Random Harvest is a sweet, sentimental, heart-tugger from 1942, starring Greer Garson and Ronald Colman. The story takes place in England at the close of World War I. Ronald Colman's character, who was injured during the war, has amnesia and has no idea of his identity...the doctors simply call him "Smith." He is being kept at a psychiatric hospital while the doctors try to locate his family.
In the rejoicing that ensues with the ending of the war, "Smith" wanders away from the hospital and soon meets lovely Paula Ridgeway (Greer Garson), who sings and dances at a little pub nearby. They have an instant bond, and when he can't remember his name and tells her he is called "Smith," she nicknames him "Smithy."
Paula and "Smithy" soon marry and settle into life in a little country cottage.They welcome a son into their family just before "Smithy" journeys to the city on a business venture. While in the city, "Smithy" is involved in an accident...which triggers his memory. Now, he knows who he is...Charles Ranier...but he has no recollection of the two years since his war injury...meaning, he has no memory of "Smithy," or Paula, or the son she bore.
Years go by, and Charles tries to carry on his privileged life. But deep within him is the memory of a love he doesn't really remember, but which he can't get out of his mind. Try as he might, he cannot find happiness...he can't find love. The memory of a real and true love prevents him from finding love with another.
Okay, have I aroused y'all's curiosity? Are y'all wondering if Charles will ever remember Paula? Will they ever get back together? I won't say anymore, as I don't want to spoil your viewing, but suffice to say, that this is another of the movies that always makes me teary-eyed. There are no big huge sobs, but Random Harvest definitely touches my heart and makes me misty-eyed. It's one of my fifteen all-time favorite movies, and I highly recommend it. It is out on DVD and should be readily available through Net Flix or your local library.
