When the Lights Go on Again

I usually like James Lydon movies, but not this one. I couldn't get past the first 15 minutes or so, try as I may. It just wasn't up to his level of acting, and the story was somewhat contrived.

Others may like it, but not me. Sorry.

Although When The Lights Go On Again is your usual anemic PRC film this one is if not a diamond, it's a garnet stone in that rough. It's a very sweet story about a young Marine who gets post traumatic stress, then called combat fatigue and his family.

Young Jimmy Lydon has been cleared for furlough after seeing action at Guadalcanal. In Kansas City on his way to his small town he gets into a traffic accident and sustains a concussion which causes amnesia.

Fortunately his plight is recognized by newspaper reporter Regis Toomey who accompanies him back home and prepares the way. Just before Pearl Harbor Lydon married Barbara Belden and now she and his parents have to reacquaint him with his own world.

There's some drama there too. Lydon worked for Harry Shannon who ran the small town weekly and was politically opposed to Lydon's father Grant Mitchell. A nice Romeo and Juliet situation except that Romeo has been taken in by the Capulets.

PRC may have one of its best films in this simple war time drama. Lydon and Belden are an attractive pair and the cast of veteran character players give them great support. It's a sweet story, don't miss it if it is broadcast.