Errol Flynn had quite a gift for comedy that was sadly rarely exploited. Given the right material this film demonstrates that he could have happily been quite at home in Cary Grant style, gentle comedies. Out of his various forays into the genre this is certainly the best. Patti Brady gives a fine performance in the child part and Eleanor Parker looks simply stunning throughout the film. An added bonus is the wonderful Hattie McDaniel who is sadly underused in this film- a welcome presence none the less. Flynn carries off his comedic duties with the same easy style that he brought to his swashbuckling roles. The fact that he makes it look like it's easy doesn't mean that it is. A super little family comedy, great for the Christmas period or any other time you feel like being cheered up.
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d-dubery13 February 2006
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blanche-222 June 2008Errol Flynn is a highly successful commercial artist trying to reconcile with his ex-wife (Eleanor Parker) in "Never Say Goodbye," a 1946 comedy featuring Patti Brady, S.Z. Zakal, Lucile Watson, Hattie McDaniel and Donald Woods. Phil Gayley's (Flynn) philandering (he draws beautiful women in swimsuits) caused the breakup with his former wife Ellen. As a result, their 8-year-old daughter Phillipa (Brady), whose nickname is Flip, spends six months with her father in New York City and six months with her mother, who also lives in New York City. Flip wants her parents back together in one place. They want it, too, but every time it's about to happen, a woman shows up because Phil forgot he made a date with her. Then a marine (Forrest Tucker) comes to town, eager to meet the woman who has been writing to him. It's Flip, with the help of a book and the typing of her nanny (McDaniel). There was one other helper - Phil, who when Flip wanted to send her photo, suggested she send her mother's instead. The marines land just at the right time, when Ellen is out to give Phil a dose of his own medicine.
This is a rather silly script that is helped immensely by a fine supporting cast, the incredible charm of Errol Flynn and the loveliness - and gorgeous gowns -- of Eleanor Parker. She is stunning in this movie, and, as a fan of hers, why her star didn't burn brighter in Hollywood is beyond me. Flynn was wonderful in light comedy, and many people believe it was the right niche for him. The problem is, other actors did comedy as well or better, and Flynn's swashbuckling/adventure work is exceptional. However, it's always fun to see him in something different. His Bogart imitation is suspiciously good; that's because Bogart dubbed the voice. In "Never Say Goodbye," he is just beginning to show a little dissipation around the edges; the major part of his career would be over four years later. It was too short a run.
As others have mentioned, the best part of the film occurs with the appearance of Forrest Tucker, so young he's practically unrecognizable. In fact, he's 27! Worth seeing for the cast. -
While I can't say too much for the script, NEVER SAY GOODBYE proves that Warner Bros. should have let ERROL FLYNN have his way with playing comedies more frequently. After a weak start with FOOTSTEPS IN THE DARK, they decided he was better off as the stalwart hero of adventure films instead. But his performance here is a genuine delight.
And FORREST TUCKER as a big Marine lug who thinks ELEANOR PARKER has written him letters during his war service, is another big surprise. His handling of the lovable Marine is downright enjoyable without an excessive amount of mugging. He ambles through the part with authority and the sort of restraint that makes the part just believable enough.
Otherwise, the script is on the uninspired side--with little Patty Brady as a girl who wants her parents (Flynn and his ex-wife Eleanor Parker) to reunite. Naturally all of her plans make for the mishaps and misunderstandings until all ends well.
On the down side, there are a few unfunny scenes during a restaurant rendezvous, but the best part of the film is ahead once Forrest Tucker shows up. From then on, it takes on a breezier style.
Donald Woods has his usual thankless role as the suitor Eleanor is thinking of as marriage material and Lucille Watson does a nice turn as her mother who disapproves of her ex-son-in-law.
Nothing special but it passes the time pleasantly and shows Flynn did have a gift for comedy. His Bogart act is priceless. -
This film stars Errol Flynn and Eleanor Parker as a reluctantly divorced couple whose seven-year old daughter, Flip, desperately wants to see back together. In this film, you get the sense that it was Parker's mother who pushed for the divorce voicing her constant suspicions about Flynn--suspicions which stemmed from Flynn's career as a commercial artist. Errol agrees with Flip and wants nothing more than to win Parker back.
