Faith in Film: The Best Years of Our Lives
Not Rated
Run Time: 172 min.
March 26, 2023 at 6pm
Clive
Starring: Myrna Loy, Fredric March, Dana Andrews, Teresa Wright, Virginia Mayo
Director: William Wyler
Screenplay: Robert E. Sherwood
Join the Rev. John Zahl (St. Matthew’s, Bedford), for a “Lenten Film Series: Faith in Film” on Sunday nights, Feb 26 – March 26th, featuring an edifying and thought-provoking selection of special movies, exploring themes of conversion, humility, forgiveness, faith in the midst of suffering, and grace. Includes a brief introduction by Rev. Zahl followed by a short discussion afterwards for those who care to stick around. All are welcome!
It’s the hope that sustains the spirit of every GI: the dream of the day when he will finally return home. For three WWII veterans, the day has arrived. But for each man, the dream is about to become a nightmare.
Captain Fred Derry (Dana Andrews) is returning to a loveless marriage; Sergeant Al Stephenson (Fredric March) is a stranger to a family that’s grown up without him; and young sailor Homer Parrish (Harold Russell) is tormented by the loss of his hands. Can these three men find the courage to rebuild their world? Or are the best years of their lives a thing of the past?
Featuring a brilliant cast that includes Myrna Loy and Virginia Mayo, The Best Years of Our Lives garnered seven Oscars, including Best Picture. Heart-wrenching, touching and “filled with emotional dynamite” (The Hollywood Reporter), it remains “one of the best films about war veterans ever made” (American Movie Classics).
“One of the best pictures of our lives.”
– Abel Green, Variety
“I’d call this the best American movie about returning soldiers I’ve ever seen — the most moving and the most deeply felt.”
– Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
