It is impossible to resist a cast as great as the one in 'Daughters Courageous', part of a film series that also was made up of 'Four Daughters', 'Four Wives' and 'Four Mothers'. Of which it is the second (unofficial) one. Claude Rains, Donald Crisp, Fay Bainter, May Robson and Priscilla Lane are reasons enough to see any film on their own, so seeing them together as part of the same cast further made me excited and likely make anybody excited.
'Daughters Courageous' could have been better than it was and it has its faults, but it was also very well played and enjoyable. The entertainment and charm factors high on the most part. Compared to the other 'Four...' films, 'Daughters Courageous' isn't as good as 'Four Daughters', which delivered on almost everything apart from more development for some characters needed and one rushed subplot. It is on the same level as the solid 'Wives', which had most of the same good things with a couple of improvements and a couple of disappointments. It is also though better than 'Mothers', which was a disappointment while still watchable.
Will start with what could have been done better. Again, only found Ann properly developed of the sisters (although they are all likeable still) and generally the character writing had a lot of rushed or out-of-the-blue decision-making that didn't make sense, or at least one doesn't buy.
John Garfield to me lost the spark that he had in 'Four Daughters', he made such a big impression in that film but here what made his performance in that work so well is missing here. He was bitter but also eloquent before, here he was just mean-spirited.
However, the cast do a great job here and extract as much as they can out of their flawed character writing. Lane is charming, while Rains manages to bring likeability and dignity to a problematic character (one where one questions his motives and constantly is feeling that things don't add up). Robson brings a smile to the face, while Bainter is touching as the film's most sympathetic character. Crisp shows a stuffy exterior but deep down he shows a good heart, a kind of role that played to Crisp's strengths.
Again, 'Daughters Courageous' is well made and photographed, never elaborate but never static-looking either. Curtiz's direction is distinguished and the music score is sumptuous but never too overwrought. The script is gently amusing and sincere and the story may have felt rushed and underdeveloped (as well as lacked originality) but it is very charming, human and a relaxing watch.
On the whole, quite good but not great. 7/10
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