Never Say Goodbye

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.

Errol Flynn had quite a gift for comedy that was sadly rarely exploited. Given the right material this film demonstrates that he could have happily been quite at home in Cary Grant style, gentle comedies. Out of his various forays into the genre this is certainly the best. Patti Brady gives a fine performance in the child part and Eleanor Parker looks simply stunning throughout the film. An added bonus is the wonderful Hattie McDaniel who is sadly underused in this film- a welcome presence none the less. Flynn carries off his comedic duties with the same easy style that he brought to his swashbuckling roles. The fact that he makes it look like it's easy doesn't mean that it is. A super little family comedy, great for the Christmas period or any other time you feel like being cheered up.

While I can't say too much for the script, NEVER SAY GOODBYE proves that Warner Bros. should have let ERROL FLYNN have his way with playing comedies more frequently. After a weak start with FOOTSTEPS IN THE DARK, they decided he was better off as the stalwart hero of adventure films instead. But his performance here is a genuine delight.

And FORREST TUCKER as a big Marine lug who thinks ELEANOR PARKER has written him letters during his war service, is another big surprise. His handling of the lovable Marine is downright enjoyable without an excessive amount of mugging. He ambles through the part with authority and the sort of restraint that makes the part just believable enough.

Otherwise, the script is on the uninspired side--with little Patty Brady as a girl who wants her parents (Flynn and his ex-wife Eleanor Parker) to reunite. Naturally all of her plans make for the mishaps and misunderstandings until all ends well.

On the down side, there are a few unfunny scenes during a restaurant rendezvous, but the best part of the film is ahead once Forrest Tucker shows up. From then on, it takes on a breezier style.

Donald Woods has his usual thankless role as the suitor Eleanor is thinking of as marriage material and Lucille Watson does a nice turn as her mother who disapproves of her ex-son-in-law.

Nothing special but it passes the time pleasantly and shows Flynn did have a gift for comedy. His Bogart act is priceless.

This movie is a hidden gem. I can't understand why this movie doesn't get more air time. Errol and Eleanor Parker make for a real attractive and dashing couple. And their chemistry is impeccable. I really liked the touch of his daughters reference to him as being her Robin Hood. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Errol Flynn. It's nice to see Errol playing a father as well. By all accounts from his very own children, he was a very attentive and loving father in real life. Also, the supporting cast is wonderful as well. You can't go wrong with supporting players such as Hattie McDaniel and Lucile Watson. Hattie McDaniel makes a movie that much better from the get-go. This movie has now become a Holiday tradition in my home. Enjoy!!!

This film stars Errol Flynn and Eleanor Parker as a reluctantly divorced couple whose seven-year old daughter, Flip, desperately wants to see back together. In this film, you get the sense that it was Parker's mother who pushed for the divorce voicing her constant suspicions about Flynn--suspicions which stemmed from Flynn's career as a commercial artist. Errol agrees with Flip and wants nothing more than to win Parker back.

Sure, it's not an award contender and it's not even among Flynn or Parker's best performances, but I love this film. It's fluffy, it's sappy, but whatever. I enjoy it. Flynn sings in the film. He dresses like Santa. He participates in a parody of the mirror scene in Duck Soup. He does a hilarious Bogart impression (which Bogart's real voice dubbed in). Parker is gorgeous. Flynn is gorgeous. Flip is funny. SZ Sakall is funny. Hattie McDaniel is funny. It's just a great feel good minor classic Christmas film. I'd recommend it.