It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

Directed by John Cromwell, with a screenplay by DeWitt Bodeen and Herman J. Mankiewicz that was based on a play by Arthur Wing Pinero, this slightly above average romance drama stars Dorothy McGuire, Robert Young, Herbert Marshall, Mildred Natwick, and Spring Byington (among others). The film's Score was nominated for an Academy Award, representing the last Oscar nomination for Roy Webb.Herbert Marshall plays Major John Hillgrove, a blind pianist (due to injuries received as a pilot during World War I) who recalls this story in flashback:Laura Pennington (McGuire) was a homely young woman who found employment working for Mrs. Abigail Minnett (Natwick) when the war widow housekeeper needed a maid to help put and keep her cottage in order for a young 'about to be married' couple that wanted to rent it. The cottage, thought to be haunted, was really an enchanted one in Laura's eyes, the only part of a much larger castle-sized estate that remained and used to be rented exclusively to honeymoon couples. Mrs. Minnett discontinued the practice when her husband was killed in the war some 24 years earlier. Oliver Bradford (Young) had discovered the cottage, begged and convinced Mrs. Minnett to rent it to him, and his bride-to-be Beatrice Alexander (Hillary Brooke). Laura tells Oliver about the cottage's history and shows him where the newlyweds had etched their names on a window. However, pilot Oliver is called to fight World War II before the wedding.Oliver returns to the cottage alone one year later, after being injured and scarred, his face and emotionally, and crippled during the war. He wants to avoid all human contact, especially with Beatrice, his mother Violet (Byington) and his stepfather Freddy Price (Richard Gaines). However, he gets to know Laura, who's still living there having been earlier embarrassed at a canteen when no one wanted to dance with her; she's kind to him, understanding what it is to be ugly. Oliver is also befriended by John, who gets about with the aid of his nephew Danny (Alec Englander). In time, Oliver and Laura grow close and even marry, out of convenience, but their relationship quickly grows into true love, one that transform their views of one another into a belief that they've both become beautiful. They share this remarkable occurrence with John who, based on their description of Mrs. Minnett's reaction, understands the situation. He tells them to 'go with it', steal the moment and enjoy their good fortune.Unfortunately, both learn the truth of the matter later, when Violet and Freddy come for a visit and Oliver's mother can't help but express her pity for them both, despite John's prior preparation, warnings, and pleadings. There has been no physical transformation (something which would have been readily obvious if the couple had been touching one another, right?), though Mrs. Minnett was inspired to live in the present. But, whereas John had assumed that this information would have been the couple's undoing, it doesn't affect them. Both realize that the real miracle is their love, and they scratch their names on the window. The final scene, back in 'present' times, shows John playing the piano at a party; he'd been waiting for the Bradfords to arrive. Oliver and Laura get there, but they stop and kiss at the door before entering (and the film ends before they do).

I liked this movie a bunch. Not sure why this is supposed to be such a rare occurrence that when people fall in love their entire aura, persona, appearance completely changes in an instant. And this is not just for lovers, it also happens with close friends, professional and even casual acquaintances. Apologies folks but seeing beauty as a result of uplifting fine inner qualities is not a new concept or one to be forgiven.Enchantment is a veritable experience and most are very grateful to feel the warm envelopment of these most elevated moments. For most of us they are transient, the lucky few, a lifetime. I have never lost hope of this message because it has occurred to me many many times. It is one of the reasons I live for. I have only seen one other film that addresses this concept, "Winter's Tale" with Colin Farrel. Also, an enjoyable fantasy love theme.High recommend for hopeful romantics and those who see beyond their eyes.

I'm very pleased to see that this film gets a good strong rating, even though it is not well known. It is a favorite movie of mine.There is one thing I must criticize -- the outdoor sets are so fake looking...but then again, most of the action takes place inside.As the film begins, we meet a blind man (Herbert Marshall) out walking with his grandson. They come across Laura Pennington (Dorothy McGuire), who is about to visit Mrs. Minnett (Mildred Natwick). Natwick owns a cottage that is used only for newlyweds, and McGuire is going to work for her. McGuire is very, very plain looking...perhaps homely...which is interestingly done primarily through harsh shadows and unkempt hair.Soon, Oliver Bradford (Robert Young) and his fiancée (Hillary Brooke) come to look at the cottage, but Natwick senses that their upcoming marriage will be interrupted by WWII, in which Young will be a flyer. Indeed, Young crashes before the marriage and is disfigured with a scar and a lower lip that looks as it might if one had a stroke (quite well done). Young goes to the cottage, but without his fiancée, and he refuses to communicate with his relatives. McGuire interrupts him as he is about to commit suicide. Of course, over time they fall in love and marry.And, as their love deepens, they become handsome/beautiful again. And then, Young's mother and second husband come to visit, and Young and McGuire learn that they are still homely and disfigured. But, Herbert Marshall counsels them and they realize all they need is their love.Robert Young is excellent here...undoubtedly his best screen effort. Indeed, he once said this was the finest love story of all time, and named one of his homes "The Enchanted Cottage". Young may have been more ingratiating in "Father Knows Best", but this is a very fine screen performance.Dorothy McGuire is also excellent. She is a much underrated actress, and this may very well be her finest role, as well.This may have been the first role in which I really took note of Herbert Marshall. He's excellent here...as he almost always was...and he is very convincing as a blind man (with the help of some special contact lenses).Mildred Natwick has one especially fine scene here.I usually give an "8" only to occasional "big" movies, and this is not a "big" movie. But it is truly enchanting. It's on my DVD shelf, and it gets a solid "8".

It has been quite a few years since seeing this movie, which is a shame since I am such a fan. This movie was appropriately released at the end of WWII, as many military men were returning from war. No doubt the theme of a disfigured veteran was very relative to many of them, and their families.This is a very heartwarming tale. Some will think it very melodramatic and sentimental, but I find it very endearing and sweet. Young's character is very arrogant and rude to begin with, then becomes very bitter after the accident. He plays both extremes quite well. It is interesting to see these characters as they are transformed by the very powerful effects of love.