THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946) Peace is hell

THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES follows the stories of three World War II vets struggling to adjust to post-war life in the same small hometown. Each battles his own demons, and each in his own way manages to conquer them. The acting, writing, interlaced subplots, direction (William Wyler), and music – all are superb. And I'm never failed to be moved by its palpable and perfect sense of time and place – and depth of emotion. Two knockout performances: Theresa Wright, as the daughter of one of the soldiers who falls in love with another; and Harold Russell, as a struggling vet who really had lost both arms in combat.