Step into the poignant world of World War II New Zealand with “Until They Sail,” a gripping war romance drama from 1957, now beautifully colorized for a modern audience. Directed by Robert Wise and featuring an all-star cast, this film weaves together the lives of four sisters as they find love, face tragedy, and confront the realities of war. Perfect for fans of classic cinema and historical dramas, this HD download brings a deeply moving piece of film history to your screen.
“Until They Sail” opens in a Christchurch courtroom, where Barbara Leslie (Jean Simmons) is prompted to recall the tumultuous events that led to the present trial. Barbara and her sisters—Anne (Joan Fontaine), Evelyn (Sandra Dee), and Delia (Piper Laurie)—live in Christchurch, a town where most men, including their brother Kit and Barbara’s new husband Mark, are preparing to leave for World War II duty157.
Delia’s engagement to local bachelor Phil “Shiner” Friskett is announced, but the joy is short-lived as news of Kit’s death arrives. While Anne disapproves of Delia’s marriage, Barbara stands by her sister. Soon, the sisters suffer under Shiner’s abusive behavior and are relieved when he is called to active duty. Delia moves to Wellington to seek independence and work for the New Zealand Navy.
With the arrival of American Marines after Pearl Harbor, the sisters’ lives are forever changed. Loneliness and longing draw them into relationships with the soldiers. Anne sends Barbara to check on Delia, who is now involved with an American lieutenant and planning to divorce Shiner for a new life in the United States. Barbara, struggling with her own feelings for Marine Captain Jack Harding (Paul Newman), navigates the complexities of love, loyalty, and loss157.
The story builds to a tragic climax with Delia’s murder by her estranged husband, leading to a courtroom drama that exposes family secrets and tests the sisters’ bonds. Ultimately, Barbara, after much reflection, decides to start anew with Jack, symbolizing hope and renewal after the devastation of war.
“Until They Sail” features a remarkable ensemble of Hollywood talents:
Jean Simmons as Barbara Leslie Forbes
Joan Fontaine as Anne Leslie
Paul Newman as Captain Jack Harding
Piper Laurie as Delia Leslie Friskett
Charles Drake as Captain Richard Bates
Sandra Dee as Evelyn Leslie
Wally Cassell as Phil “Shiner” Friskett
Alan Napier as Prosecution Attorney
“Until They Sail” is a war romance drama with elements of family saga and courtroom intrigue. The film explores themes of love, loss, resilience, and the impact of war on personal lives189.
Set during World War II in New Zealand, “Until They Sail” offers a unique perspective on the home front, where women’s lives were upended by the absence of men and the arrival of foreign soldiers. The film captures the emotional turmoil, social changes, and personal sacrifices experienced by families during wartime158.
Based on a story by James A. Michener, the film is both a romance and a social commentary, highlighting the complexities of wartime relationships and the challenges faced by women left behind15.
This colorized version of “Until They Sail” has been meticulously restored using advanced digital techniques. The process involved carefully analyzing the original black-and-white footage and assigning period-appropriate colors to each scene. The result is a visually stunning film that brings the era’s costumes, settings, and emotions to life for contemporary audiences.
The colorization enhances the emotional depth of the story, making the characters’ struggles and triumphs even more vivid and relatable.
Director: Robert Wise
Screenplay: Robert Anderson
Based on: Story by James A. Michener (from Return to Paradise anthology)
Cinematography: Joseph Ruttenberg
Edited by: Harold F. Kress
Music by: David Raksin
Production Company: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Runtime: 94 minutes
Download Format: MP4
Resolution: HD (1080p)
Compatibility: Compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
“Until They Sail” was well-received for its emotional storytelling and strong performances, particularly from Jean Simmons and Joan Fontaine. The film is noted for its sensitive portrayal of women’s experiences during wartime and its exploration of complex family dynamics89.
While not as widely remembered as some other classics of the era, “Until They Sail” remains a compelling drama for fans of historical romance and family sagas. Its legacy endures as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Q: Is “Until They Sail” based on a true story?
A: It is based on a fictional story by James A. Michener, inspired by real events and experiences during World War II.
Q: Who are the main stars of “Until They Sail”?
A: The film stars Jean Simmons, Joan Fontaine, Paul Newman, Piper Laurie, Charles Drake, and Sandra Dee.
Q: Is this version of “Until They Sail” colorized?
A: Yes, this version has been professionally colorized to enhance the viewing experience.
Q: What makes “Until They Sail” special for classic film fans?
A: The film offers a unique perspective on WWII, focusing on the lives of women and the emotional impact of war.
Q: What is the download format?
A: The download format is MP4, which is compatible with most devices.
Q: What resolution is the download?
A: The resolution is HD (1080p), providing a high-quality viewing experience.
Experience the Heart and Drama of “Until They Sail” Today!