The Happy Land Synopsis & Summary

Synopsis

An Iowa drugstore owner (Don Ameche) becomes embittered when his son is killed in World War II. The druggist believes that the boy's life was cut short before he had an opportunity to truly appreciate his existence. The grieving father is shown the error of his assumption by the ghost of his grandfather (Harry Carey), who through flashbacks details the good things about the son's short term on Earth, and the wonderful life that the druggist himself has enjoyed. Frances Dee plays Don Ameche's wife, while Ann Rutherford portrays his son's girl (who in turn is played in a flashback sequence by former Little Rascal Darla Hood). Happy Land was suitable wartime propaganda, though it doesn't play quite as movingly today. - Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Movie Info

Starring:
Don Ameche, Frances Dee, Harry Carey, Ann Rutherford, Richard Crane, Cara Williamssee more cast »
Run Time:
90 min.
Distributor(s):
20th
Production Co.:
20th Century Fox
Director(s):
Irving Pichel
Genre(s):
Drama, Fantasy, War
Themes:
Fathers and Sons, Death of a Child
Tone:
Poignant, Reflective, Tearjerking
Keywords:
death, ghost, life, pharmacist, son
Setting:
war
Time Period:
World War II
Status:

Netflix FREE Trial

Rent as many movies as you want!