Our Lives" is a timeless American film that tells the story of three servicemen Al Stephenson (Fredric March), Fred Derry (Dana Andrews), and Homer Parrish (Harold Russell) returning from WWII. The movie follows their challenges as they try to readjust to civilian life after overseas service.
The film is notable for its treatment of then-controversial subjects. Al has a drinking problem; Marie (Virginia Mayo) and Fred Derry are adulterers; Homer lost his hands in the war and has prosthetic arms; Marie and Fred get divorced; and Homer has psychological problems after losing his hands and becomes a recluse. These were subjects that not many movies would even touch in the mid-1940s, but this film handles these issues with great class.
Al's wife and daughter are played by the wonderful actresses Myrna Loy and Teresa Wright. The movie is also sprinkled with other fine actors, including Marie's boyfriend Cliff (Steve Cochran), the old pharmacist Bullard (Erskine Sanford), Al's boss Mr. Milton (Ray Collins), Homer's girlfriend Wilma (Cathy O'Donnell), Wilma's father (Don Beddoe), Homer's concerned dad (Walter Baldwin), and many, many others.
Dramatic and touching with gentle touches of humor and Hugo Friedhofer's unforgettable score, "The Best Years of Our Lives" should be required viewing for any movie fan. The film portrays American life just as it was in 1946, with millions of servicemen returning home to uncertain futures. The movie is just as fresh, timely, and watchable as it was 68 years ago. It's a truly wonderful, classic film that's not to be missed.