The Very Thought of You 1999
Directed by
Nick Hamm
Made by
Miramax Films
Plot Summary
After spending three long years at war, with two years dedicated to the Aleutian campaign and a period in “cold storage” on Attu Island, Army Sergeants Dave (played by Dennis Morgan) and his close friend “Fixit” (Dane Clark) finally receive orders to return to the United States. They take a Thanksgiving pass in Pasadena and pay a visit to Dave’s beloved Caltech, all while awaiting their next deployment in the Pacific Theater.
During their time there, they encounter two young women employed at a parachute factory. Cora (Faye Emerson) instantly attracts Fixit’s attention, while Janet (Eleanor Parker) is a familiar face from Dave’s school days. Aware that Dave has no family in the area, Janet graciously invites him to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner with her family.
However, the warm welcome is short-lived as her family does not receive him kindly. Janet’s mother expresses disapproval of her daughter’s relationship with a military man who is often away. This tension is fueled further by Janet’s sister Molly (Andrea King), who is unfaithful to her sailor husband, and her rude brother who has been classified 4-F. Only Janet’s father and younger sister Ellie provide a semblance of warmth, with Ellie noticing the chemistry between Janet and Dave and orchestrating a secret date for them on Thanksgiving morning.
Though their excursion to Mount Wilson causes them to return home late, Janet and Dave find it hard to say goodbye. They ultimately decide to spend the night at Cora’s apartment and drift off to sleep, only to return to Janet’s home at 3 a.m., leading to a slap from her mother.
As Dave prepares to report for duty in San Diego, he finds himself deeply in love with Janet, leading to their quick marriage and a brief honeymoon. Meanwhile, Molly shows her disdain by intercepting Dave’s letters to Janet. In search of independence, Janet moves into Cora’s apartment, where she and Dave plan a quick meeting in San Diego. Sleeping on a beach due to a lack of accommodations, their bond grows stronger.
However, news of war changes everything when Janet discovers she is pregnant, leading to increased hostilities with Molly. But when word arrives that both Dave and Fixit have been injured, the dynamics shift dramatically. Janet’s family begins to soften, with Molly even pleading with her husband Fred (William Prince) for forgiveness, allowing the family to reconcile.
After more months apart, Dave finally returns home to embrace his wife and meet their newborn baby boy, marking a bittersweet closure to a tumultuous journey filled with love and challenges.
Timeline
Return from War
After three long years of service, Sergeants Dave and Fixit receive orders to return to the United States. Their deployment included two years in the Aleutian campaign and time spent on Attu Island, which significantly impacted their lives.
Thanksgiving Pass in Pasadena
In Pasadena, they take a Thanksgiving pass, eager to reconnect with their everyday lives. They decide to visit Dave's beloved Caltech, anticipating the joy of being back in familiar surroundings.
Meeting Cora and Janet
During their time in Pasadena, Dave and Fixit meet two young women working at a parachute factory. Fixit is instantly attracted to Cora, while Dave recognizes Janet as a familiar face from his past.
Invited for Thanksgiving Dinner
Janet invites Dave to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner with her family, knowing he has no family in the area. This gesture highlights Janet's kindness amidst the backdrop of familial tensions.
Familial Tensions
At dinner, Janet’s family receives Dave coldly, particularly her disapproving mother. The atmosphere is further tense due to her sister Molly's infidelity and her rude brother's 4-F classification, creating an uncomfortable setting for Dave.
Secret Date
Despite the hostile family environment, Ellie, Janet's younger sister, sees the chemistry between her sister and Dave. She orchestrates a secret date for them on Thanksgiving morning, allowing them a brief respite from the tensions.
Late Return Home
After their date at Mount Wilson, Janet and Dave find themselves returning home late. Their extended time together leads to lingering emotions and difficulties in saying goodbye.
Love Blossoms
As Dave prepares to report for duty in San Diego, he acknowledges his deep feelings for Janet. Their relationship strengthens, leading them to a quick marriage and a brief honeymoon, embodying the urgency of love during war.
Molly's Interference
Molly displays her disdain for Dave by intercepting his letters to Janet, further complicating Janet's relationship with her family. This creates additional tension as Janet strives for her independence.
Finding Independence
In pursuit of independence, Janet moves into Cora's apartment. She and Dave plan a meeting in San Diego, although they are forced to sleep on the beach due to a lack of accommodations, which only deepens their bond.
Unexpected News
Janet's life takes a sudden turn when she discovers she is pregnant. This news amplifies hostilities with Molly, leading to escalating family dynamics and conflict.
Injury Reports
When news emerges of Dave and Fixit's injuries during combat, the mood within Janet's family shifts dramatically. This brings about a wave of empathy and reconsideration of their harsh judgments.
Family Reconciliation
As the family grapples with the news of the injuries, they start to reconcile. Molly, in particular, pleads with her husband for forgiveness, marking a significant shift in the family's dynamics.
Dave's Return
After enduring months of separation, Dave finally returns home. The reunion allows him to embrace Janet and hold their newborn baby boy for the first time, signifying a bittersweet closure to their tumultuous journey.
Characters
Dave
Dave is a soldier whose compassionate nature and love for Janet highlight his character. Having spent years in war, he longs for connection and stability. His resilience is tested by family opposition and the harsh realities of life as a military man.
Janet
Janet is depicted as a nurturing figure who navigates family expectations and her love for Dave. She shows strength in the face of adversity and becomes a supporting partner amidst the struggles brought by war. Her journey reflects the challenges many women faced during this time.
Setting
Time period
World War II era
Set during World War II, the film explores the challenges faced by soldiers returning home after long deployments. This period was marked by significant global conflict, impacting family structures and personal relationships. The emotional strain of war leads characters to confront issues of love, loyalty, and reconciliation against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world.
Location
Pasadena, Caltech, Attu Island, Mount Wilson, San Diego
The movie takes place primarily in Pasadena, California, where the characters experience a Thanksgiving gathering filled with tension and family dynamics. Caltech, a prestigious institute, serves as a backdrop for the characters’ emotional connections. Mount Wilson is notable for its scenic beauty, providing a romantic escape. Attu Island, a remote location in the Aleutian campaign, represents the harsh and isolating experiences of war.
Themes
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Love & Sacrifice
The theme of love and sacrifice is central to the story, depicting how war affects romantic relationships. Dave’s deep love for Janet drives him to face numerous challenges, including family disapproval and the harsh realities of military life. Their bond is tested through separation and the looming threat of danger during the war.
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Family Dynamics
Family dynamics play a crucial role in shaping the characters' experiences and decisions. Janet’s family is initially resistant to her relationship with a soldier, contributing to underlying tensions. However, the challenges they face ultimately bring the family closer together, highlighting themes of understanding and reconciliation.
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War's Impact
The film poignantly illustrates the impact of war on personal lives and relationships. Characters must navigate the emotional turmoil caused by separation and the uncertainty of military service. The consequences of war ripple through their lives, transforming relationships and prompting shifts in family dynamics.
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