User reviews

Along with NOW, VOYAGER and CASABLANCA, RANDOM HARVEST is one of the three most emotionally satisfying movies to ever come out of Hollywood's classic period, and a great example of the best that MGM had to offer in the '40s. Beautifully accomplished in every department from writing to art direction to cinematography to scoring, you have only to watch the first scene (so like REBECCA's) to be drawn in by it and then consistently surprised and entertained. And reading the 28 other comments here, I am struck by the unanimity of opinion -- because what makes the contrived plot believable scene by scene, and what causes the picture as a whole to live so warmly in the memory, is the unbeatable work from Ronald Colman and Greer Garson.

More than MRS. MINIVER, this is the archetypal Garson performance: her tact, gentle humor and intelligent restraint are in perfect service to her character and the story. If she seems too starry and aristocratic to be a lowly music hall performer, she is right in every other respect, particularly as an efficient secretary, society hostess and perfect helpmate. And this is Ronald Colman's best work ever. He should have won his Oscar for this lovely, subtle performance rather than for the strained work he did in A DOUBLE LIFE. Full of wistfulness as the amnesiac early in the film, there is real heartbreak in the way he says the line "I would have liked to have belonged to them" about the couple he hopes will turn out to be his parents. But he is just as convincing later as the confident, energetic 'Industrial Prince of England.'

Colman and Garson are the perfect grownup romantic couple: they make intelligence and maturity seem impossibly glamorous, and they embody the idea that friendship, loyalty and mutual respect must be at the center of every enduring love.

Thank heaven Sydney Pollack did not have amnesia when choosing this year's Essentials for TCM. I had long heard of "Random Harvest," primarily from relatives who saw it on first release, but never had the chance to see it for myself until this year.

What a wonderful movie. It's never overly sentimental, it's wistful and suspenseful at times, and buoyed by supreme performances from Ronald Colman and Greer Garson.

And who knew Greer could sing and dance like Marlene Dietrich! Colman was so versatile; one of the few actors who was just as successful in talkies as he had been in silents. He was by turns dashing, heroic, dignified, playful and romantic. Here he gets to be all of them. And Greer is his equal. This movie (and "Valley of Decision") made me a fan of hers, plus we have the same birthday.

Sydney Pollack was right in abandoning his long-held plans to remake "Random Harvest." It simply couldn't be done again. Mervyn LeRoy, the James Hilton story and that wonderful company of actors can't be bested.

I've seen Random Harvest a number of times, but recently I watched it twice as part of TCM's Essentials series hosted by Sidney Pollack. This time I was inspired to read the James Hilton novel, Random Harvest, which I recommend to all lovers of the film. If you know the film, you won't get the little surprise at the end of the book -- you will know it already -- but it's still a most enjoyable and heartwarming read. You will see that Smithy/Charles Rainier is quite a young man at the beginning -- however, I did not find Ronald Colman too old in the role, he overcomes the age difference with his splendid performance. And he doesn't seem too old to play Charles Rainier, the prince of industry. I can't imagine another pair who could play the two romantic leads, Greer Garson is so radiant. And all of us who watch old films know that people did look more mature back then -- they looked like real adults! This is such a romantic film, everyone should see it. And Sidney Pollack was right not to remake it -- let well enough alone!

Random Harvest is very fondly remembered and loved by many and for good reason. It is such a beautiful film in so many ways and one of the most moving films I've seen. Random Harvest is a splendidly made film, both sumptuous and Expressionist and still looking as fresh now as it did then. The period detail is rendered handsomely as well, not accurate perhaps but with the quality of how the film looks that doesn't really matter all that much. The music has that lush romantic feeling without being too syrupy, the use of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake was apt and will be a delight for classical music enthusiasts(count me as one). The script has the right dose of warmth and pathos with nothing being corny or overly-sentimental; this is a script with heart. As has the story, which is romantic to the hilt, heart-warming and incredibly touching, you're guaranteed to need tissues when Charles doesn't return to Paula after going to Liverpool and when his memory starts to come back. I was so engrossed by the characters and so touched by the story that any improbabilities were easily forgiven. Mervyn Leroy's direction is masterly and the characters are sweet and very human, complete with one of the most realistic and heart-breaking portrayals of shell-shock on film. The supporting cast all give solid performances, Susan Peters is utterly convincing in her feistiness and confidence and Reginald Owen, Henry Travers and Edmund Gwenn are always watchable. But the two leads dominate and are a huge part of the reason why Random Harvest works so well. Ronald Colman was a revelation, wistful and dignified but it is also very difficult to not tear up at Colman's body language when his memory starts returning, a very telling piece of acting. Greer Garson is just radiant and is wonderfully sincere in her role. Their chemistry together is just pure magic. All in all, beautiful and outstanding film, cinematic romance at its finest. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Period.Even more so than "Casablanca."

