The Very Thought of You

The Very Thought of You 1999

Directed by

Nick Hamm

Nick Hamm

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Very Thought of You (1999). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


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

Track the key events of The Very Thought of You (1999) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


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.

United States

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.

Pasadena

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.

Parachute Factory

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.

Thanksgiving Janet's Family Home

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.

Thanksgiving Dinner Janet's Family Home

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.

Thanksgiving Morning Mount Wilson

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.

3 a.m. Janet's Family Home

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.

San Diego

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.

Cora's Apartment

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.

Beach

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.

Home

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Very Thought of You (1999) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


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.

🪖 Soldier ❤️ Love 🌊 Romance

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.

👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Love Interest 🌼 Family 💪 Resilience

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Very Thought of You (1999), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


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.

🌍 Locations 🏛️ Education

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Very Thought of You (1999). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

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.

🏠

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.

⚔️

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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