Bright Victory

Reminds me more of Pride of the Marines than Best Years of Their Lives. Blinded returning vet has to readjust. Arthur Kennedy never was better than in this movie. The ending in this cynical age seems too upbeat, but such endings DID happen. See: The Men with Brando for another crippled returning vet film.

This film was partially filmed on location at Valley Forge General Hospital (and NOT at the actual Valley Forge), in Phoenixville, PA. This hospital was a center for rehabilitating blind soldiers during World War II. Every enlisted man assigned to Valley Forge Gen. Hosp. after 1952 was shown this film as part of their orientation to the hospital.

Some of the interior and exterior shots were done at the hospital. The scenes where the soldier walks toward blank walls was done at the outdoor handball courts at the hospital. Several ward scenes were also shot there.

It was nice to see medics portrayed as something other than just battlefield personnel.

I would love to have a video of this film, but such is not available.

Well acted, and reasonably realistic.

"Bright Victory" came as a total surprise. The film is not seen as much as it should, because of its positive message. Mark Robson directed with an eye to detail. "Bright Victory" was adapted by Robert Bruckner and has a pleasant music score by Frank Skinner.

In spite of taking place during WWII, the movie seems timeless right now because of the Iraqi conflict. We are shown an Army hospital where the young soldiers are seen rehabilitating and learning new skills for their permanent disabilities. The wounded men we see in the Army facility at Valley Forge, Pa., are being treated because of their blindness as a result of wounds received in combat.

For a 1951 film, "Bright Victory", was light years ahead since the young G.I.s we see in the hospital have to come to terms with the fact they will not be able to see again in their lives. It's a credit to its director and screen writer to present this new reality the soldiers are going through with compassion and dignity.

A great performance from Arthur Kennedy, one of the best actors of that era, makes this movie appealing. Peggy Dow, as the compassionate young woman who volunteers in entertaining the wounded soldiers, is a welcome presence in the film. Mr. Kennedy and Ms. Dow made the film even better because their no nonsense approach to the portrayal of these two souls that find one another in the worst possible circumstances.

The movie also presents in smaller roles actors that went to have careers of their own. Will Geer, James Edwards, Jim Backus, Richard Egan, Murray Hamilton, Rock Hudson, and Jerry Paris play as part of the ensemble cast gathered for "Bright Victory".

This film is worth seeing because it shows us how some people overcome a terrible fate in a way we never thought possible.

I first saw this movie as a kid in the early 60's at my dad's suggestion. He wanted me to pay attention to the real story, that being that racism has no place in a free society. I did pay attention, and to this day, his instance that I watch the movie for content is among the fondest memories I have of my Dad. He taught me how to hunt, fish, drive a car, paint a house and respect people. It is all the more remarkable, especially since I grew up in an all white town in western PA. Also, I now live no more than a few hundred yards where the movie was made. The former VF Army Hospital is now mostly under the ownership of the VF Christian College - a great resource and an asset to our community. When my family moved here some 20 years ago, we immediately discovered the "old army base" and I frequently took our kids there to walk, play on the falling down miniature golf course and just try to imagine what the facility was like when it was in use (swimming pool, gymnasium, small duck pin bowing alley, full size golf course and two fishing ponds)-- and what the presence of the base meant to Phoenixville then. I actually played handball on that court that Artuhr Kennedy is tested on for obstacle perception. The facility specialized in head and eye injuries and had a very substantial psychiatric ward as well. Anyhow, along with the anti-racism message umbered in the movie, I enjoy the scenes of the old hospital and reflect on what it looks like now. And of course,-- the scenes of old Phoenixville, although way before my time, bring a sense of nostalgia to me that is hard to describe not being a native of the area. None the less, it's there. As an aside, for anyone who is interested; Phoenixville is where they filmed The Blob with Steve McQueen -- the Colonial theater still stands to this day and has become a landmark. Oddly enough, McQueen and Kennedy would appear together in Nevada Smith years later. It is indeed a small world.

In "Dark Victory" the lead goes blind and faces encroaching death. In "Bright Victory" the lead's already blind and faces encroaching life.

The latter seems far more challenging.

Arthur Kennedy's Oscar-nominated performance as Larry buoys this film from start to finish. His excellent naturalistic style is perfect for the returning disabled vet.

Peggy Dow (as Judy) and Julie Adams (as Chris) are both fine as the women in Larry's life. The script is so sensitively written that both female characters are totally believable in their motivations.

James Edwards delivers his usual solid work as Joe, Larry's best friend.

Mark Robson's direction is efficient and level headed, and the photography, editing and music are all extremely tasteful.

This is one of Authur Kennedy's finest hours, amongst a distinguished body of work during a most versatile career.