The only movie that comes close to "Random Harvest" in sheer heart-wrenching romanticism is"Golden Earrings," with Ray Milland and Marlene Dietrich. Now THOSE were movies!! Yes,I'm stuck in the 40's,and very happy to be there! I cannot get enough of Ronald Colman's voice,especially in this movie.He has the most beautiful inflections of any actor I've heard,on par with Orson Welles,I think,but in a different way. I won't give away any plot twists,but suffice it to say there is one heart-grabbing scene that knocks you out.This movie is not to be missed by sentimental saps who loves black and white movies from the 40's.This is one of the very best.

James Hilton wrote a handful of works whose staying power and emotive intensity compare with the greatest of all written literature. Taken from the great book, "Random Harvest" is one of the most beautiful and tender movies I have ever seen. Flawless acting, memorable cinematography, multi-dimensional characterizations, gorgeous scenery and peerless direction augment the pleasure of witnessing this great film.

For Hilton aficionados, this cinematic gem sparkles and gleams in the sun of Hilton's undying faith in eternal optimism, hope, sacrifice and love. The story is true to the Hilton novel and left me with gratitude rekindled for all of life's great bounties and blessings, not the least of which are the everlasting bonds of love we create and re-create through mortality.

Personally, I find the story parabolic on a deeply significant level: indeed we all are children of a great--yes, royal--family; sometimes we live our mortal lives with a dismissive attitude toward what turn out to be the turning points in our lives; oftentimes it takes us all our lives to find out who we really are; we walk through life constantly "adjusting our glasses" to see more clearly, when the very key is to adjust OURSELVES so that the "glasses" we HAVE help us see clearly; and finally, love DOES conquer all.

See this fabulous movie with a dear one and experience the magic.

For those who like melodramas, this is one of the better ones. I don't particularly care for them, but this one kept my interest for the whole 127 minutes, so it must be good.

The film reminded me of "Tomorrow Is Forever," with Orson Welles and Claudette Colbert. That, too, was a fine film but a frustrating one to watch. This, too, has its frustrations as Greer Garson holds back information that you and I couldn't have the strength to do.

I don't recall Garson ever looking prettier and more wholesome in a film. Ronald Colman, the male lead, entertains as he usually does. It was interesting to see Philip Dorn, too, the "papa" in "I Remember Mama," one of my favorite films. Adding to this cast are Susan Peters, Henry Travers, Reginald Owen and Bramwell Fletcher.

About the story, it's simply about a World War I vet who loses his memory, meets and falls in love with Garson, whom he marries. Then one day, an accident jars his memory and now his life with Garson is blanked out of his memory bank and he starts all over again in another town, leaving Garson back home and wondering whatever happened to her husband!

One thing: in all the time that passes - about 15 years - no one ages! They still look the same! Also, Colman playing a returning veteran was a little far-fetched. I mean, the guy was 40 or 50 years old, playing a young 20s guy?? Oh, well.

Overall, a good story that keeps your interest, even if it suspends belief. How many times you'd watch this depends on how much these type of stories appeal to you. If you love them, this is one you'd want in your collection, especially since it is out on DVD now.

Classic Golden-Age tear-jerker starring Ronald Colman and Greer Garson in the third big Hollywood adaptation of a James Hilton novel. With "Lost Horizon" having previously starred Colman and "Goodbye Mr Chips" having previously featured Garson. I guess this pairing was something which was meant to be...which coincidentally brings us to the plot of this particular feature, directed by Mervyn LeRoy.