Sure, it's not an award contender and it's not even among Flynn or Parker's best performances, but I love this film. It's fluffy, it's sappy, but whatever. I enjoy it. Flynn sings in the film. He dresses like Santa. He participates in a parody of the mirror scene in Duck Soup. He does a hilarious Bogart impression (which Bogart's real voice dubbed in). Parker is gorgeous. Flynn is gorgeous. Flip is funny. SZ Sakall is funny. Hattie McDaniel is funny. It's just a great feel good minor classic Christmas film. I'd recommend it. -
TheLittleSongbird23 August 2020The premise is one of those that could go either way of charming and fun or corny and over-sentimental. Yet, after it appeared as a recommendation here, 'Never Say Goodbye' immediately had me intrigued reading up on it. Have always liked Errol Flynn in his swashbuckling adventure roles and seeing him do comedy was a big interest point. The rest of the cast are a very talented bunch, including Eleanor Parker, Lucile Watson and SZ Sackall.
'Never Say Goodbye' didn't disappoint me and it turned out, despite not being perfect, to exceed my quite high expectations. It is a lovely film and deserves to be a lot better known, proving that Flynn could indeed do comedy very well and should have had more chances to show that. After seeing a fair share of disappointing films recently and going through a difficult period health-wise, 'Never Say Goodbye' was something of a breath of fresh air.
Maybe it is a little too sickly sweet to begin with, one can feel and taste the sugar at the beginning. The ending also felt a little too easy and safe, it certainly wraps things up so that was good but it does so too neatly.
Anybody that criticises 'Never Say Goodbye' as being cliched is right, it is cliched and in a somewhat recycled way. Donald Woods has a thankless role and is pretty bland in it.
However, it is really difficult to be too hard on 'Never Say Goodbye'. Flynn is his usual dashing self, while also showing ounces of charm and energy and with no signs of being taxed in comedy. Parker doesn't have as interesting a role, but she is also very charming. Patti Brady is adorable and just about avoids being too cloying, apart from at the start perhaps, and doesn't overplay the precociousness. Watson does snobbish beautifully, with force and acid wit, while Hattie McDaniel is both amusing and endearing. Sakall is a lot of fun and Forrest Tucker is beautifully restrained and reassuring. The characters are ones that may be stereotypes but aren't thin or personality-free ones, Woods excepted, and they are worth rooting for. Tucker's character is so loveable.
Really liked the writing on the most part, even if it is not the most original or inspired it to me was at least written well. The humour is breezily timed and very amusing (hilarious in the case of the mirror scene parody that would make the Marx Brothers proud) and the sentiment is sincere, warms the heart and tugs at the heart-strings. The pace is bright and breezy and the chemistry between the cast is beautifully done. It's directed with a loving and not too heavy hand, and handles the comedy, sentiment and cuteness well. The film is very nicely shot as well.
In conclusion, a more than worthwhile watch and underseen regardless of its flaws. 7/10 -
blckb536421 November 2009This movie is a hidden gem. I can't understand why this movie doesn't get more air time. Errol and Eleanor Parker make for a real attractive and dashing couple. And their chemistry is impeccable. I really liked the touch of his daughters reference to him as being her Robin Hood. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Errol Flynn. It's nice to see Errol playing a father as well. By all accounts from his very own children, he was a very attentive and loving father in real life. Also, the supporting cast is wonderful as well. You can't go wrong with supporting players such as Hattie McDaniel and Lucile Watson. Hattie McDaniel makes a movie that much better from the get-go. This movie has now become a Holiday tradition in my home. Enjoy!!!
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bkoganbing17 December 2009Never Say Goodbye was one of three films Errol Flynn did for Warner Brothers where apparently Jack Warner tried to change his action hero image somewhat and broaden his appeal. No doubt at the behest of Flynn himself who was complaining to Jack Warner the same way Tyrone Power was doing over at 20th Century Fox with Darryl Zanuck.
Errol's a little less than heroic here, just your average divorced father who happens to be a commercial artist. He and Eleanor Parker have been divorced a couple of years now, but daughter Patti Brady so wants them back together again, especially as a Christmas wish.
