Happy Land (1943)

An Iowa pharmacist (Don Ameche) becomes embittered when his son's (Richard Crane) life is cut short during WWII. The spirit of his grandfather (Harry Carey) guides him on a journey of discovery and reconciliation so he make peace with his son's death. Based on the novel by MacKinlay Kantor and directed by Irving Pichel (DESTINATION MOON). Crikey, is this WWII home front drama drenched in a thick dose of treacle. I can understand why movies like this were important for wartime audiences but they don't hold up well at all today. It's just too obvious and awash in sentimentality for an America that probably never existed outside of books and movies. It makes one appreciate a well done home front WWII drama like MRS. MINIVER all the more. With Frances Dee, Ann Rutherford, Cara Williams, Harry Morgan and Mary Wickes.