Homecoming (1948)

A self centered doctor (Clark Gable) seems to have it all. A successful and profitable practice, a beautiful wife (Anne Baxter) and home. When WWII comes and he goes to Italy as an army doctor, he slowly begins to question the selfishness of his previous life especially when confronted by his feisty nurse (Lana Turner). Directed by Mervyn LeRoy, this wartime romance is a handsome MGM production that starts to wear out its welcome by going on too long. What should have been a 90 minute sudser clocks in at about two hours. A tad sentimental in spots, it nevertheless makes some important points. This was the third of the four Gable and Turner pairings and was a big hit. Turner is deglamorized here and turns in an earthy low-keyed performance. Her costumes consist of military fatigues and uniforms while it's Anne Baxter who gets to wear the Helen Rose gowns. There's a lovely delicate score by Bronislau Kaper. With John Hodiak, Gladys Cooper, Cameron Mitchell, Marshall Thompson, Ray Collins and Lurene Tuttle.