Watch Forever and a Day

Forever and a Day is an anthology film released in 1943, directed by a team of seven talented filmmakers including René Clair and Frank Lloyd. This ambitious and epic movie features a large ensemble cast of some of Hollywood's biggest stars of the time, like George Kirby, Doreen Munroe, May Beatty, and others. The overall theme of the movie is the enduring strength of the British people, as it tells the story of a family over the course of several generations, all the way up to the then-present day of World War II.

The film starts off with the narrator (played by Cedric Hardwicke) explaining how some houses in London have been standing for centuries while many generations come and go. He then introduces the audience to the family that owns one such house - the Colliers. From there, we see a series of vignettes, each one depicting significant moments in the history of the Colliers and England.

The first story takes place in 1804, as a young couple, Richard (George Kirby) and his wife (Doreen Munroe), tries to elope during wartime. However, their plans are derailed by some unexpected events. Throughout the story, we see the dedication of the couple towards each other that transcends the challenges of wartime.

The next story is set during the reign of Queen Victoria, and we see John Collier (Raymond Severn), a young man who is struggling to set himself up as a businessman. His story is intertwined with that of a young woman (Anna Lee) who comes to work for him as a maid. The two fall in love, and their romance develops through a series of ups and downs, which demonstrate the resilience of their love.

The third story takes place in 1914, as war erupted in Europe. The focus of this segment is young Joey Collier (George Pardue), who is too young to fight but desperately wants to contribute to the war effort. He eventually finds a way to make his mark, but at a great personal cost.

The following story takes place during World War I, as a young woman named Jane (Ida Lupino) makes her way through the chaos of war, struggling to find a way to get back to England. Along the way, she meets a soldier, played by Richard Bird, whose story is also depicted.

The final story takes place during the Blitz of World War II, with the Collier house now converted into a hospital. We see various characters, such as the nurses and the patients, all trying to make it through the devastating bombardments. This segment highlights the importance of mutual support in times of war, and the bravery and resilience of those who endured it.

Throughout these stories, the overarching theme of the enduring strength and bravery of the British people in times of war is strongly highlighted. The film is technically impressive, with the various segments seamlessly transitioning into one another. This is a result of the collaborative efforts of the seven directors and a massive production team.

The star-studded cast is also noteworthy. Many of the actors were already well-known and successful in Hollywood at the time of filming, and their talent and charisma shine through in this film. However, their performances are only one aspect of the film, as the real star here is the story of the Collier family that is expertly woven through these various historical vignettes.

Overall, Forever and a Day is a cinematic masterpiece, an ode to the enduring spirit of the British people in times of war. The tales of the Collier family offer a compelling look into the struggles and triumphs of generations past and present, offering the audience an inspiring vision of courage and resilience. This is a movie that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences around the world.

Forever and a Day is a 1943 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.