Perfect Strangers *** (1945, Robert Donat, Deborah Kerr, Glynis Johns, Ann Todd, Roland Culver) – Classic Movie Review 11,771

The 1945 British drama film Perfect Strangers is a well-made, poignant little gem, with Robert Donat and Deborah Kerr as a married couple whose relationship is shaken by their service in World War Two.

The 1945 British drama film Perfect Strangers [Vacation from Marriage] is a well-made, poignant little gem from the masterful producer/ director Alexander Korda, with Robert Donat and Deborah Kerr as Robert and Cathy Wilson, a married couple whose relationship is shaken and stirred by their service in World War Two. Their relationship is given a second wind by the effects of them both enlisting, he in the Royal Navy, where he enjoys a fling with nurse Elena (Ann Todd), while she, in the Wrens [Women’s Royal Naval Service], dallies with Richard (Roland Culver).

Perfect Strangers is rather slow moving, but magical in its atmosphere of genuine honesty and humaneness. Unfortunately the latter half doesn’t quite live up to the expectations built up at the start of the film, but it is impossible not to be cheered by the way in which the couple emerge butterfly-like from the torpor of their stagnant marriage.

Donat and Kerr are on their best form, and the support is stalwart, especially Glynis Johns, as another Wren, Cathy’s assertive new friend, Dizzy Clayton, Ann Todd and Roland Culver.

The screenplay is by Clemence Dane and Anthony Pelissier based on a story by Clemence Dane, who scooped the Academy Award for Best Original Motion Picture Story.

Perfect Strangers runs 102 minutes (UK) but the US version re-titled Vacation from Marriage is cut to 93 minutes.

At age 18, Roger Moore makes his uncredited film debut as a soldier.

The score is by Clifton Parker and the cinematography by Georges Périnal.

It is made by London Films and released by MGM. Kerr makes her MGM debut in this film. MGM studio head of production Louis B Mayer allegedly said ‘That girl’s a star’ on seeing her performance in Perfect Strangers, and she was soon an established MGM contract star.

Kerr took over as the film’s star from Korda’s wife, Merle Oberon, who was in the US, and Korda took over as director from Wesley Ruggles after an argument.

Korda called the film an ‘allegory of England’, but Donat called it as ‘a lyrical comedy’.

There is some location shooting in Scotland, but it is mainly shot at Denham Studios in London.

It was one of the biggest hits at the British box office in 1945 and a commercial success in the US too. However, MGM and Korda fell out because Korda hated being bossed around by Mayer, and no further films followed.

The cast are Robert Donat as Robert Wilson, Deborah Kerr as Cathy Wilson, Glynis Johns as Dizzy Clayton, Ann Todd as Elena, Roland Culver as Richard, Elliott Mason as Mrs Hemmings, Edward Rigby, Breffni O’Rourke, Eliot Makeham, Muriel George, Allan Jeayes, Ivor Barnard, Henry B Longhurst, Bill Shine, Billy Thatcher, Brian Weeks, Leslie Dwyer, Roger Moore, and Bill Kerr.

© Derek Winnert 2021 Classic Movie Review 11,771

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Deborah Kerr and Burt.