Errol's willing enough, but he's got some stiff competition in the persons of Donald Woods who is courting Parker and Marine Forrest Tucker who Brady's been writing to. On the imbecilic instructions of her dear old dad who knows what Marines like, she sends a picture of Mommy in a bathing suit. Of course that piques Tucker's interest quite a bit. Errol himself has model Peggy Knudsen interested in him, but she's not going to wait around forever.
Add to this scene stealing veterans like Lucille Watson as Parker's mother and restaurateur S.Z. Sakall and you've got the makings of a nice family type picture, the kind that Errol Flynn so rarely made in his career. Flynn does fine in the part, but for comedy he's far better in Footsteps In The Dark as the millionaire/mystery writer. Flynn's first effort at comedy was The Perfect Specimen done early in his career with Joan Blondell. I've not seen that one, I do so wish TCM would run it.
Never Say Goodbye neither changed Flynn's image with the movie-going public nor did it chart any new directions for him. But it's a pleasant enough comedy diversion. Note that 'imitation' of another Warner Brothers star towards the end. -
jescue15 April 2005a fine romantic comedy. errol flynn shows what a deft touch for comedy he possessed. a talent that probably shows some of his true prankster self. the comedic writing on this film is excellent. eleanor parker does a nice job as flynn's ex wife whom errol is trying to win back. eleanor is also easy on the eyes. the sets exude 1940's glamour and style where appropriate.
flynn's comedic timing and wit are displayed to full effect here, watch his double takes, his ability to verbally counter punch with a snappy comeback or act the straight man, and his total believability and sincerity where required, this guy could act! it is a shame errol did not get a chance to do more roles like this throughout his career, he was multi-talented to the extreme. if you enjoyed "it happened one night" with gable and colbert or some of the william powell and myrna loy comedies you will enjoy this.
well paced and lots of laughs. a lost diamond of a movie. -
j-deaton17 December 2009I agree with most of the comments I've read. The 'Luigi' character is flustered and hilarious, especially at the beginning. While it's a fluff look at serious divorce and the heartache it plays on children, and though there's a goofy lawyer but no corresponding goofy judge; the main thing here is the wonderful child actor, the mysterious Patti Brady as the precocious daughter 'Flip.'
She is so much more natural and delightful than her predecessor Shirley Temple, I don't understand why she didn't continue on for more than a few years. I went and looked up the time frame to see if Shirley could have been copying her, but no, I guess it was the other way around.
This girl went beyond the normal child stereotypes and would have been an improvement in many other Christmas & family & WW II movies (tied in by young giant, Tucker's Marine character, 'Wickie'). I can't find anything on Brady; she must have kept private, later.
When you're watching the stream of standard Christmas repeats, don't miss this one!! It's B&W, but still worth it. -
planktonrules22 October 2006This was the third time I tried to watch this film. The previous two times, I found the beginning so sickeningly sweet and "schmaltzy" that I just stopped watching. However, now that I am a little older and more compulsive, I forced myself to watch all the film and I was very surprised to see that I actually liked it quite a bit. So, I look at the movie much the same way I would look at swimming in the ocean when the water temperature is 70 degrees (that's about 21-22 degrees Centigrade for all those metric-lovers out there). Sure, the water is terribly cold and shocking at first, but if you FORCE yourself to stay in the water, you'll get used to it--so resist that urge to jump out right away!!
The film begins with a lengthy exchange between Flynn and his daughter, played by a lispy Patti Brady. Some may find there conversations very cute and endearing, though others may find them a bit hard to take since these moments are so gosh-darn sweet! In a way, it was some amazing acting by Flynn because it's hard to imagine him in real life having kids or acting domestic especially that he wanted to be faithful to one woman in this film--now THAT'S ACTING!! NEVER SAY GOODBYE concerns the divorced couple, Flynn and Parker, and their mutual desire to remarry. Since they both love each other as well as their lispy kid, it seems like a foregone conclusion that they will once again tie the knot. However, there are some serious problems standing in their way: Lucille Watson (who plays her usual over-bearing and controlling mother-in-law character), Flynn's girlfriend (after all, he is Errol Flynn and he is divorced, so you gotta expect him to have a girl SOMEWHERE) and a marine (played by Forrest Tucker).
