Smilin' Through

Smilin' Through


MGM, 1941, Color, 100 minutes, ***

Released October, 1941



Jeanette MacDonald and real-life husband Gene Raymond both play dual roles in this romatic tale. Kathleen Claire (Jeanette MacDonald) is attracted to Kenneth Wayne (Gene Raymond), a young American who has come to England during World War I to join the British army. But Claire's guardian, Sir John Cateret (Brian Aherne), forbids her to see the soldier. Flashback - Years before, during the wedding of Sir John and Claire's Aunt Moonyean (also played by MacDonald), jilted suitor Jeremy Wayne, Kenneth's father (also played by Raymond), attempts to shoot Sir John. He misses and kills Moonyean instead.



After hearing Sir John's story, Claire agrees to abide by his wishes. Kenneth goes off to war, but returns wounded and, not wishing to be a burden, refuses to see Claire. But it isn't long before the two lovers are in each other's arms again, and Aunt Moonyean's ghost, still haunting Sir John after all these years, finally convinces Sir John to allow the two lovers to be together.



Produced by: Victor Saville

Directed by: Frank Borzage

Screen Play by: Donald Ogden Stewart and John Balderston

Based on the Play by Jane Cowl and Jane Murfin

Musical Direction: Herbert Stothart

Art Director: Cedric Gibbons

Associate: Daniel B. Cathcart

Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis

Gowns by: Adrian

Men's Costumes by: Gile Steele

Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn

Special Effects: Warren Newcombe

Recording Director: Douglas Shearer

Director of Photography: Leonard Smith

Special Effects: Warren Newcombe

Montage Effects: Peter Ballbusch

Photographed in Technicolor

Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus

Associate: Henri Jaffa

Film Editor: Frank Sullivan



Cast: Jeanette MacDonald [Kathleen Clare / Moonyean Clare], Brian Aherne [Sir John Carteret], Gene Raymond [Kenneth Wayne / Jeremy Wayne], Ian Hunter [Reverend Owen Harding], Frances Robinson [Ellen], Patrick O'Moore [Willie], Eric Lonsdale [Charles], Jackie Horner [Kathleen as a Child], David Clyde [Sexton], Frances Carson [Dowager], Ruth Rickaby [Woman], Wyndham Standing [Doctor], Emily West [Chorus Singer]



Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Recessional (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Chorus offscreen); [0:10] The Kerry Dance (sung by Jackie Horner at piano, then fades to Jeanette MacDonald singing offscreen with Children dancing onscreen, then fades to Jeanette MacDonald singing at piano); [0:26] Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [0:32] A Little Love, a Little Kiss (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [0:40] Ouvre ton coeur (played by Orchestra, danced by party guests); [0:42] Ouvre ton coeur (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [0:48] Smilin' Through (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [0:59] There's a Long, Long Trail (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Mens Chorus); [1:15] Land of Hope and Glory (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Chorus); [1:38] Smilin' Through (reprised by Jeanette MacDonald at end of film)