The Return of October

The Return of October, released in 1948, is a whimsical and festive movie directed by Joseph H. Lewis that skillfully mixes comedy with fantasy elements, thus giving the audience an enjoyable cinematic journey. The film stars some notable Hollywood veterans including the charismatic Glenn Ford, the delightful Terry Moore, and the talented Albert Sharpe. The movie comes from a storyline by William Sackheim and adaptation by Melvin Frank and Norman Panama.

The central plot focuses on love, faith, and an unusual sports prophecy. The story revolves around the life of a young and vivacious university student and the touching bond she shares with her spirited and sceptic uncle, masterfully portrayed by Terry Moore and Glenn Ford.

Terry Moore plays the role of Terry Ramsey whose family has a prized possession, an ex-racehorse named 'October'. The horse, belonging to Terry’s late father, had once even triumphed on the racing tracks but since then has led a calm and quiet life. The horse holds a special place in Terry’s heart as her father once prophesized that October would sire a colt that would win the Kentucky Derby.

The plot takes a twist when October only breeds once a year in the Excelsior Hotel, making the prophecy's fulfillment an amusingly complex task. The wait is longer than one may presume as the horse's breeding season returns only during the month of October. However, having grown up believing in her father's prophecy, Terry remains hopeful.

The skeptical and pragmatic character is Terry's uncle, Turner, played by Glenn Ford. He seems to come with more rational thinking, finding his niece's faith somewhat ‘'nonsensical” and always tries to reason with her when the topic surfaces. Nonetheless, he lovingly tolerates Terry's unwavering belief in her father’s prophecy in spite of its implausible nature. Turner's skepticism and Terry's belief create a comedic and yet warm-hearted dynamic between the two.

The relationship between Turner and Terry strengthens the storyline. It demonstrates a surreal charm of innocent belief against the odds, leading to a captivating and enjoyable viewing experience. The interaction between the characters, their humor, and their warmth comes off as genuine and enhances the movie.

Glenn Ford, one of Hollywood's most enduring stars, gives a delightful performance as Uncle Turner, blending humor and empathy skillfully. His portrayal of the kindly skeptic uncle shows his depth as an actor. Terry Moore delivers an impressive and endearing performance as the believing and hopeful niece. The chemistry between Ford and Moore sparkles on screen, weaving a charming narrative that captures the heart.

The seasoned Irish actor Albert Sharpe plays the character of Cornelius, adding generous amounts of wit and humor to the movie. His portrayal sets the stage for many funny situations throughout the film, helping maintain the light-hearted comedy that forms the narrative's backbone.

The art direction of The Return of October is commendable, effectively capturing the 1940's essence, blending rural and urban landscapes intriguingly and accurately. The beautifully decorated sets enhance the mood of every scene, from the stable to the posh Excelsior Hotel. The cinematography and the direction skillfully present the comedy and the fantasy elements, creating a visually appealing movie with a charm all its own.

The Return of October is a film that skillfully blends whimsy and humor, wrapped around an unusual storyline involving a horse, a prophecy, and unwavering belief, creating a heartwarming comedy. It's a delightful cinematic experience that leaves the audience feeling good, making it a classic worth revisiting.