Forever and a Day (1943)

When a group of legendary filmmakers and actors decided to produce a motion picture that would pay tribute to the people of their native England during World War II, the result was this highly entertaining spectacle. A broad, sweeping tale, FOREVER AND A DAY tells the story of a London mansion and its many occupants from 1804 through World War II. In the process, the film also demonstrates how a house--and, by extension, England itself--is able to survive despite war and other outside threats. Most specifically, the film deals with the Trimbles and the Pomfrets, two bickering families who have nonetheless spawned generations of romance between each other's offspring. In a series of flashbacks, the home's entire history is explained, culminating in a union between two more Trimble-Pomfret descendants. With almost 80 characters, 22 screenwriters, and 7 directors--including René Clair, Edmund Goulding, and Frank Lloyd--FOREVER AND A DAY feels like a surprisingly unified work, that can almost certainly be attributed to each contributor's sincere belief in the project. Featuring standout performances from C. Aubrey Smith, Ida Lupino, and Ray Milland, this inspiring drama proves that collaborations under the right conditions--and for the right reasons--can result in works of glowing entertainment.