The premise is one of those that could go either way of charming and fun or corny and over-sentimental. Yet, after it appeared as a recommendation here, 'Never Say Goodbye' immediately had me intrigued reading up on it. Have always liked Errol Flynn in his swashbuckling adventure roles and seeing him do comedy was a big interest point. The rest of the cast are a very talented bunch, including Eleanor Parker, Lucile Watson and SZ Sackall.
'Never Say Goodbye' didn't disappoint me and it turned out, despite not being perfect, to exceed my quite high expectations. It is a lovely film and deserves to be a lot better known, proving that Flynn could indeed do comedy very well and should have had more chances to show that. After seeing a fair share of disappointing films recently and going through a difficult period health-wise, 'Never Say Goodbye' was something of a breath of fresh air.
Maybe it is a little too sickly sweet to begin with, one can feel and taste the sugar at the beginning. The ending also felt a little too easy and safe, it certainly wraps things up so that was good but it does so too neatly.
Anybody that criticises 'Never Say Goodbye' as being cliched is right, it is cliched and in a somewhat recycled way. Donald Woods has a thankless role and is pretty bland in it.
However, it is really difficult to be too hard on 'Never Say Goodbye'. Flynn is his usual dashing self, while also showing ounces of charm and energy and with no signs of being taxed in comedy. Parker doesn't have as interesting a role, but she is also very charming. Patti Brady is adorable and just about avoids being too cloying, apart from at the start perhaps, and doesn't overplay the precociousness. Watson does snobbish beautifully, with force and acid wit, while Hattie McDaniel is both amusing and endearing. Sakall is a lot of fun and Forrest Tucker is beautifully restrained and reassuring. The characters are ones that may be stereotypes but aren't thin or personality-free ones, Woods excepted, and they are worth rooting for. Tucker's character is so loveable.
Really liked the writing on the most part, even if it is not the most original or inspired it to me was at least written well. The humour is breezily timed and very amusing (hilarious in the case of the mirror scene parody that would make the Marx Brothers proud) and the sentiment is sincere, warms the heart and tugs at the heart-strings. The pace is bright and breezy and the chemistry between the cast is beautifully done. It's directed with a loving and not too heavy hand, and handles the comedy, sentiment and cuteness well. The film is very nicely shot as well.
In conclusion, a more than worthwhile watch and underseen regardless of its flaws. 7/10