Not unexpectedly, all this does get worked out by the end and everyone lives happily ever after. However, despite it being formulaic and predictable, the film is a winner because it is so much fun to watch. Flynn, despite his reputation as an action-adventure hero, is very good with comedy-romance and it's just a lot of fun to watch him. Also, the film has the ever-scene chewing Cuddles Sakall--he's just so gosh-darn cute and sweet that he is perfect in this type of film. And, despite the sweetness, the film is pretty well-written. The bottom line is the film is FUN.
So my recommendation is that you DO watch this film and force yourself not to retch at the sickeningly sweet aspects of the film. Once you've gotten over this, the rest of the film is a picture that is well worth your time. -
ArtVandelayImporterExporter28 April 2022Errol Flynn is an illustrator who is divorced from Eleanor Parker. They share custody of a 7-year old daughter.
There are a couple of set pieces in this largely unfunny movie: a frantic dinner where Flynn has absent-mindedly invited Park and one of his models to the same restaurant so he has to keep switching tables. I didn't laugh. And at Christmas he and some wet sack of rice wear Santa Claus outfits and recreate the Marx Brothers scenes where Groucho and one of his brothers mirror each other's movements wearing pajamas and caps. By the time Flynn is handing out the gifts while pretending to be the wet sack of rice it was as painful was a Saturday Night Live skit.
This movie also has two MAJOR strikes against it: a kid with too many speaking lines and S. Z. Sakall. With very few exceptions, kids are not funny. They are not charming. They are obnoxious. This particular kid and that stupid accent are unbearable. Obnoxious and unfunny only begins to describe Sakall. I think he holds the record for ''Most Movies Ruined" that not even Oliver Platt will ever break.
By the time F-Troop shows up thinking he's finally meeting Smoochy, the woman he thinks wrote him intimate letters during WWII (it was actually the daughter writing the letters) I was time-checking the movie. Depressed to realize I was barely an hour into this mess. I wonder whether it inspired the movie title, ''Death To Smoochy." I support the notion, anyway.
None of this was Flynn's fault. Or Parker's. But it just didn't work. -
lynpalmer17 August 2017I thought this was very well done and quite funny. Predictable of course, but great script. I laughed out loud a few times. I wasn't that crazy about the contrived ending that seemed more like a cop out (literally) to wrap things up, but up until the end the action is fast paced, lively and hilarious at times.Flynn does a great job as the father. There are some funny references to other movies, such as Robin Hood and Christmas in Connecticut. Sparks fly between the 2 stars and the supporting cast is great, especially Cuddles and the little girl. Even though I wouldn't consider this a Xmas themed movie, if you are looking for something fresh and new (in terms of if you haven't seen it yet) instead of A Christmas Carol or It's A Wonderful Life, try this as a family friendly Xmas alternative.
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SnoopyStyle5 August 2020In New York City, Flip is a little girl who only wants to bring her divorced parents back together. Her father Phil Gayley (Errol Flynn) is a painter and her mother Ellen (Eleanor Parker) was one of his pin-up models. They try to reconcile while going out to a restaurant but he had forgotten that he had a date with model Nancy Graham at the same place. Head waiter Luigi tries to help Phil which leads to constant failure. Next, Phil tries to win Ellen over by dressing as Santa and sneaking back into her home. Then, Flip's full grown Marine pen pal shows up.
Luigi is great. He's the best part in the early section of the movie. The movie doesn't really set up the couple's relationship correctly. The reconciliation dinner is too easy. Flip should set them up unknowingly and Nancy could still join in on the fun. The dinner needs a better setup. The movie gets better. The Santa is a great start and the pen pal is terrific. It's got solid gags and much better sitcom setups. The Marine turns into quite a funny screwball premise. This is fun. -
greenfrog11 August 2005Ho hum, one of those predictable puffballs about a feuding loving couple where the wife's insincere flirting with another man makes her husband fume -- and the wise-ass little kid has to conspire to get them back together. OK, Errol Flynn works well. Much better fun watching him not take himself too seriously in a comedy than not take life seriously in his routine swashbucklers. (I guess he was drawn to predictable art.) The whole "Uncle Phil" thing became tedious through repetition. And the naive corporal was too naive to ever let loose with a uniform and a gun. The wife was beautiful and a trouper, and read her lines well. But the fun part for me was guessing whether or not it really was Bogie's voice dubbed over Errol Flynn's Bogie parody scene. I'm betting it really was Humphrey Bogart. Can anyone verify?
