Since You Went Away (1944)

With her husband away to fight in World War II, a housewife struggles to care for their two daughters - and a pair of lodgers who have moved in - alone.

Directors:

John Cromwell, Edward F. Cline (uncredited)

Writers:

Margaret Buell Wilder (based on an adaptation of her book), David O. Selznick (screen play: by the producer)

Stars:

Claudette Colbert, Jennifer Jones, Joseph Cotten

Won 1 Oscar. Another 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Claudette Colbert	...	Anne Hilton
Jennifer Jones	...	Jane Hilton
Joseph Cotten	...	Lt. Tony Willett
Shirley Temple	...	Brig Hilton
Monty Woolley	...	Col. William G. Smollett
Lionel Barrymore	...	Clergyman
Robert Walker	...	Cpl. Bill Smollett 2nd
Hattie McDaniel	...	Fidelia
Agnes Moorehead	...	Emily Hawkins
Alla Nazimova	...	Zofia Koslowska (as Nazimova)
Albert Bassermann	...	Dr. Sigmund Gottlieb Golden
Gordon Oliver	...	Marine Officer Seeking Room
Keenan Wynn	...	Lt. Solomon
Guy Madison	...	Hal Smith
Craig Stevens	...	Danny Williams

Storyline

While husband Tim is away during World War II, Anne Hilton copes with problems on the homefront. Taking in a lodger, Colonel Smollett, to help make ends meet and dealing with shortages and rationing are minor inconveniences compared to the love affair daughter Jane and the Colonel's grandson conduct.

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Plot Keywords:

homefront | lodger | rationing | praying | bedtime prayer | 

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Taglines:

With the Greatest All Star Cast in Screen History!

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Genres:

Drama | Romance | War

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Yiddish

Release Date:

20 July 1944 (USA)

Also Known As:

Desde que te fuiste

Filming Locations:

Richmond, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$3,257,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Selznick International Pictures, Vanguard Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

130 min (1949 re-release) 177 min (DVD) 172 min (copyright length)

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

At the time, the longest and most expensive Hollywood film since David O. Selznick's own Gone with the Wind (1939).

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Goofs

Colonel William G. Smollett introduces himself as such when he responds to the advertisement for an officer boarder, but is called 'Colonel Smollie' by Bridget whilst tending the victory garden, and again at his birthday party with his cake having 'Colonel Smollie' written on it. Although Bridget and the other family members know his correct surname and, at the beginning, address him by it, they later, clearly address him as 'Smollie' as an affectionate family nickname.

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Quotes

Colonel William G. Smollett: Well, isn't anybody interested in this cake? By the way, Fidelia, just what was the experimentation you referred to in connection with this cake?
Fidelia: I tried something new. I bought it.

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Crazy Credits

Soda, the dog, was played by Dick Whittington.

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Alternate Versions

Cut to 130 minutes for a 1949 reissue.

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Connections

Featured in Going Hollywood: The War Years (1988)

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Soundtracks

Taps
(1862) (uncredited)
Music by Daniel Butterfield
Background music played when bad new arrives

User Reviews

One of the best movies about life on the 'homefront' during war

Subtle and nuanced in most places, a bit obvious in others, Since you went away may be the best war movie ever made that doesn't have a war scene. It follows the life of a family in the early days of America's entry into World War II. The coming of age thrust upon young men and women is splendidly captured, but central is the silent pain and worry of those who with loved ones in harm's way. Watch for the scene when Mr. Mahoney leaves the movie theater. There is no dialog, and there need not be.

This movie is often shown near the Holidays because of a great Christmas scene,it's general warmth, and its theme of Country, God, and Family.

One of Jennifer Jones' best performances, with strong work by Claudette Colbert, Shirly Temple, Joseph Cotten, Robert Walker, Hattie McDaniel and Monty Woolley. Agnes Moorehead foreshadows her role years later in the series 'Bewtiched', playing the town 'witch'.