Mrs. Miniver

William Wyler's spirited and uplifting 1942 wartime drama—adapted from a collection of newspaper columns by Jan Struther about a fictional British family—begins with a look at the carefree existence of the Minivers just before the outbreak of World War II. While matriarch Kay (Greer Garson) and husband Clem (Walter Pidgeon) fuss over buying a new car or hat, and elder son Vin (Richard Ney) ponders the unfairness of the class system as he courts Carol (Teresa Wright)—the granddaughter of a local noble family—Germany is pushing Europe to the brink of war. When Britain enters the conflict, the Minivers' comfortable world darkens considerably, with German bombing raids, Vin's enlistment in the Royal Air Force, and Clem's involvement in dangerous volunteer work. Wyler effectively contrasts rising dangers at home against the characters' resolve to maintain as normal a life as possible, serving up several harrowing scenes—including one set in a cellar as bombs explode everywhere, and another in a car driving beneath enemy aircraft. But equally strong are such tender moments as an awards ceremony at a garden competition and the easy banter between Kay and Clem in the shelter of their bedroom at night. Garson and Wright both won Oscars for their performances, while the film itself won Best Picture. Making a welcome debut on Blu-ray, extras include a vintage newsreel, the 1942 Tex Avery cartoon “Blitz Wolf”, and two WWII-era shorts. Highly recommended. (T. Keogh)