Home Before Dark

Moviecut—Home Before Dark

source: Home Before Dark

Home Before Dark

I was amused while watching this suspenseful film to notice that whole passages of the music used were lifted straight from Warner's great Bette Davis film, "Now Voyager". Since it was a Warner's film I suppose they had the right. I noticed that Max Steiner, the composer from the Davis film, was given no credit for the music that was used in this film. Seems a shame, but I suppose that's Hollywood. Still, this is a good film with a fine cast of stars and familiar character actors. I enjoyed the location photography and the chilled atmosphere of the film is enhanced by the obvious dead of winter scenery. I mainly just wanted to comment on the music, however, it just surprised me to hear such a familiar score used over again in this film.

If you have ever loved someone, but they fall 'out of love' with you, or were never really in love with you, and then they cheat on you and everyone denies it, don't you feel a little lost and doubt your sanity? Of course! Especially if you are younger or inexperienced in love, and thought that you could love someone enough to save the relationship. It doesn't always work out that way, and we end up in excruciating pain and humiliation. That is what this movie is about. As spectators to Jean Simmon's character, we can't help but feel the despair, neglect, abandonment, deceit and more that her 'loved ones' heap upon her. Too bad I didn't have any Efrem Zimbalist Jr waiting for me when my first husband tossed away our marriage. And thank heavens the movie has a good ending. I couldn't bear it if it ended any other way. Watch it! (It was on TCM today, April 11, 2011)

I haven't seen this film since the mid seventies. I've been waiting, not very patiently for it to aire again. It was also a favorite of an older sibling of mine. We often discuss scenes from this film and Jean Simmons' performance that still rings clear in our heads today. If anyone ever ask us what movie we'd like to see that we haven't seen in years, we'll both shout out, "Home Before Dark" unanimously. We've tried to contact the studio where the film was made. We've looked high and low, written movie stations that aire the classics but no one has yet to answer our request. It's a great film! If ANYONE is willing to sell us a copy, please feel free to contact me. I've always thought Jean Simmons was an awesome actress. This movie confirms my conviction.

Jean Simmons goes home after being treated for depression, but is her husband ready for her? And, her sister? Dan O'Herlihy and Rhonda Fleming star in these supporting roles, but the film belongs to Jean Simmons as she tries to find herself. Efrem Zimbalist. Jr. is good as a boarder in the house and she finds a consoling and understanding friend in him. In fact, Jean Simmons and Efrem Zimbalist played off each other very well. But, Dan's character was horrible to her and I couldn't stand the way she was treated. All in all, I loved this film and that it was extremely well made and acted by all. If you get a chance to see "Home before Dark," watch it and see for yourself just how great an actress Jean Simmons really was.

This is a very good movie for which Jean Simmons won the prestigious New York Film Critics award for best actress. It used to be shown regularly on TV in the 1960s and '70s. Those of us who remember it know it deserves to be brought out of obscurity.