Hers to Hold

If Hers to Hold had been the first Joseph Cotten movie I'd seen, I'd love him. He's so adorable in this movie, and the role is unlike any other of his career. He's spunky, charming, quick, and - believe it or not - a ladies' man! You might have to see it to believe it, and you won't be sorry. This movie is delightful, romantic, inspiring, and has that fantastic Americana feeling of films made during the heart of WWII. Filmed and released in 1943, America was still unsure of whether or not we were going to win the war, and Hollywood told audiences, "even if we lose, we'll go down swinging!"

This is the third part of the Three Smart Girls trilogy but it doesn't really tie in with the other two movies; it just has the same cast. Deanna Durbin is all grown up and the only remaining sister who still lives at home and is unmarried. Her doddering, nearly dementia-ridden father is Charles Winninger, who is put up with by his wife Alice Brady. They're wealthy, want for nothing, and Deanna is a famous singer. At the start of the movie, she donates a pint of blood as a Good Samaritan. Joseph Cotten impersonates a doctor to get her phone number and address, and the fun begins! He's extremely charming and smooth, but that's just part of his routine. He's a total playboy who has as much fun as he can without getting hooked. Deanna's a nice girl, so when he's had his fun with her, he fully intends to move on. Those who have seen the other two movies know that Deanna's also a smart girl, so she just might beat him at his own game.

Where does the patriotism come in? Joe works in an airplane factory, and Deanna learns to serve her country as well by literally becoming Rosie the Riveter. The lovely and touching song "Say a Prayer for the Boys Over There" was written for this movie, and even eighty years later, it still can bring a lump to audience's throats. I highly recommend this wartime romance. Joe is extremely cute - who would have thought he had it in him?