Matrimony Matters: Never Say Goodbye (1946)

www.sharethefiles.com

Due to dating his work and his mother-in-law's snide comments, Phillip Gayley (Errol Flynn) and his wife Ellen (Eleanor Parker) have been divorced for 1 year. As all divorces do, their separation has affected their 7- year- old daughter Phillippa,a.k.a "Flip"(Patti Brady).Although bright and mature beyond her years, flip-flopping between her parents every 6 months is not her idea of recess. In the meantime, she takes comfort in her acting with her father and being a pen pal to a Marine named Fenwick (Forrest Tucker).

On the 1st anniversary of their divorce, and bi-annual trade of Flip, Phillip decides to ask Ellen out to dinner (as they are both still wildly in love).Their date goes beautifully until run into his latest "muse" Nancy Graham (Peggy Knudsen).After that disaster, Ellen feels that reconciliation with Phillip may be to good to be true. Unfortunately that date is only one of many roadblocks of them getting back together.Ellen's mother attempts to hook her up with Rex; the attorney who filed their divorce! Nancy is still trying to win the title of "Mrs.Gayley". The real mayhem begins when Fenwick, Flip's Marine, comes to visit.This would be great if he knew who wrote those letters of longing, but he assumes that it's Ellen and is highly smitten with her! Using this as an opportunity to make her husband jealous,she is successful. This triumph is only short lived and causes Phil to give up. Now it's up to Flip (with the help of a few friends) to reunite her parents.

There are many reason's to enjoy this sweet love story.The storyline isn't a masterpiece,but definitely enjoyable (If you can't tell, I'm a sucker for marriage/relationship reconciliation stories). I think what makes it for me, is the cast. Errol Flynn,usually cast as a hero in many other films, shows his natural knack for comedy in the "Santa Clause" and "Tough Guy/ Humphrey Bogart" scene. (According to IMDb,the voice over was actually done by Humphrey Bogart!) I enjoyed his scenes with Eleanor Parker but loved the scenes with him and Patti "Flip" Brady.They play off of each other so well, especially during the "Luncheon scene" at Luigi's. Supporting cast does an awesome job including Hattie McDaniel (Cozy)and the ever lovable S.Z "Cuddles" Sakall as Luigi. Hope you enjoy this Warner Brothers classic.

Roll Film,

Neah B