Smilin Through [VHS]
A nominee for the 1932 Best Picture Oscar,Smilin' Throughfeatures Leslie Howard in the role of an embittered man whose fiancée was murdered on their wedding day by a jealous lover, and Frederic March as the lovestruck son of the killer--who will pay dearly for his father's misdeed. The film has a terrific cast, including Norma Shearer in a leading role. Quite memorable as one of the best heartbreakers (tearjerkers, if you like) out of 1930s Hollywood, the story finds Howard's character living alone for three decades following the death of his beloved (Shearer). An unhappy man, he becomes guardian to his niece (Shearer again), the spitting image of his almost-wife. When she falls in love with the son of the killer (both men played by March), who naturally looks like Howard's nemesis, sparks fly and tragedy ensues. Directed by Sidney Franklin, this is a terrific showcase for all three actors, and a moving drama about the burden of guilt and vengeance.--Tom Keogh