Beholds Spirit Film of 1943
Heaven Can Wait
A man has died and is waiting at the gates of hell; he accepts this fate as he feels he has led an unworthy life. But the gatekeepers are not sure he is qualified, so he must tell his story. What follows is a touching tale of a full life. We see his loneliness, his loves, and all the other aspects of humanity. He ends up being declared unfit for entry, and is told he has to go the other way, to be with his wife. The film is a surprisingly sophisticated comedy in the way it tells a full life, and the imperfections we all have.
Brian’s Favorite Uplifting Films of 1943
Casablanca
Casablanca is the ultimate classic Hollywood studio film. It shows characters who are all relatable, decent people who are caught up in the effects of war. Nothing is cut and dried or moralistic, everything feels subjective. This is what war does to everything and everyone, the film seems to say. The great love affair at the center of the film keeps everyone engrossed, and the combination of dramatic, comedic and romantic elements give this film an impact greater than many better made films.
A Guy Named Joe
A bomber pilot in World War II is killed in a crash after saving his crew. He wakes up in the clouds and is told he must go back to Earth to serve as guardian angel for a young fighter pilot in training. All goes well until the young pilot meets the angel’s grieving girlfriend and falls in love with her. The power of love and the sacrifices people make for the people they care about make this film meaningful as well as entertaining.
The Song of Bernadette
A young nun, struggling to find her place in her religious order, has several visions of the Virgin Mary. Though those around her are skeptical, eventually it is believed that her visions were true. She devotes her life to spiritual study and saves the Emperor’s son. Bernadette lives a life of faith and devotion to a purpose.
Stormy Weather
A landmark musical film featuring an all-black cast; as such, the characters they portray are fully realized people, not just the racially-tinged stereotypes found in virtually all other Hollywood films of the period. Light on plot, the film features so much talent and subtly sheds light on many racial issues dominate in American culture.
Tender Comrade
Tender Comrade tells of a group of women working in a factory during World War II while their husbands are away fighting. They decide to move in together to economize, and must face differing personalities and lack of personal freedom. The fate of these women and their husbands, and the strength that keeps them all going, elevates this film to a “tender” level.
Other Notable Films of 1943
- Angel of the Streets [Angel of Sin] (Les anges du peche)
- For Whom the Bell Tolls
- Old Acquaintance