The Enchanted Cottage

source: The Enchanted Cottage

Trailer—The Enchanted Cottage

The Enchanted Cottage

This is a great 1945 film starring Dorothy McGuire, (Laura Pennington) who is a rather homely gal who has found employment with Mrs. Abigal Minnett, (Mildred Natwick) who owns an old cottage and is a widow who lost her husband during the war. This cottage is famous for married couples spending their honeymoon there and they all write their names on panes of glass. Herbert Marshall, ( Major John Hillgrove ) is very interested in this Enchanted Cottage and is a major who lost his eyesight and enjoys visiting with Abigal and Laura. Robert Young, (Oliver Bradford) plays the role of a man who is going to get married and makes arrangements to spend his honeymoon in this cottage. However, Oliver is called for service in the Air Force and his marriage does not take place. This film was produced in 1945 and we still have the same problem with men returning from war and becoming handicapped and these men need the support and love of their loved ones. Great film.

This movie moved me the first time I saw it, I was 7 years old. I didn't really understand the plot, but I knew it made me feel so happy inside. Now that 30 have passed, I can see the beauty in this story of love and enchantment. It brings hope to anyone that feels they will never find that special someone. For those of us that have found that special someone, then when you watch this movie, you can be reminded that though there are trying times in every relationship, you can always find that one thing that made you fall in love to begin with.

Watching this film was a reminder why I love B&W films so much. They're a time capsule of a different time, similar to ours, but very much different at the same time. This film epitomized this feeling so well. Utilizing the talents of one of the most handsome leading men of the time, Robert Young, and pretty leading ladies, Dorothy McGuire, the producers had the wisdom of using these two actors in totally unconventional roles—as ugly people. Without this juxtaposition, however, the film wouldn't have had it's visual impact. Today, even the subject might be considered "politically incorrect," but happily that term hadn't been invented yet. It's a simple film, and that's the charm of it. I've watched it twice,and it's had the same emotional impact both times. It's a tender, old-fashioned, overly-sentimental movie, and perhaps wouldn't make a dime today... wherein lies it's true beauty.

My wife and I love this movie. There is an ugly duckling in all of us but the right person can bring out the swan. This movie brings that out so well. I am my wife's prince charming and she is my Princess. This movie helps us remember that after 15 years of marriage. In the movie we are taken away from our everyday lives to a quiet mysterious cottage. Couples have visited the cottage for hundreds of years, and gone away mysteriously changed and in love. The film creates a strange atmosphere that takes you into the thoughts and feelings of two lonely people. We then witness their magical transformation into happy beautiful people. No matter how hard the outside world tries to take that happiness away from this happy couple, the cottage protects their romance.

This is without a doubt one of my all time favorite films though very few people I know have ever seen it. It is a story of true love as never seen before. If you have never seen it, make a point to do so. If you love romance films, you will love this one.

It has been quite a few years since seeing this movie, which is a shame since I am such a fan. This movie was appropriately released at the end of WWII, as many military men were returning from war. No doubt the theme of a disfigured veteran was very relative to many of them, and their families. This is a very heartwarming tale. Some will think it very melodramatic and sentimental, but I find it very endearing and sweet. Young's character is very arrogant and rude to begin with, then becomes very bitter after the accident. He plays both extremes quite well. It is interesting to see these characters as they are transformed by the very powerful effects of love.

My wife and I had seen this wonderful,hopeful romantic film, long ago.When we retired to the Ocean Shore, we built our dream cottage. All who visit have remarked on the feeling they get when they enter our home. We christened it The Enchanted Cottage and had that name carved across our mantle.We love to tell the story behind the name and even have a copy of the Movie to share with others as the video is no longer available.Our friends are charmed by the premise, and share our feeling about this absolute gem of a movie.