The Best Years of Our Lives

The Best Years of Our Lives tells the story of three World War II servicemen returning home and trying to readjust to their new lives. We follow these three men as they try to come to terms with their wartime experiences, readjust to society, and reconcile their past with their new reality.

Al Stephenson (Fredric March) used to be a banker, and upon his return he gets a promotion at the bank processing loans for veterans. Meanwhile, he trying to reestablish an intimate relationship with his wife Milly (Myrna Loy), and reconnect with his grown children (Teresa Wright, Michael Hall).

Fred Derry (a dashing Dana Andrews) was in the Air Force, but realises that he has no real skills and finds it hard to get a job. He has to settle for his old job as a soda jerk in a drug store, something his wife Marie (Virginia Mayo) isn’t too happy about. She’s also less enamored with him now that he’s out of his uniform, and Fred wonders if his decision to marry her was maybe a bit premature.

Finally, Homer Parrish (Harold Russell) lost both his hands during the war. He’s become very skilled at using his replacement hooks, but can’t stand the pity he sees in others’ eyes. He’s at ease with his disability, but can’t figure out if his childhood sweetheart’s feelings for him are those of love or if she simply feels sorry for him.

I thought this movie was outstanding. First and foremost, the characters are brilliantly conceived and acted. Sometimes when I watch older movies, I can’t quite connect with the characters; that was not a problem here. Each subtle nuance is beautiful and touching. I obviously have no personal experience, but I think the problems these men face mirror pretty well what many veterans went through upon their return. We’ve seen it done many times in movies, but here I was especially touched and impressed.

While the three men each get their own story told, these plotlines also combine into one whole, with them becoming friends and their lives intermingling. This was done masterfully by Wyler, and the stories blend perfectly without becoming choppy. The script and dialogue are authentic and brilliantly written throughout.

Personally, I would have liked to have seen more of Homer’s story as I thought that was the most interesting one. Fred gets a little too much time, I felt, especially as he falls in love with Al’s daughter and we get to see that play out.

As for performances, they were all excellent. I thought Fredric March and Harold Russell were especially remarkable. Did you know that Harold Russell was an actual veteran and that he had never acted before? Incredible. The supporting cast is also supremely enjoyable, especially Loy and Wright who are both witty, charming, and adorable.

I can’t say enough good things about this movie. It has it all: romance, laughter, tears, love, drama, suffering, and substance.