Review of Random Harvest (1942) by Larry S — 24 Aug 2008

Random Harvest could be called a sappy soap opera that is virtually unwatchable. It could be, but in my opinion, it's most definitely not that. This is a highly powerful and engaging film with...yes, some very improbable circumstances.

But, so what? If the acting weren't as good as it is, maybe this one would have fell into that pile of melodramatic mush. But because Greer Garson and Ronald Colman are so believable and passionate here, I find it impossible not to enjoy the ride.

Colman plays a man who has lost his memory during combat duty in WWI. At the beginning of the movie, he is in a mental institution. Garson is the woman who befriends him after he escapes. Of course, Colman and Garson fall in love and then, through a series of circumstances, he regains his memory.

..forgetting all about his life with Garson. Yes, I know it sounds illogical but trust me, it works...mostly because of the performances. Garson and Colman take the slightly over-the-top dialogue and bring it back into reality.

They are both fabulous here...as is the entire movie in general. A great old-fashioned love story for a cold Winter night...or even a hot Summer evening...!