The Enchanted Cottage

This is one of my all time favorites….and after having seen it years ago, it is a must have movie for my collection. I even named my little guest house….The Enchanted Cottage…after this lovely story.

Love it

"The Enchanted Cottage" is a film I have eagerly waited for on DVD. I had always hoped it might turn up in a Dorothy McGuire or Robert Young boxed set with lots of extras included. Unfortunately, these two deserving stars have never been awarded their own boxed sets and I doubt they ever will. It didn't really matter how it got released I just kept watching to see if it would turn up on DVD. The fact that it is on DVD-R isn't really an issue with me but the DVD does have some other problems I'll address later.I remember discovering "The Enchanted Cottage" when it aired one afternoon on one of my local TV stations. I started watching it, not having any expectations, and before I knew it I was totally engrossed in the film. It was one of those classic movies that makes you feel like you have been on a wonderful journey where you have met special characters that you came to care about and when it's over you feel truly uplifted. I didn't see the film again until it was on the old AMC channel (when they used to show the RKO film library). I sat down wondering if the movie would have the same effect on me again (actually not expecting it to) and was happily surprised to find myself enjoying it every bit as much as I did the first time. I have since it enjoyed it a few times on TCM.I don't want to get into a synopsis of the movie because other reviewers have already done so. What I want to mention is the quality of the actors in the film. I can't imagine "The Enchanted Cottage" having been half as good without the lead actors it has. Dorothy McGuire as the homely Laura Pennington really tugs at your heart strings. McGuire is a very underrated actress who, sadly, isn't as well remembered as some of her contemporaries. She could convey so much emotion through a look in her eyes or a simple facial expression. That's why, I am sure, she was selected to star in 1946s "The Spiral Staircase" where, as a mute, she had to do all her acting with her expressions. Robert Young is also outstanding as the disfigured pilot, Oliver Bradford. Young had a long film career but, like McGuire, isn't remembered for his film roles as much as his contemporaries, such as Jimmy Stewart or Henry Fonda. Young is best remembered as the congenial dad in the 1950s TV series "Father Knows Best". "The Enchanted Cottage" probably contains Young's best screen performance. The film also includes the versatile character actor Herbert Marshall as the blind composer John Hillgrove. Marshall is one of my favorite supporting players and he always gave great performances. Rounding out the cast are Mildred Natwick, Spring Byington and Hillary Brooke.Now for the bad news. This Warner Archives release is one of the most disappointing DVDs I have ever purchased from a major studio. I was expecting a pristine clean transfer of the film. The print they used for this release is very battered with loads of film artifacts throughout. Warner usually does such a great job but they screwed up on this one.I am giving the film five stars because I think all classic film lovers should see it but the poor print used only earns two stars. This wonderful movie deserves a much better release.

I first watched this movie a few years ago on TCM. Immediately fell in love with the story and characters. Not certain if the TCM film had been restored or not. We all have our foibles and flaws whether they are external or internal. Circumstances beyond our control may impede how we live and perceive our personal world as well as the world around us. For me this movie is a reminder of being able to value ourselves as well as others to surpass our limitations and remember the Beauty of the gift of life. The ending is both heart warming and hopeful. Only wish the visual quality was a bit better. Watching it makes me smile and no have the ability to see it whenever I want to!

Few habitable remnants of a New England cottage were spared from the flames of a devastating fire. Some claim that what remains is now haunted and occupied/owned by a reclusive witch, Ms. Minnett (Mildred Natwick). For over a century, the cottage had been rented to honeymooners who resided there in the heights of passion, and within its walls sweethearts swore eternal love to one another. Indeed, their spirits and memories continue to dwell in this sacred abode. But, tragedy changes happiness to disenchantment when the newly-wed Minnett's lives are abruptly subjected to the horrors of war, namely her lover's demise, which leaves Ms. Minnett a bitter, cold widow haunted with loneliness and sadness, just as the dilapidated cottage appears to the typical passerby.Yet, 25 years later, there is one who dreams of the cottage's charming powers--perhaps keeping them alive--the terribly homely Laura Pennington (Dorothy McGuire), a thoughtful, sensitive local girl who grew up fascinated by legends of love associated with Ms. Minnett's humble home. She believes it's enchanted rather than haunted and articulates the nuances that distinguish the two terms. Additionally, Ms. Minnett seems to foresee that magic is imminent once again in the cottage when she invites Laura to work there for room and board and wages.The synopsis above describes the history of the cottage and events that take place within the first 15 minutes of the story. But honestly, these descriptions nor any others truly do justice to The Enchanted Cottage (1945) compared to experiencing it firsthand. This film is a cinematic masterpiece and evokes more emotion than any other movie that comes to mind. McGuire gives a breath-taking performance that wrenches the heart and soul. Seriously, have a box of tissues on hand before pressing play. God, I absolutely love McGuire's voice and performance--both enchanting in their own right. What an excellent, excellent, excellent and utterly profound film!Warner Brothers Archive Collection version of The Enchanted Cottage on DVD was released in 2010. Aspect ratio is 4:3, picture and sound quality are good (although not immaculate), and no subtitles or extras are included. Nevertheless, this movie was well worth the $12 paid.

Wonderful old gem. Should take lessons for today’s offerings

Works in English perfectly. Much better than the DVDR sold by other sellers, which have sections of the movie missing. This legit version has the entire movie and is in good quality for the movie's age.

The picture was poor and intermittent stopping

Diferente por tratar el amor entre personas no atractivas con realismo. Me ha gustado más de lo que esperaba y hace pensar en el materialismo del culto al cuerpo, enorme en estos días.Apacible y cuidada. recomendada.

Received my movie today...a week early! And it is exactly as it was advertised, in great condition! Such a beautiful and well-done classic...one that I'll watch again and again! Thank you!