''To Each His Own' (1946 film)- Review

THE SECOND ANNUAL OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND BLOGATHON+ ERROL FLYNN is being hosted by  In The Good Old Days of Classic Hollywood and Phyllis Loves Classic Movies. It will be taking place from July 1, 2017 to July 3, 2017. On July 1, 2017, the great Olivia de Havilland turned 101 years old. For the blogathon I will be reviewing ''To Each His Own'', the film that won de Havilland her first Academy Award.

 

To Each His Own (1946 film)

 

Directed by: Mitchell Leisen
Released: 1946
Country: United States

Genre: Drama

Rating: 4.5 out of 5


Review

 
Olivia de Havilland delivers a magnificent performance in ''To Each His Own'' as the protagonist, Jody Norris. Jody Norris is a very strong character, a character with great depth.

During the World War I, Jody is a cheerful, 17-year-old girl living with her father. She falls in love with Captain Bart Cosgrove (played by John Lund). However, Bart has to go to the war. Shortly after his departure, Jody comes to know that she is pregnant. However, she soon comes to know that Cosgrove died in the war. Devastated, but still hopeful about her child's future, Jody gives birth to a boy. However, due to circumstances, she is forced to give her child up for adoption. As the child grows up, Jody retains in her heart her great love and deep affection for him. She deeply cherishes her love for him and longs to be near him. Her love for her son becomes the main focus of her life, in spite of the fact that her son doesn't know that she is his mother. Time flies by: will Jody ever get what she has always longed for? 

''To Each His Own'' is an emotionally overpowering film depicting the enduring power of a mother's love. The way Jody longs for her son for years is deeply moving, extremely touching.

Olivia de Havilland shines in her role as Jody. In 'The Heiress'', the film that won her a second Oscar, she played a woman whose experiences make her transform from someone meek and timid to a mature, strong woman. In ''To Each His Own'', too, we see her character go through a lot, we see her character develop and strengthen. This is definitely an ideal example of great character development.

The supporting characters are well-developed too, particularly the characters played by Ronald Culver, John Lund, Phillip Terry, Mary Anderson, Bill Goodwin and Victoria Horne. I also loved Jody's father, played by Griff Barnett. He loves her daughter. He does not get mad at her when she reveals to him that she is pregnant. Rather, he tells her that he has never judged her. He supports her through everything. I loved the character. The scene in which he consoles Jody and tells her that he has never judged her really moved me.

''To Each His Own'' is a very powerful film, emotionally intense film.