The Enchanted Cottage (1945)

Sadly Over-hyped

This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

Blistering performances.

For most of THE ENCHANTED COTTAGE, it seems as if being beautiful is the main theme-- that it's the most meaningful thing in the world. Then we realize the theme is actually about how it exists in the eye of the beholder and is very real for the beholder.When we get to the end of the film and understand the real message, we are in a state of shock. We suddenly realize we have been manipulated and have been betrayed by vanity.I like this movie, because I think it achieves what so many other trite productions fail to do. It gives us a true sense of magic-- the masks come off and it's very enchanting in a strange sort of way. Film is a visual medium, and this production effectively exploits the images of "beauty" on screen.

"Beauty is no quality in things themselves: It exists merely in the mind which contemplates them; and each mind perceives a different beauty." - David Hume, philosopherThe quote above captures the elegance and effervescence of "The Enchanted Cottage". Two souls who have been bruised by life, find happiness together in "The Enchanted Cottage". Laura (Dorothy McGuire), is a maid at the cottage, while engaged couple Oliver (Robert Young) and Beatrice (Hillary Brooke) plan on honeymooning there in a short while. John Hillgrove (Herbert Marshall) is a blind man whose vision is more than 20/20 when it comes to a person's true goodness. The cottage's caretaker, Mrs. Abigail Minnett (Mildred Natwick) has seen couples come and go to this little location of love. Mrs. Minnett and Laura share a sisterhood of solitude, which only a lonely soul can comprehend. As in this short interaction between them from the film, both women hold that hollowness of a heart hoping for light: Mrs. Abigail Minnett - Do you know what loneliness is, real loneliness?Laura Pennington - Yes.Mrs. Abigail Minnett - I thought you would.From the outside, this cottage and the grounds surrounding it, may not have the appearance of a five-star hotel. But, it is what is seen through the eyes of affection and adoration that brings the decor to life. As we all know, sometimes life doesn't go as planned. In this film, what may seem to be a tragedy; actually is a blessing in disguise. Oliver returns to the cottage alone and he and Laura find they are kindred souls. More than just physical beauty is what they see in one another. It is that light inside of them, which brings out the glow on their surfaces. Yet, the main character is not one flesh and bone; but it is a cottage of hopes and dreams. It proves that dreams of devotion never truly die; for they just hibernate amongst the snowflakes of Winter. It just takes a warm heart to change tears of isolation into tears of joy. "The Enchanted Cottage" is not just a place to visit. It is a state of mind that will remain in your heart, long after you watch this treasure.

The Enchanted Cottage will appeal to those in their mid 20s and above who share a committed relationship with another person. This is a true romantic movie and is not sugary sweet. The movie is a good one to watch on a rainy day or early evening. Although the story will keep loving hearts filled with entertainment, it does not encourage one to eat popcorn, but sip hot tea or coffee. Robert Young, Herbert Marshall, and Dorothy McGuire provide excellent support for the story. It is truly wonderful when actors/actresses provide performances in which you remember the characters, not the actor/actress. Their role is so convincing that they become the character. That is something that we don't get much of today, but was prevalent in the pre-1965 movies. Watch with a loved one, preferably a spouse or boy/girl-friend. Enjoy the love and the good feelings that this movie brings.

This Oscar-nominated film (Score) is interesting in it's background. It was designed for returning GIs after WWII who were disfigured by the war and to ease their return.It features a homely girl (Oscar Nominated Dorothy McGuire (Gentleman's Agreement) who has given up hope of finding love. She meets a dashing pilot (Robert Young of "Marcus Welby, M.D." and "Father Knows Best" fame) before he is called to duty. he returns a year later disfigured and depressed.This is a story of love. The two become enchanted with each other, marry, and are transformed into beautiful people. The transformation occurs only in their eyes, however, but does not destroy what they have.Made even more enjoyable by the addition of Oscar-nominated Spring Byington (You Can't Take It with You, Because You're Mine), who played Young's mother. Byinton is best know to TV watchers for "December bride."