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mark.waltz17 January 2012Usually being "In Like Flynn" didn't involve humour. He swashbuckled himself from Olivia de Havilland, Bette Davis,Ann Sheridan and Brenda Marshall in a series of westerns and historical adventures, adding slyness to his sexuality and heroism, but seldomly holding down a comedy. "Never Say Goodbye" is standard by 1946 comic plot means, but thanks to Flynn, as an artist divorced from the lovely Eleanor Parker, desperately trying to win her back, it ends up one of the few formula comedies that is actually funny.
Parker's meddling mother (Lucille Watson, in a typical role) had convinced her to divorce the supposedly philandering Errol Flynn the year before, but he never wanted a divorce or had a chance to prove his innocence. A year later, they are sharing custody of their 7 year old daughter (Patti Brady) who desperately wants them to get back together. She is convinced of this when they meet for the first time since the divorce when he returns her to Parker. Meddling Watson is determined to prevent a reconciliation that leads into a repeat of the famous Marx Brothers mirror scene between Flynn and Donald Woods) while dressed as Santa. Then, Parker meets young Bradys's military pen-pal (Forrest Tucker), a burly marine (who does a magnificent conga) and Flynn does a Bogart impersonation to try and scare Tucker off. Flynn's version of Bogart, although stereotypical, is as hysterical as the Bogart impersonator who would chase Bugs Bunny around in a few Warner Brothers cartoons. He seals his title as an underrated comic who was doomed to spears and saddles, tumbleweeds and tights.
In supporting roles, Hattie McDaniel offers her usual amount of laughs as the maid, but S.Z. Sakall goes a bit overboard as Flynn and Parker's restaurant owner pal, Luigi, forgetting the adage "Less is More". He comes off when not toned down (usually the fault of the script) as an overage Shirley Temple, desperately trying to steal every scene he is in. People who remember Tucker from "F-Troop" and "Auntie Mame" will be surprised to see how buff and handsome he was. Parker's character isn't given much good material, but shows some brief spunk in a cat fight with an obnoxious client of Flynn's. Young Brady is engaging as the child with an obvious Brooklyn accent, seemingly added for effect. But, thanks to Flynn's engagingly humorous performance, "Never Say Goodbye" ends up an unpredictably funny comedy with an over-used plot. -
" . . . could NOT sing and dance, but only cry on cue?" NEVER SAY GOODBYE's Patti Brady as seven-year-old "Flip" provides a pretty good answer. Young Ms. Brady was a couple of years greener than Mr. Flynn's preferred Real Life female demographic when they shot GOODBYE, but as Mr. Scalia objected yesterday, it's only a matter of slippery slopes until the rest of America is "in like Flynn." GOODBYE is one of the 76 theatrical feature films in which Humprey Bogart had a speaking part (besides VIRGINIA CITY, I believe that THANK YOUR LUCKY STARS is the only other flick encompassing both Flynn and Bogie). They each had about two dozen more films to make and about a dozen years to live before their final GOODBYE. As "Phillip Gayley," Errol makes many allusions to his 1937 ROBIN HOOD role, along with his Bogart-as-gangster impression, in which Bogart himself dubs in the Duke Mantee sound-alike. Ironically, in LUCKY STARS, Bogart also had impersonated his tough guy film personae (this time on-screen), and Flynn's brief LUCKY STARS singing cameo was again entirely dubbed (though NOT by Bogie) from "Ave" to "Amen."
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weezeralfalfa20 June 2011Flynn may not be a dashing pirate, outlaw, warrior or gunslinger in this one, but his lovable aristocratic rogue persona still shines through in this rare superior romantic comedy. All the principals are perfectly cast, Flynn still looking in his prime at 36. His rather recently divorced wife is played by a winsome Eleanor Parker, and Patti Brady is great as their 7 year old daughter, intent on bringing her parents back together. I didn't see the first segment, so assume this couple split because of Flynn's indiscretions with his sexy models for his commercial artwork, which continues to be the main issue throughout the film. Clearly, Parker's family is very wealthy, living in a mansion worthy of Scarlett O'Hara. Flynn's character also appears to be from a wealthy family, he mostly exhibiting his aristocratic demeanor, despite his rather sleazy occupation. Nonetheless,toward the end, he is frequently on the losing end of altercations, flat on his back, in mocking contrast to his usual winning macho image.
