Smilin’ Through was a hit Broadway play and was made into three films, one in 1922, another in 1932, and this film in 1941. This film about love and forgiveness is the only on-screen collaboration with Jeanette MacDonald her husband Gene Raymond.
The Eternal Love Story of Smilin’ Through
John Carteret (Brian Ahern) has been a lonely man. Many years ago the love of his life, Moonyean (Jeanette MacDonald), was murdered on their wedding day and to this day he pines for her. She comes to him in times of stress to comfort his despair, and claims that one day they will be together again.
When Moonyean’s sister and brother-in-law are killed, they leave a 5-year-old girl, Kathleen. John takes her in. She reminds him of his beloved Moonyean, and she grows up to look just like her aunt.
Through all these years John lives only to take care of Kathleen and to be reunited with his love, Moonyean.
Another Love Story in Smilin’ Through
When Kathleen (Jeanette MacDonald) matures into a beautiful young woman, she meets Kenneth Wayne (Gene Raymond), and they fall in love. When John hears about this he demands that Kathleen never see this man again. Soon she learns why.
It was Kenneth’s father, Jeremy Wayne (also played by Gene Raymond in flashbacks), who murdered Moonyean during her wedding to John. He then ran away and John has been harboring hatred for the man ever since.
Even though Kathleen knows her uncle disapproves, she continues to see Kenneth Wayne and they fall in love. But he must leave to fight in the army. It is the time of World War. Will the time apart dampen their love?
Harbored Hatred and Grief
John cannot allow his niece to continue with Wayne. His grief is too intense and his hatred toward Kenneth’s father is all-encompassing. He is glad that Jeremy Wayne is dead, only he wishes he could have killed him himself. That’s how deep his feelings burn.
This grief and hatred toward the Wayne family threatens Kathleen’s love and happiness. Kenneth does not want to come between Kathleen and her uncle, even though he is madly in love with her. So because of this family feud that does not involve this second generation, their happiness is on the line.
The question looming throughout the film is, “Will John ever get over his fury with anyone named Wayne?” That is what is standing between Kathleen and the love of her life.
Smilin’ Through Review
This is an oldie but a sentimental goodie. Jeanette MacDonald fans will undoubtedly enjoy it, and fans of old films will relish in the drama of it all. It is probably too old to be enjoyed by today’s young viewers, even though the love stories stand the test of time. I could be wrong on this though. It is a beautiful piece of drama.
All in all, it is a love story – or I should say two love stories – that could be set in the twenty-first century. Love, after all, is timeless.
Smilin’ Through is part of the Warner Archive collection and is available made-to-order from their website.
- Smilin’ Through (1941) DVD
- Studio: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
- Color
- Running time: 100 minutes
