Tomorrow Is Forever (1946)

Elizabeth and John say good-bye as John leaves to go to war. When the war ends, Elizabeth receives a telegram that John has been killed in action. She finds comfort in Larry and they marry.... See full summary »

Director:

Irving Pichel

Writers:

Gwen Bristow (by), Lenore J. Coffee (screen play)

Stars:

Claudette Colbert, Orson Welles, George Brent

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Claudette Colbert	...	Elizabeth Hamilton
Orson Welles	...	John Andrew MacDonald / Erik Kessler
George Brent	...	Lawrence Hamilton
Lucile Watson	...	Aunt Jessica Hamilton (as Lucille Watson)
Richard Long	...	Drew Hamilton
Natalie Wood	...	Margaret Ludwig
John Wengraf	...	Dr. Ludwig
Sonny Howe	...	Brian Hamilton
Ian Wolfe	...	Norton
Joyce Mackenzie	...	Cherry Davis (as Joyce MacKenzie)

Storyline

Elizabeth and John say good-bye as John leaves to go to war. When the war ends, Elizabeth receives a telegram that John has been killed in action. She finds comfort in Larry and they marry. John returns 20 years later, disfigured, with a new identity, Erik, and an adopted daughter, Margaret. John/Erik and Elizabeth accidentally meet and he learns that he has a son, Drew. John must then decide whether or not to reveal his true identity.

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Plot Keywords:

reference to alfred lord tennyson | orchestral music score | world war one | title spoken by character

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Taglines:

THE VIBRANT, PULSING STORY OF A WOMAN ESCAPING HER PAST! (original print ad - all caps)

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Genres:

Drama | Film-Noir

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English German

Release Date:

17 April 1946 (Mexico)

Also Known As:

Mañana es vivir

Company Credits

Production Co:

International Pictures (I)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

"Screen Director's Playhouse" broadcast a 30 minute radio adaptation of the movie on January 13, 1950 with Claudette Colbert reprising her film role.

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Goofs

Lucile Watson's name is misspelled "Lucille" in the opening credits.

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Quotes

John Andrew MacDonald: Miss me, but don't be afraid.

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Connections

Referenced in Hollywood Mouth 2 (2013)

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Soundtracks

"Tomorrow Is Forever"
(1945) (uncredited)
Music by Max Steiner

User Reviews

My all-time sentimental favorite

Since the first time I saw this wonderful film on late-night TV, maybe 30 years ago, it has been my sentimental favorite. Every time I've seen it since, once a year on average, it's made me weep; not many films ever have this effect on me, even once. I simply don't understand why it isn't better known, not to mention better regarded. The touching story, fine direction, good score and superb acting add up to a great experience. For me, the performances by Claudette Colbert and Orson Welles are their most effective; hers ranks with her work in "Three Came Home" and "Since You Went Away," while his is even finer than in "The Stranger." Anyone who loves a good old-fashioned love story, sob story, multi-generational saga of the type Hollywood used to make so well should give this one a try.