Seven Days Leave

Seven Days Leave is a romantic comedy from 1942, directed by Tim Whelan, and starring Victor Mature, Lucille Ball, and Harold Peary. It follows the story of a soldier named Johnny Grey (played by Mature) who is given a one-week leave from his duties during World War II. Johnny's main objective is to see his girlfriend, Terry (played by Ball), who lives in New York City.

However, things don't go quite as planned for Johnny. When he arrives in New York, he discovers that Terry has moved on and is now engaged to someone else. Heartbroken and alone, Johnny wanders the city in search of comfort and companionship. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including a nightclub singer named Candy (played by Marcy McGuire) and a radio announcer named Luther (played by Peary).

Despite the setbacks and disappointments, Johnny remains determined to make the most of his seven days leave. He engages in a series of adventures and exploits, trying to enjoy his limited time in the city as much as possible. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about life, love, and the importance of cherishing the moments we have.

One of the central themes of Seven Days Leave is the concept of making the most of our time. Johnny knows that his leave is limited, and he tries to cram as much experience into those seven days as possible. This urgency gives the film a sense of energy and excitement that propels the story forward. We feel a kinship with Johnny as he tries to squeeze every last drop of joy out of his brief time in New York.

The film is also notable for its comedic performances. Victor Mature is great as the hapless but lovable Johnny Grey, and he brings a sense of humor and vulnerability to the role. Lucille Ball is equally charming as Terry, and her interactions with Mature are some of the film's highlights. Harold Peary, best known for his work on the radio show The Great Gildersleeve, is hilarious as the boisterous Luther. He steals every scene he's in and provides a lot of the film's laughs.

Seven Days Leave is also notable for its portrayal of wartime America. While the war is never shown directly, its impact is felt throughout the film. Johnny's leave is a brief respite from his duties as a soldier, and he is acutely aware of the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, the other characters in the film are all touched in some way by the war effort. This gives the film a sense of realism and weight, making it a compelling snapshot of a specific moment in history.

Overall, Seven Days Leave is an enjoyable and uplifting film. It's not a deep or profound work, but it's a lot of fun to watch. The performances are excellent, the comedy is sharp, and the romance is sweet. In a way, the film is a celebration of life, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still joy to be found. For that reason alone, it's worth watching.