evanston_dad Lovely and wistful film about a doddering married couple (Robert Donat and Deborah Kerr) who discover new aspects of themselves as a result of being separated for several years while serving in World War II, and then, because of the distance they've grown from one another, doubt that their marriage can survive when they're united. I liked the relationship arc these two characters went on. They begin by lumping their marriage in with everything that was boring and tedious about their former life, and in their minds turn their own stuffiness into something imposed on them by the other. But then they gradually realize that the best attributes of themselves that they only discovered because they were separated can be united to make their marriage stronger than it was before.I don't really know how realistic this film is. I doubt many similar situations would result in the couple reuniting and making a go of it, and think much more often it would end with both people giving up. But it's nice to think stories like this could end this way, and audiences at the time, after having just lived through WWII, surely wanted a happy ending."Vacation from Marriage" brought writer Clemence Dane an Academy Award for Best Original Motion Picture Story in 1946.Grade: A

Gavin Lockey A mildly amusing story with a clear propaganda message for couples split by military duties during WW2. We initially see a married couple living a hum-drum life in London at the start of the war. Robert Donat is the husband, a meek accountant about to join the Navy; Deborah Kerr his wife who appears to live with a perpetual cold. Military service is about to turn both of their lives around (Ms Kerr becomes a Wren) and make each no longer want to continue the relationship until they realise that the other also has changed. The story-line is quite lightweight but the script is well written and the acting generally very good. Robert Donat gives the impression that he would have been a wonderful star in silent film with his very expressive features and talent for mime. Despite this I was more impressed by the performance of Deborah Kerr who I felt gave her character more depth - notably seen at the beginning of the film with no make-up and no hairstyle,something many actresses of the time would have baulked at - as opposed to Donat's performance which appeared a little less nuanced. In this movie we are left without a doubt that military service is what rescues this married couple and with the aid of a good supporting cast this is carried off well as propaganda. Technically the film is professional and unobtrusive with some nice location shots of wartime London. The music by Clifton Parker is comedic, romantic and whimsical which I am sure was exactly the intention of the film-maker. A major weakness is the lack of humour which is more evident due to the very lightweight plot. I feel there perhaps should have been more misunderstandings and the opportunity for stronger emotions to be expressed. In summing up, I think this is a very polished movie that with more "oomph" could have delivered a much better finished product.

mark.waltz Boring as an evening with "Family Guy's" Buzz Killington, the predictable marriage of Robert Donat and Deborah Kerr has gotten so staid that they seem too uninterested in the other party to hate them. They do what they need to do. She gets up, prepares his breakfast, he gets ready to go to work, and they are barely able to pucker up to kiss each other goodbye. But this is the beginning of World War II, and Donat must go off to combat. Kerr too gets involved, and as a result, they don't see each other for four years. A lot can happen in four years, and in the case of Kerr, she spruces up her hair, puts on some makeup, and begins to hang out with the gregarious Glynis Johns. He shaves off that horrid mustache, takes off a few pounds thanks to some military exercise, and learns to flirt. Now he is coming home and each of them decides it is time to move on. They meet in the dark, discuss their wish for a divorce, and walk into a restaurant where with the lights on, they see each other really for the first time.I believe this appears to be a rather realistic storyline because in World War II, many women found themselves making a living, becoming independent, and when the men returned, they were shocked by what they found. The men too went through changes as war, even as horrific as previous ones had been, was entering a modern era, and the enemy was more ruthless and determined than ever. The problem isn't one easily to blame on a mediocre film. Because the original views of this couple is meant to be boring, the actors give boring performances. That is part of what they were called to do. Then, war happens, the two change, and presto, chango, Kerr and Donat are as we know them from more glamorous roles. I do not find the film boring in the sense of sleep inducing, but unless you are really prepared for a dull vision of what this marriage is, you might find yourself yawning in spots. The second half of course livens up, sort of a mutual "My Fair Lady" where the guttersnipe and the chimney sweep somehow got ahold of their own fairy godmother and changed into what they had the potential of being before but had been unaware of. So the acting of the film is not really outstanding, although Johns gives a truly showy performance, but the point is really about story, not acting. Technically, the film (a British MGM production) is superb as many British films seemed farther advanced in that area than American films. (Check out the original version of "Gaslight", as well as "A Canterbury Tale", "Stairway to Heaven" and especially "Black Narcissus" to see what I mean).In retrospect, this film is probably what the sequel to "Mrs. Miniver" really should have endeavored to be, not the confusing mess that became "The Miniver Story" years after people really cared what happened to those characters.

silenceisgolden What a screenplay this movie has! It's wonderful! It's a simple story but it's executed wonderfully! You truly feel for the main characters. Deborah Kerr has never been a favorite of mine but she is wonderful in this film. Robert Donat, as usual, is brilliant! I highly recommend this to fans of classic romances. It is sweet, humorous in parts, and REAL! I wish Donat had done more films when he was around, but I shouldn't complain. I'm just glad he was smart enough to always take good roles in quality films. Kerr and Donat sparkle in this and Glynis Johns is so perky! Like a little cheerleader! This is great fun! I'll stop rambling now, if this is ever shown on TCM, you must watch it!