Did you people see the same film I saw?

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

If one likes old fashioned warm and fuzzy stories look no further than "Apartment for Peggy" from that magical post WWII (1948) time where Hollywood, for a tear in time, delivered such fare with aplomb.The great character actor Edmund Gwenn brings to life crusty professor Henry Barnes delightfully regaling the viewer here. Gwenn, in his twilight, has suddenly become iconic as the previous year he became the consummate Santa Claus (Kriss Kringle) in what was destined to become the perennial favorite Miracle on 34th Street. Fresh from winning an Academy Award his talents shine. That would be quite enough, but there's much more "gold". That would be actress Jeanne Crain as the young pregnant bride Peggy Taylor. She's the perfect actress for Gwenn to "bounce off" of…A worthy co-star full-on in her unique presence. Crain's Jeanne not only shares Gwenn's superlative performance, but almost eclipses it. Crain is a force of nature supporting her husband, Jason played by a young William Holden,as a budding student, and hopeful professor. as well as resurrecting Gwenn's Henry Crain. She forces him to understand folding up and quitting isn't an option as Crain is openly considering exiting this world. Not actually knowing his suicide plan she senses he has failed to embrace his final chapter in the proper way. It's a game-changer for Henry Barnes who discovers renewed purpose, even enjoying his new role as a support structure for the young couple as well as a teacher to another generation of needy brides supporting their husband's academic pursuits. What could be maudlin becomes heartwarming and redeeming even with another sad turn late in the story.So, in spite the heavy themes presented lightly here this movie rewards the viewer by not striking one over the head, but by pure entertainment. Life's meaning as brought forth by serving, and loving, each other, even through sacrifice. This is the joy of living and Apartment for Peggy delivers it warmly.

Jeanne Crain is a breathlessly talkative expectant mother who lives with her husband, a former soldier, in a trailer; she chances to meet retired professor Edmund Gwenn, who feels his mundane, monotone existence means retreating from this world, but he goes along with her plan to let the couple temporarily move into his attic. The perfect example of what they used to call 'whimsical comedy'; despite a clumsy start, it still seems heartfelt today, perhaps even meaningful. Gwenn conveys the most complex emotions simply by wordless expression, and Crain's exuberance grows on you (she's better though in her quieter moments). With these two front and center, William Holden ends up playing third wheel, but his solid, masculinely amiable presence is a nice counterpoint to kooky Crain and he also has some fine scenes alone with Gwenn. The gentlemen in Gwenn's musical troupe are all wonderful, and the writing and direction, while primed for audience approval, genuinely work wonders with what might've been a stale set-up. This tear-jerker is a true gem. ***1/2 from ****

Wonderful movie set in the post-World War II period. Prof. Henry Barnes (Edmund Gwenn) is a widowed professor living in a large faculty house, and wishing death would end his lonely existence. Peggy is the bride of a WWII veteran, one of many attending college under the GI Bill. Post-war housing is at a premium,, especially for struggling Vets, but someone remembers that Prof. Barnes had an extra room, and sends Peggy to see if she can rent it. The Prof. Barnes' protests are overwhelmed by Peggy's determination to make a real home for her husband, and soon the professor has a family of sorts. Great period piece, with many warm characters. Strong performances by Gwenn and Crain. Also serves as an excellent illustration of "The Greatest Generation" right after they came home and began settling back into society.Another wonderful movie that should have been made into a video and DVD long ago.

Jeannie Crain (Peggy) "Pinky" '49 and William Holden(Jason) "Sabrina"'54 showed how a young couple with just love in their hearts for each other can overcome all materialistic problems in life and still strive to obtain a college degree. However, they needed the help of Edmund Gweenn, (Professor Henry Barnes)"Miracle on 34th St." '47(Santa Claus) and Gene Lockhart(Prof. Edward Bell),father of Gene Lockhart,who gave excellent supporting roles. If you get a chance to view this film on TV, it is a film to view and enjoy even in the 21 Century, where young people have the same struggles to pay the high costs of getting a simple college education even in the late 1940's.