Colman is the hospitalised First World War army officer suffering from amnesia and who one day just walks out of the countryside asylum where his condition was being treated by a kindly doctor. He wanders into the local town of Melbridge where he crosses paths with Garson's song and dance girl who duly takes him under her wing to prevent him being taken back to the asylum. While there's a noticeable age gap between the two, they fall in love and have a child, basing themselves in an idyllic country cottage where Colman discovers he has a bent for writing. Three years on, while visiting Liverpool to apply for a newspaper job as a reporter, he's involved in a minor road accident, the outcome of which is that he recovers his memory and learns that he's from gentrified stock and the heir to a country pile and thriving family business in all of which he now immerses himself, completely forgetting, or so it seems, the more modest, but happier wife and life he has unwittingly left behind. The question is how will this obviously doting couple ever get back together, especially when his adoring, pretty niece can't wait to grow up to marry him.

You have to swallow a whole lot of coincidences and unlikely occurrences along the way before getting to the expected big-kiss happy ending, like when Colman still doesn't twig Garson as his previous wife and mother of his child even after she's worked full-time for him and then married him, (I suppose that should be remarried him, although she did get their first marriage annulled, believing him dead) or how they both separately end up at the small countryside town where they first met, but it's all so skilfully directed and acted that you're rooting for them both all the way.

There's definite chemistry between Colman and Garson, age-difference notwithstanding, although the middle-aged Colman does seem noticeably more awkward in his scenes with the ill-fated Susan Peters, where she seems very young indeed.

A big hit during the Second World War, with its celebrations of love, family, duty and honour understandably connecting with its wartime audience, it's an easy film to like if you can suspend your disbelief as it goes.

One of the most irretrievably romantic films ever made, Random Harvest is an absolute must for romantics of all ages. I'd agree that Ronald Colman is a bit too old for the early parts of the story, but that didn't stop him from giving a magnificent performance. And Greer Garson is every bit his match in a perfect role. However, if you possibly can, read James Hilton's amazing book first; the movie totally negates the important plot twist that makes the last page of the book such an incredibly emotional experience.

...I rented this and now I'd like to own it. It's just plain wonderful.

Despite being endowed with a story by the redoubtable James Hilton, this film is carried by the sheer power of its two stars. Colman (as Smithy/Rainier) and Garson (as Paula/Margaret) are at their luminous best. While the story can seem a bit implausible with too much thought, it is presented with such great truth, sincerity, and momentum that the viewer is swept along effortlessly.

Like other Hilton books and their associated film translations (such as Lost Horizon and Goodbye, Mr. Chips), this movie has an exceptionally memorable and satisfying ending. I wanted to watch the ending over and over, but I'm glad that I resisted in this case - it helped me to retain the film in perspective.

The sad note is Susan Peters, who does a great job of essaying Rainier's young admirer. Peters was paralyzed in a hunting accident not long after this film, and her career and personal life never recovered.

If you've seen and liked the other Hilton adaptations mentioned above, as well as films such as Mrs. Miniver and The Talk of the Town, then you should not miss this. Close to a 10/10.

Due to being overjoyed in January 2005 at being finally able to own a copy of this masterpiece on DVD, I am re-editing my previous comments dating from 2001 slightly. Since that time, I have noticed a marked increase in the number of comments upon this film, and, furthermore, nearly all of the comments are highly positive. That just goes to show what a masterpiece this film is !

Indeed, I have my own personal list of top ten best films and this is one of them together with "Waterloo Bridge" !. It is a beautifully romantic (they just don't mak'em like that any more !!) and satisfying film to watch, and I just love the tune "O Perfect Love" which recurs on several occasions through the movie. I just wonder whether there is someone else in the world who loves this movie as much as me. Greer Garson is incredibly beautiful and sexy in this film and I would dearly loved to be "picked up" by her like Smithy was !! The overall plot is fantastic and is like a dream and the actors are beautiful. I may add that the quality of the DVD recording is excellent and in several languages/subtitles so there is no excuse for anyone being disappointed ! You need a large supply of hankies or Kleenex to make it right to the end without being flooded out. I did ! Let's hope that "Waterloo Bridge" will be given the same treatment in the coming months ..............

