Despite some of the negative reviews on this site, I really enjoyed this 1947 film, which is set in England right before war is declared in Europe.
Walter Pidgeon is Mark Sabre, a successful writer of children's books, who works at a prominent publishing house. He is well respected and liked in the small town of Penneygreen, where he lives. Though he is a shareholder in the company, he will never be made partner because his boss thinks that Mark's political views are too radical. In fact, he'd love it if Mark weren't even in the company. But the only way he can get rid of him is if Mark violates the morals clause in his contract.
Mark married the formal, somewhat cold Mabel (Angela Lansbury) on the rebound. Now his former love, Nona (Deborah Kerr) returns to town with her husband after a long absence. Nona and Mark realize that they are still in love, but decide for the moment that they can't act on their feelings.
Mark's situation is complicated by a young pregnant woman, Effie (Janet Leigh) who turns to Mark for help after her father turns her out. Mark takes the girl in, and Mabel, believing him to be the father, leaves him. A scandal erupts, and Mark's career and reputation hang in the balance.
"If Winter Comes" is an absorbing drama with good performances. Walter Pidgeon was a solid leading man and is sympathetic and strong here as the principled Mark; as the nasty Mabel, Angela Lansbury, then only 21, is very effective. With darker hair and the way her makeup is done, Deborah Kerr continues to remind me of Maureen O'Hara in her early films. She gives a lovely performance, a good juxtaposition to Lansbury's judgmental, snobbish Mabel. As Effie, Janet Leigh justifies her discovery by Norma Shearer; she sports a good English accent and gives a heartfelt portrayal. Binnie Barnes, Dame May Witty, Reginald Owen, Hugh French, and Dennis Hoey round out the excellent supporting cast.
Recommended, and not only to people who liked Mrs. Miniver.
