Review of Random Harvest (1942) by Jim H — 12 Oct 2013

A WWI amnesiac falls for a dancer, but their marriage fails when he loses his new memories and regains his old ones.

The plot of this film is excellent in its construction, but its execution lacks. The initial courtship between "Smithy" and Paula is so quick and seemingly insubstantial that it defies believability that she should so quickly give up her life for him. This is the "old movies" courtship that involves women and men speaking about marriage after the first or second meeting, but here it is more ridiculous considering the uncertainty of the man's position. What is more, the final resolution comes about solipsistically rather than spurred by the "secretary's" work. A good opportunity for a compelling scene is ignored, and the film suffers for it.

The performances by Greer Garson and Ronald Colman are strong, and Garson's charms are on display both in her role as alluring dancer/singer, as efficient secretary, and as notable society wife.

Overall, the performances and the basic outline of the story buoy the film, which could have taken more time to develop its characters.