Watch Proud and Profane

Proud and Profane is a 1956 American war drama film, directed by George Seaton and starring William Holden, Deborah Kerr, and Thelma Ritter. The movie is set during the World War II and is based on the novel by Lucy Herndon Crockett. The movie tells the story of Lieutenant Collingwood "Colly" Turner (William Holden), an American officer who is sent to Italy to organize a cemetery for American soldiers killed in the war. While on his mission, he meets and falls in love with Catherine "Cathy" Knowland (Deborah Kerr), a Red Cross worker who is also helping in the recovery effort. However, their romance is complicated by the fact that Cathy is a war widow and still grieving the loss of her husband, who was also a soldier.

The movie explores the themes of love, loss, grief, and the effects of war on people's lives. The characters are well-developed, and their emotions feel real and relatable, making the audience invested in their story. William Holden delivers a strong performance as Colly Turner, a competent leader who takes his mission seriously but is also struggling with his own personal demons. Deborah Kerr delivers a nuanced performance as Cathy, a woman torn between her love for Colly and her loyalty to her deceased husband.

One of the highlights of the movie is the supporting performances by Thelma Ritter, who plays Mrs. Davenport, the matron of the Red Cross unit. Ritter brings her trademark wit and warmth to the role, providing comic relief and a sense of humanity to the characters. Her scenes with Kerr are some of the movie's most touching.

Another aspect of the movie that stands out is the cinematography. The movie was shot on location in Italy, and the beautiful landscapes and historical monuments make for a stunning backdrop. The war scenes are also well-executed, with impressive attention to detail and realism.

Proud and Profane is a poignant and powerful movie that explores the human cost of war. It is a testament to the sacrifices of the soldiers and the civilians who were affected by the conflict, and a reminder of the importance of love and humanity in times of hardship. The movie's message is timeless and universal, and it remains relevant today, more than 60 years after its release. Anyone who appreciates a well-crafted drama with strong performances and a meaningful story will enjoy Proud and Profane.