And Now Tomorrow

Although she got second billing to Ladd, Young's articulate smooth projection of her character shines in this movie. Ladd probably got the top spot because in 1944 all men were fighting overseas leaving the women to make up the majority of the audience. Still, his portrayal is very believable as one who has humble beginnings yet rises in the class structure while still showing rough edges. The poor boy and rich girl theme is not as boring as it seems. The Ladd-Young interaction works well as their characters develop a reluctant caring for one another.

The supporting cast and crew represent a Hollywood Who's Who at the time. Beulah Bondi is one of the great supporting actors of the 30s and 40s. Her appearances while cameo always added depth to her films. Susan Hayward is superb as the brash assertive sister. One could go on: Barry Sullivan with his mellow distinctive voice; costumes by Edith Head, one of the great ladies of Hollywood; music by Victor Young.

Yes, the movie is dated. The Great Depression looms in the background. But that is also its strength. Seldom was the Depression ever directly mentioned in the cinema. It truly was one of the most formative experiences of American life because it affected the entire population. While class envy always existed in our collective culture class hatred never engendered much support. This movie touches on this with sophistication.

This motion picture is based on the last novel author Rachel Field wrote before she died in 1942. Miss Field had previously written another bestseller for women that had been adapted for the screen-- a Bette Davis hit called ALL THIS AND HEAVEN TOO. Warner Brothers was keen to get its hands on this property as well, no doubt as a follow-up vehicle for Davis, but was outbid by Paramount. David Selznick also coveted the property, probably for his protege and future wife Jennifer Jones.

Loretta Young had signed a multi-picture deal with Paramount as a freelancer. The previous year she had made CHINA with Alan Ladd under the direction of John Farrow. CHINA was a project that Young was passionate about as she was very concerned about the plight of Chinese orphans during the war. During production of that film, she and Alan Ladd did not get along. Both were concerned about who would be perceived as the star. Farrow's direction probably favored Ladd, as the outdoor action scenes were played up. Both stars said they'd never work together again, but CHINA was a smash hit and the studio was very interested in re-pairing them.

A year later Young was assigned to the picturization of the Field story, with Joel McCrea intended to be her leading man. But McCrea had to drop out to do war work, so Franchot Tone was put in his place. However, Ladd had just been rejected for military service and was now available. Paramount wasted no time replacing Tone and assigning Ladd to begin work at once alongside Young...this time under director Irving Pichel. Not surprisingly, Young & Ladd quarreled again. Young accused Ladd of not looking directly at her in their scenes together.

In this story, Young is playing a deaf woman who is also a snob. Ladd is a doctor who must cure her of both things. Maybe Ladd felt he could cure Young of some of her on-set issues by not playing right into them, especially if she was insecure. Young would later accuse Ladd of being insecure. You get the point...these stars brought out the worst in each other...and the best in each other. AND NOW TOMORROW was another hit for Paramount.

It should be pointed out that Loretta Young had previously played a deaf woman in 20th Century Fox's THE STORY OF ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL (1939) which was a big crowd pleaser. She seemed to have the market cornered on these types of roles. In this production, she is joined by Susan Hayward as her kid sister; and Beulah Bondi is on hand as their aunt. Meanwhile, Cecil Kellaway plays an older doctor who mentors Ladd.

Doctor Merek Vance returns to his hometown of Blairtown. He originally comes from the bad side of town and has a big grudge against the richest family in town. But then the deaf daughter of this family comes to him for treatment, which puts him in a dilemma. Partly because he has found a drug that can cure deafness.

At first the two do not get along very well but gradually something blossoms between them, the problem is that she already has a fiancé.

The strong point of the film is that more than enough time is spent on the character development of the two characters so that their love story seems credible, Derek initially has little respect for the rich family and Emily finds him rude , but gradually she learns to appreciate him more and more.

The chemistry between the two characters is strong and they play their roles ve.

This is a decent quality movie overall with some good people, some surprising to see together. That's the way I felt about Loretta Young and Alan Ladd. Somehow, Ms. Young came off kind of awkward in appearance here, perhaps partially due to compensations having to be made for the difference in height between the two leads. But she seemed less graceful overall than I've ever seen her, even in a lot of the costumes. As mentioned, this is a departure for Ladd in type and he's good enough doing what he did, but not 100% for the pairing. He seemed to be mocking and scoffing at Emily all the way through, despising her really rather extremely and then suddenly he's in love with her. Not so smooth a transition. Yet, I enjoyed some of it, but it was just too choppy between them overall. The ending was unforgivable. Ms. Young's automatic speaking of the title phrase was so flat and inept as was the following kiss, with Ladd looking like he was lying in her lap with his head on her chest. Just so awkward.

The rest of it was smooth enough, if not redeeming of the angst created by the above. Barry Sullivan was in very good looks here, Susan Hayward doing a good enough job. Ms. Bondi, as always, provided quality and authenticity in her unusual role as a society matron. Cecil Kellaway was wonderful. Maybe another try at some future date.

Loretta Young has lost her hearing due to a bout of meningitis. She meets a hollywood handsome doctor who has decided to try to cure her. He falls for her beautiful self, only thing is she's engaged to a man she loves. Unbeknownst to her the fiancé has fallen in love with her sister. Also unbeknownst to her she has fallen for the doctor. This is a melodrama made more interesting by the caliber of the actors, especially Susan Hayward.