Twice, Flynn dons disguises to try to scare away or outmaneuver romantic rivals for Parker. In the first case, he sneaks into Parker's mansion and dons a Santa outfit, as does his romantic rival in another part of the mansion. At one point, to avoid detection by his rival, he engages in mirror mimicry. That is, he mimics exactly the actions of his nemesis, as if the latter is looking in a mirror. I'm sure this has also been done by some other well-known physical comedians, including Bob Hope in 'The Princess and the Pirate'. Later, he made up a burlesqued version of Bogart's face at his most sinister, along with a tough gangster lingo, to try to scare away Parker's young marine romantic threat. It didn't work. Nonethless the film ends on a feel good note. One must assume that this ending either represented yet another short-lived reconciliation or that Parker's character decided that she would have to learn to tolerate Flynn's philandering ways, as preferable to their present arrangement with a chronically complaining daughter.
S.Z Sakall plays his usual role as an elderly overseeing father, uncle or confidant, with a very thick European accent. Here, he is a restaurateur where Flynn frequents with his blond model and presumed lover. Unfortunately, his various attempts to diffuse an embarrassing situation for Flynn all end in disaster. Sakall, a native Hungarian, was already an accomplished European actor before fleeing an impending Nazified Europe. He was most often included in various musical romances of the '40s and early '50s, after a supporting role in 'Casablanca' -
schappe112 July 2021This is the best of Flynn's comedies. He's a good light comedian but a light one. He'd make the top 10 in that regard in Hollywood at the time and maybe the top 5 but it wasn't what he was best at. Here he's an artist who paints Alberto Vargas-like pin-up girls who has been very popular during the war. He's married to the gorgeous Eleanor Parker and has a pretty little girl, (Patti Brady) who adores him but things haven't worked out, largely due to the amount of time he spends with his models and they are separated. It's Patti's fondest hope to get her parents back together and, underneath the surface of their misunderstandings, it's obvious they want the same thing.
There are several sub-plots that all come together at the end. Patti has responded to a plea to write to soldiers posted around the world and become a pen pal with a marine played by Forrest Tucker. But she's sent him a picture of her mother painted by her father and when Tucker shows up, he thinks Eleanor is his pen pal. Meanwhile Eleanor is planning on marrying her stuff-shirt lawyer, played by Donald Woods. Flynn's latest model, played by Peggy Knudsen, (Eddie Mars' hard-boiled girlfriend in 'The Big Sleep'), has her eye on Flynn and keeps showing up at the wrong time, as does Flynn's best friend, played by Tom D'Andrea and C. A. "Cuddles" Sakall as a comic waiter and Barry Fitzgerald's more subtle brother, Arthur Shields, as a friendly policeman.
It all gets straightened out in the end and the fantasy of every child from a broken home, that Mommy and Daddy will get back together, comes to pass, (sorry for the spoiler). The comedy is played smoothly and not overdone, except perhaps in Wood's case, (he seems to be imitating Cary Grant from 'Bringing Up Baby'). Brady isn't excessively cute. She seemed to have potential as an actress but ended her career a few years later at age 14. Hattie McDaniel plays a member of the household but doesn't wear a maid's costume. I wondered about the significance of that. Even, Sakall, who I normally find hard to take, only does just enough to get the laugh. Knudsen has an icy beauty but a persona to match, which limited her to B movies and TV episodes after a good start. Parker a much under-rated actress, proves herself a good 'reactor' to the comic turns of others and of the script. Humphrey Bogart does a voice-over when Flynn tries to imitate -and spoof- his tough guy image, which is interesting as Bogart reportedly loathed Flynn. But if you are under contract to Jack Warner and he asks you to do something, you do it.
It's a mild amusement at best but goes down smoothly. -
iggy_k7 December 2019A surprisingly good screwball comedy, lighthearted, charming, engaging and tons of fun. Good watch for the holiday season. I had no idea Errol would fit so well in such a movie. Watch it if you like this genre, there is no way you will regret it.
