Shotlist

A fast-paced drama about a young married couple, Steve and Ellen, who are divided by Steve's enlistment in the Navy during World War II. While entering enemy waters, Steve's ship is struck during battle. Steve's spirit appears as Ellen reads the last letter he wrote to her: "I am sure you'll understand that whatever I do for you and the baby is more important right now than anything else in the world. The value of these things can't be measured ordinary ways, but must be paid for in dollars and cents -- sometimes in lives. Freedom comes high. No matter what happens, I shall always be with you." These words console Ellen as she receives the telegram announcing his death. Vice Admiral John H. Towers, Commander Air Force Pacific Islands then appears to encourage the buying of war bonds ("You do your share, we'll do ours") to drive the Japanese troops from the sea and the air, so that then they will "be utterly doomed".



Ken Smith sez: James Craig plays a character aptly named Steve Blanding, a patriotic "old man" who runs off and joins the Navy, leaving behind his young wife (Barbara Britton, yum-yum). People with judgment as poor as Steve deserve to have something horrible happen to them, and that's exactly what occurs in this film. "But...Lieutenant Blanding! That's suicide!!!"

Soldiers lifting cargo onto a ship
A couple embrace and kiss next to a grand piano
Night time cannon blasts and explosions
A young woman reads a letter in a comfortable living room while a double exposure of a soldier appears over her
Death Deliveries Telegrams World War II Widows Casualties Patriotism Freedom World War II (Homefront) Danger Lurks
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