Name: The Best Years of Our Lives
Genre: Drama, Romance, War, Classic
Released: 1946
Duration: T2H50M
Cast: Myrna Loy, Fredric March, Dana Andrews, Teresa Wright, Virginia Mayo

STREAMING NOW 1 Provider

William Wyler’s Best Picture-winning classic at the 1947 Academy Awards, following three servicemen going through the difficult phase of social re-adjustment after World War II. Fredric March and Harold Russell won Oscars for their roles, starring alongside Dana Andrews, Myrna Loy, Virginia Mayo and Teresa Wright.

Al Stephenson (March) cannot seem to connect with fellow ex-servicemen when he’s placed in a comfortable position at a bank. Fred Derry (Andrews) is unable to find a steady blue-collar job while his marriage suffers. Homer Parrish (Russell) had both his hands burnt off in the war, causing him to question his fiancée's feelings – is she still genuinely in love with him or sticking around out of pity?

Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Fredric March) and four other Academy Awards 1947; Best Picture - Drama at the Golden Globes 1947

1946Rating: G170 minsUSA

DramaRomanceWarClassic

All Reviews (6)

Director:: William Wyler ('Ben-Hur', 'Roman Holiday', 'Funny Girl')
Writer:: Robert E. Sherwood
Cast:: Myrna LoyFredric MarchDana AndrewsTeresa WrightVirginia MayoCathy O'DonnellHoagy CarmichaelHarold RussellGladys George

Streaming (1 Providers)

STREAM NOW

The Best Years of Our Lives / Reviews

Sight & Sound

It has everything it should have -- a literate and often sharp and honest script by Robert E. Sherwood, supple direction by William Wyler, and is ingratiatingly played by at least one actor -- Frederic March.

Full review

The Guardian

The playing is magnificent -- especially that of Fredric March.

Full review

Chicago Tribune

Every member of the cast Is so much like some one you know, every one so natural and likable, as real and pathetic as any human being close to your heart...

Full review

Boston Globe

An eloquent tribute to returned veterans [and] a magnificent, brilliant contribution to motion pictures as an art.

Full review

Variety

Almost a full hour is required to set the mood and the motivation, but never does it pall. Not a line or scene is spurious.

Full review

Time Out

Overlong, perhaps, but this tender and occasionally tough look at the plight of returning war veterans is one of Wyler's best films.

Full review