Since You Went Away (1944 John Cromwell)

Margaret Buell Wilder adapted her own novel (a series of letters to her husband) and it was written by David Selznick - probably a mistake, for though the film covers similar territory to Best Years of Our Lives it isn't its equal despite great performances and treatment. Claudette Colbert, Jennifer Jones and Shirley Temple (and maid Hattie McDaniel) let out their home to Monty Woolley, involving grandson Robert Walker and friend Joseph Cotten. A lugubrious dog completes the menagerie. Agnes Moorehead is a bitchy friend and Lionel Barrymore and Albert Bassermann appear briefly. (All acting good.)  The problem I feel is that the film forces sentimentality on you, cranked up by Max Steiner's score. However it is sincere and moving and well acted, with plenty of laughs and interesting detail.

Jones and Walker were nearing the end of their marriage here.

Typically complicated Selznick production also has Tay Garnett and Edward Cline directing sections. Cameraman George Barnes began it, then Stanley Cortez filmed the first third (he was either called up or sacked, depending on the source) and Lee Garmes finished it - so all those moments of beautiful dark which I confidently asserted were Cortez weren't... though this one could have been:

Also love the modernity of this tracking shot (Cortez again):

The DVD, complete with overture and intermission, runs 177 minutes. It's a bit of an emotional monster.