Clark Gable was always an actor well worth watching, and great performances are a great many (his Rhett Butler being deservedly iconic). Lana Turner has also been capable of giving good performances. The story sounded interesting and comedy with a mix of drama has worked well before and since, if not without its dangers.
'Somewhere I'll Find You' is notable too for Gable's wife Carole Lombard having tragically and prematurely died in a plane crash three days into shooting, wanted to see how Gable would fare in a film that would have been rather painful for him to do (apparently he wanted the rather profound title changed, and it is very understandable why, actually would have done the same if in his position). 'Somewhere I'll Find You' is not great, neither is it awful, and doesn't see everybody at the top of their game. It is very watchable and above average if somewhat uneven.
The good things are many. It's a good looking film, particularly in the way it's shot, showing fluidity and professionalism instead of haste or sloppiness. It's scored in a way that suits the tone of the film well, and it's all efficiently directed by Wesley Ruggles who doesn't allow 'Somewhere I'll Find You' to be less than interesting. Really liked the charming and amusing first half, even if it was somewhat standard and occasionally contrived, which had a humorous rapport, well-timed gags and smart script-writing. Underneath all that too there is an emotional power.
Gable fared remarkably well in his performance here, there are parts where he is subdued and more than understandably, but he is mostly very moving in particularly the end. His charm and comic gifts weren't lost and that he carried on despite being grief-stricken is to be commended. Lana Turner is lively and at times sympathetic, with a touch of melodrama which fitted the tone of the second half well. Robert Sterling is great support and the three work very well together, even if Gable and Sterling are never quite believable as brothers. The supporting cast, that includes Reginald Owen, Van Johnson and Keenan Wynn, are solid.
On the other hand, those good things are mixed with some not so good things. Namely that the more dramatic second half creates a rather jarring tone change and it feels like a film of two different halves, like two films in one which gave 'Somewhere I'll Find You' a disjointed sense. The pacing isn't as efficient and while there are enough poignant moments there are heavy-handed ones too.
This is particularly apparent towards and at the end, which did come over as preachy in the writing. The ending is rather too convenient and tacked on. The film has moments where it is a little too underplayed and also where it's a touch melodramatic.
In conclusion, above average if uneven, not quite dynamite. 6/10 Bethany Cox
