Smilin' Through
On the day of his wedding, Sir John Carteret's fiancée, Moonyeen, is killed by a jealous rival named Jeremy, leaving him emotionally devastated. Carteret spends three decades in seclusion, mostly communing with the spirit of Moonyeen, until he learns that her niece, Kathleen, has become an orphan. He adopts and raises the child as his own but is alarmed when, as a young woman, she falls in love with the son of Moonyeen's murderer.
Insights
Plot Summary
Kathleen, a young Irish woman, is heartbroken when her fiancé, Edmund, is killed in a tragic accident on the eve of their wedding. Years later, she falls in love with Kenneth, a man who bears a striking resemblance to Edmund. She must confront her lingering grief and learn to open her heart again to find true happiness.
Critical Reception
Smilin' Through was a significant box office success and received positive reviews, particularly for Norma Shearer's performance. It was praised for its romantic melodrama and emotional depth, becoming one of MGM's most successful films of the year.
What Reviewers Say
- Norma Shearer delivers a poignant and compelling performance as a woman torn by grief and love.
- The film's romantic melodrama and emotional themes resonated strongly with audiences.
- Visually, the film is adept at conveying both the joy of love and the sorrow of loss.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this early film is not readily available.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Norma Shearer won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her work in multiple films during this year, including Smilin' Through.
Fun Fact
The film was Norma Shearer's first for MGM after she became the studio's top star and was produced by Irving Thalberg, her husband.
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