Happy Land

A Beautiful Portrayal of an America Far, Far Away
Seventy years ago America was a different place. Even though this film might appear to be dated or sentimental to some, it does portray the values of a time that is no more. What a powerful impact this must have made in 1943 when families were losing their sons all over America. Don Ameche and Frances Dee give moving performances and the story moves along at a very natural pace. If you want to see what small towns were like and what was important to us in the early 1940s, pay close attention to this film, and be prepared to shed a few tears.

A Beautiful Film About America
This film is one I intend to keep because it's a beautiful story about America. It gives a portrayal of what life was like in the 30's and 40's.

First Rate Morale Booster
I went into this film with a little trepidation. I was born in the Sixties and I've never known war or the kind of war my parents' generation knew. A lot of these films designed to firm the resolve of the home front were good pieces for their time but would seem dated or clichéd today. "Happy Land" quelled my reservations. It begins with a father(Don Ameche) mourning the loss of his son in combat. Through the course of the film the father goes through the various stages of the grieving. He doesn't get over the loss but begins accepting the reality and goes forth knowing that his son didn't die in vain. The film earns its tears honestly. The sentiments and the emotions portrayed are real. There has never been a more just conflict like the Second World War but the message of "Happy Land" can be applied to present or future engagements.

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