Errol Flynn is a highly successful commercial artist trying to reconcile with his ex-wife (Eleanor Parker) in "Never Say Goodbye," a 1946 comedy featuring Patti Brady, S.Z. Zakal, Lucile Watson, Hattie McDaniel and Donald Woods. Phil Gayley's (Flynn) philandering (he draws beautiful women in swimsuits) caused the breakup with his former wife Ellen. As a result, their 8-year-old daughter Phillipa (Brady), whose nickname is Flip, spends six months with her father in New York City and six months with her mother, who also lives in New York City. Flip wants her parents back together in one place. They want it, too, but every time it's about to happen, a woman shows up because Phil forgot he made a date with her. Then a marine (Forrest Tucker) comes to town, eager to meet the woman who has been writing to him. It's Flip, with the help of a book and the typing of her nanny (McDaniel). There was one other helper - Phil, who when Flip wanted to send her photo, suggested she send her mother's instead. The marines land just at the right time, when Ellen is out to give Phil a dose of his own medicine.
This is a rather silly script that is helped immensely by a fine supporting cast, the incredible charm of Errol Flynn and the loveliness - and gorgeous gowns -- of Eleanor Parker. She is stunning in this movie, and, as a fan of hers, why her star didn't burn brighter in Hollywood is beyond me. Flynn was wonderful in light comedy, and many people believe it was the right niche for him. The problem is, other actors did comedy as well or better, and Flynn's swashbuckling/adventure work is exceptional. However, it's always fun to see him in something different. His Bogart imitation is suspiciously good; that's because Bogart dubbed the voice. In "Never Say Goodbye," he is just beginning to show a little dissipation around the edges; the major part of his career would be over four years later. It was too short a run.
As others have mentioned, the best part of the film occurs with the appearance of Forrest Tucker, so young he's practically unrecognizable. In fact, he's 27! Worth seeing for the cast.
This is a rather silly script that is helped immensely by a fine supporting cast, the incredible charm of Errol Flynn and the loveliness - and gorgeous gowns -- of Eleanor Parker. She is stunning in this movie, and, as a fan of hers, why her star didn't burn brighter in Hollywood is beyond me. Flynn was wonderful in light comedy, and many people believe it was the right niche for him. The problem is, other actors did comedy as well or better, and Flynn's swashbuckling/adventure work is exceptional. However, it's always fun to see him in something different. His Bogart imitation is suspiciously good; that's because Bogart dubbed the voice. In "Never Say Goodbye," he is just beginning to show a little dissipation around the edges; the major part of his career would be over four years later. It was too short a run.
As others have mentioned, the best part of the film occurs with the appearance of Forrest Tucker, so young he's practically unrecognizable. In fact, he's 27! Worth seeing for the cast.