Long ago---when life was far more simple-----and sentiment as well as romance were qualities to be cherished-----there was "Random Harvest." At that time, it was no sin to cry at a movie because it moved you in an emotional way. Our lead characters had a nobility about them that made us love them, become engaged in their predicament (no matter how far-fetched it may now seem to a more jaded contemporary audience) and thrill in the way everything was resolved. Yes, in those days---sometimes good things did happen to good people! "Random Harvest" is the quintessential M-G-M high gloss romantic film from its Golden Age.

Others have presented the plot of this marvelous story and noted the touching performances of Greer Garson and Ronald Colman. And the supporting cast is an extraordinary ensemble.

How many movies can one see again and again----and still be much affected by the sheer joy of what you are watching? There is something magical about film. It can transport us back in time with a story featuring long-dead performers at the height of their unique creative powers. "Random Harvest" is such an experience.

I have long admired Colman as someone who was always able to project a humanity and decency in the characters he played. From "Prisoner of Zenda" and "Lost Horizon" to "Talk of the Town" and "Tale of Two Cities"-----Colman gave us roles featuring truly exemplary people. And Garson's mature glamour and glow are qualities we can much treasure even today.

This is truly one of the greatest romantic films ever made. See it with someone you love! It will only make you love each other more!

I liked how this film started, and was a little surprised that in 1942, with the need to boost wartime morale, it was not afraid to allude to the horror of the previous world war - a man suffering amnesia because of the things he'd seen in action. Greer Garson is charming as the woman who takes him in, exuding the friendliness that is so central to the part, as well as delivering in the emotional scenes that come later. As an added bonus, we get to see her in a cute dance routine early on with the "Highland Lassies." Ronald Colman is also his usual stately, dignified self, though too old to be returning from war and then in the film's relationships (he was 51, Garson was 38, and Susan Peters, another love interest, 21). The film goes for the jugular in its romantic parts, and while I'm usually a sucker for that sort of thing, I found it less satisfying than many reviewers.

Director Mervyn LeRoy treats his viewers with respect by not tediously explaining plot inflections, but the script does not, because it asks us to swallow too much. I don't mind suspending disbelief to some extent, but this one carries the old Hollywood trope of amnesia to the limit with everything else that comes along in the story, and in various character motivations (though I'll spare the reader a long list, lest I come across as tediously cynical). There's also a glossiness to it all that kept me at an emotional distance.

I have to say though, I loved thinking about it in a figurative way, as representing the initial excitement fading in a marriage and needing to rediscover it, you know, finding the key again. I don't think that was a part of the intention, but wonder if it's a part of the film's emotional power, since that feeling is obviously more universal than the far-fetched melodrama we get here. Bottom line, it's decent and I'm glad I watched it, but it's flawed - and from reading about Hilton's book, I wish the film had found the creativity to be faithful to it. Oh, and lastly, fans of this film may also like Orson Welles, Claudette Colbert, and young Natalie Wood in 'Tomorrow is Forever' (1946), which has some similarities.

The weepie to end all weepies! The two leads are perfect, the plot twists and turns, and Hollywood 'England' has never looked more lovely.

I'm also fascinated by the opening, given that Coleman had been through WWI, and must have known people with bad shell-shock, even if he escaped it himself. (For a modern take, try Pat Barker's 'Regeneration' trilogy.)

I think one of the reasons this sort of film is so appealing, is because of it's now-dated attitudes to commitment and relationships - you just can't imagine this story (or for that matter Brief Encounter) working nowadays - the protagonists would have taken shortcuts.

But here's to the days when this was the way one behaved!

This glossy romantic melodrama has Ronald Colman as a WW I amnesia victim, and Greer Garson as his main love interest. I will not spoil your potential enjoyment by providing plot twists, except to say that the film-makers, starting with the book author James Hilton, are absolutely shameless. If you can get by the very high hokum factor, you can expect a pleasant time; if not, don't say I didn't warn you.

I concur with James Agee's contemporary review, in his very first film column for The Nation: "I would like to recommend Random Harvest to those who can stay interested in Ronald Colman's amnesia for two hours, and who could with pleasure eat a bowl of Yardley's shaving soap for breakfast."