Firmly in the 20th century, American physicist Peter Standish (Tyrone Power) has been doing atomic research at a laboratory in England. Rather a recluse who doesn't do much socially, Dr. Standish lives in an 18th-century home which had been left to him by a distant relative. With the exception of electricity and plumbing, the house is virtually as it had been in 1784, and Peter likes it that way.
Through the diary of his long-dead ancestor---also Peter Standish---Dr. Standish discovers that his namesake claimed to be from the future and maintained he could foretell history. A few days after making that insane-sounding declaration, the man was normal again and went on to marry and have a family. Dr. Standish comes to believe that he was the man from the future, that he and the 18th-century Peter exchanged places for a time, and he tells his friend Roger (Michael Rennie) that he is going to go back to the 18th century. Of course, Roger thinks Peter is being fanciful and even suggests that the house isn't good for him.
Peter does go back in time, though, after being hit by a bolt of lightning. On the very day the 18th-century Peter Standish arrived in England, current-day Peter is transported there. From the beginning, everyone thinks he is odd, since he knows things which haven't happened yet, and when he begins to speak of people as though they were dead, everyone begins to fear him. Eventually, he makes the claim which was in the diary---that he is from the future---a claim which finds Peter sentenced to an asylum.
Though he knows from the diaries Peter will marry Kate, current day Peter falls in love with Helen (Ann Blyth). Though Helen is engaged to another man, she loves Peter as well and completely believes that he is from the future.
The lovers know they are destined to part, as Peter will be returning to the future, but Helen assures him that their love will be for always...not in her time or his time...but in God's time
(HERE is a link to a 6-minute scene ---the video won't upload properly here on my page.)
I'll Never Forget You is a totally gorgeous movie...everything about it. The storyline is fascinating. (I have long been in love with the idea of time travel.) The love of Helen and Peter is a beautiful, timeless love. Ann Blyth is stunning, and Ty Power is incredibly handsome; the acting of both is quite good. The filming is lovely as well---all of the scenes in the past are in color, while the present day events are black and white. All these things combine for a lovely Valentine's Day movie with your sweetheart.
The film is out on DVD, as part of the Tyrone Power Matinee Idol Collection, so you should be able to track it down. Also, it is available in its entirety on YouTube (HERE). Do catch it if you can...especially if you are a fan of beautiful time-travel romances.
Happy viewing!!
