The Romance Of Rosy Ridge (1947)

In the aftermath of the Civil War, a small mountain community is still bitterly divided by allegiance to either the North or the South. The tension is so thick that it's only a matter of time before violence erupts. Enter a schoolteacher (Van Johnson) with a secret that he withholds as long as possible. Based on the novel by MacKinlay Kantor and directed by Roy Rowland. This is a rather touching story of romance and reconciliation. Although fairly predictable (I guessed the schoolteacher's "secret" almost immediately), there was still a twist I wasn't prepared for and my eyes couldn't help but water up. As the young farm girl who falls in love with Johnson, Janet Leigh makes her film debut and it was clear from the beginning that this was no ordinary starlet. The film is slightly overlong and that could have been remedied by eliminating some of the songs Van Johnson sings. The lovely score is by George Bassman. I can't say to seek it out but if it comes your way, definitely give it a chance. With Thomas Mitchell, Dean Stockwell, Selena Royle, Marshall Thompson, Jim Davis, Elisabeth Risdon and Charles Dingle.