Close to My Heart

Close to My Heart is a 1951 American drama film, crammed with heartwarming sentiments and tangles of moral questions, offering audiences a fresh contour of what a family drama can look like. It is a black and white film directed by William Keighley, a stalwart Hollywood director primarily known for his work in the 1930s and 1940s, perhaps most notably for 'The Adventures of Robin Hood'.

The movie is a showcase of classic talents at their most radiant, with the lead performances by Ray Milland and Gene Tierney serving as the heart and soul of the film. Milland, already a decorated actor with an Oscar in his name for 'The Lost Weekend', plays Bradley Sheridan, a newspaper journalist with integrity, charm, and deep longing for fatherhood. Tierney, embodying grace and poise with her character as Midge Sheridan, is a woman of determination who has ultimately conquered the struggles with infertility with unwavering love for her husband and an ardent desire for motherhood. Fay Bainter, an eminent actress of her time, adds strength to its character roster with her supporting role.

Set in the post-war backdrop, the movie revolved around the personal and professional life of Bradley ‘Brad’ Sheridan (played by Milland), an ambitious newspaper journalist, and his wife, Midge Sheridan (played by Tierney). A loving couple whose one dream remains unfulfilled – having a child. After some failed attempts to conceive, the childless couple settles on adoption as their way towards welcoming a child into their life.

In their quest to adopt a child, the Sheridans are put through an emotional rollercoaster in a slow-paced but gripping narrative. They are faced with a complicated and often unforgiving system that questioned their capabilities as parents. In their challenge against the system, they find friendship, support, and guidance in the form of Mrs Morrow (played by Bainter), a thoughtful and understanding social worker, although bureaucratic rules often hinder their path.

The Sheridans' desperation to be parents leads them to consider adopting a child from an uncertain background. Their journey leading up to this point serves as the emotional anchor of the film, teeming with personal reckoning and heartfelt moments, showcasing the struggles, determination, and integrity of these hopeful would-be parents.

Milland delivers a sincere performance as an investigative journalist whose connection to his profession takes a significant turn when he seeks out the truth about the child they’re hoping to adopt. Tierney, on the other hand, gives a moving portrayal as the woman who quietly endures the trials and tribulations she faces in their quest to be parents. Her nuanced performance as the loving and resilient wife is a testament to her incredible acting prowess and a strong anchor to the storytelling of the film.

The script, while deeply poignant, also incorporates elements of mystery and suspense, successfully maintaining engaging courtroom drama alongside the personal turmoil of the Sheridans. The movie explores a myriad of themes - desire for parenthood, societal stigma, personal integrity, and the grit of pursuing what one deems is the best course, even when it's fraught with obstacles and scrutinities. Despite the heavy-themed narrative, there are moments of light-hearted comedy and warm exchanges, providing a blend of various emotions to the audiences.

Director Keighley, through his adept direction, brings these complex themes on the screen, using shadow and light to embody the emotional struggles of the characters. Moreover, the solid screenplay by Catherine Turney provides powerful dialogues that unveil the heartache and determination of Milland and Tierney's characters. The sober, monochromatic cinematography further accentuates the melancholic tone of the movie, showcasing the realities of a post-war society.

Close to My Heart is more than just an account of a couple's ordeal to secure a child. It serves as an exploration of the complexities faced by couples who struggle to conceive and decide to embark on a challenging journey of adoption. This film is a must-watch for those seeking cinema that marries touching drama and compelling storytelling with strong moral values. Its earnest, captivating plot, paired with the outstanding performances by the lead actors, draws audiences into the heart of the Sheridans’ struggle and leaves a long-lasting impact.