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utgard1411 December 2014Schmaltzy comedy about a precocious little girl trying to reunite her divorced parents. The parents are played by Errol Flynn and Eleanor Parker. The little girl is Patti Brady. I have no problem with seeing Flynn in a change of pace role but he really doesn't get to shine in this. You could replace him with a dozen other actors and there would be no noticeable difference. Same with Parker but I always found her rather nondescript. Flynn does sing a little, which will be of interest to fans. Patti Brady is cute but got on my nerves pretty quickly. Lucille Watson is Parker's bitch of a mom. Forrest Tucker plays a marine the mom uses to make the dad jealous. He's probably the best part of the movie. Hattie McDaniel is the maid, Cozy. S.Z. Sakall is a restaurant owner named Luigi (yeah I know but it's explained). Everybody plays their part fine but it's just all so hokey. Pretty much every scene with the little girl is like swallowing a cup of sugar. The romance isn't particularly noteworthy and the comedy is bland. There are some tearjerker moments too. If you don't have a stomach ache by the end of this, consider yourself lucky. Flynn fans might want to see it for curiosity's sake. Everybody else will probably be bored.
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HotToastyRag10 June 2020While much of Never Say Goodbye is side-splittingly funny, the basic premise is a bit sad. Errol Flynn and Eleanor Parker play a divorced couple who share custody of their young daughter, Patti Brady. They're both juggling their new single lifestyles, and while Patti and Errol would love to reconcile the family, Eleanor remains firm in her decision. This was made during a time when it was alright to show audiences that divorce was bad for children, not when broken families were commonplace.
This is a lighthearted comedy, and a very sweet one. You don't get to see Errol Flynn as a dad in very many movies, and he's just adorable. He and Patti have cute, playful banter, and his comic timing is at his best when he juggles his romantic conquests with his ever-present plot to win his ex-wife back. His loyal sidekick isn't Alan Hale in this one, but instead the lovable S.Z. "Cuddles" Sakall. There's a hilarious sequence where Errol has to flit in between different sections of Cuddles' restaurant as he accidentally makes a date with two women during the same evening! If you've never seen Errol Flynn in a comedy, you've got to rent this sweet family flick. Just when you thought he couldn't get any cuter, he gives his heart stopping smile as Patti laughs, "Daddy, you're such a flirt!" You'll also get to see him give a Humphrey Bogart impersonation! (If he sounds spot-on, it might be because he had a little help...from the man himself.) -
masonfisk30 May 2021An innocuous romantic comedy from 1946 starring Errol Flynn & Eleanor Parker. A divorced couple share a daughter between them, their marriage fizzled because Parker felt Flynn's career as a calendar illustrator was leading him to extramarital affairs which he vehemently denies. The daughter, hoping to get them back together, engineers a scheme by writing to a military man (posing as her mother) who shows up to woo Parker sending Flynn into a panic pretending to be her brother in order to keep an eye on them. Feeling a bit out of place, Flynn valiantly tries his damnedest to make this material work (I think Cary Grant would've been a better choice) even though its own innate silliness (at one point we get a crib of the famous mirror scene from a Marx brothers film) upsets any romantic notions the film tries to get across. Bottom line they seem to be getting back together more for their daughter than for themselves. Co-starring S. Z. Sakall (from Casablanca) who is wonderful as always & Forrest Tucker (from TV's F-Troop) playing the mail order groom on leave.
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aciolino22 December 2018A dirty word today, we forget that for many years movies simply functioned to entertain audiences, not impress or instruct them. Here, thanks to a fairly good and script (and a real surprise) we are entertained. Flynn deserves applause for this comedic turn, so unlike his usual character roles, and he is deftly comedic. He is always a pleasure to look at and is believable all the time. The rest of the cast aids ably. Eleanor Parker is gorgeous and quite a physical comedienne in her own right, although there really isn't enough for her to do. Forrest Tucker proves a delightful foil, (then hero) to Flynn's frustrated separated husband. He dances a hilarious Rhumba, and matches Flynn's banter note for note, rendering some highly amusing moments. But this is Flynn's film and he carries it. Very well. Bravo, Mr. Flynn. Sad that he wasn't given more farce to do at this point in his career. "Never Say Good-bye" proves him more than capable. ENJOY!
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susand11082 September 2019Surprisingly enjoyable romantic comedy! Errol Flynn is just as brilliant at comedy as he was at adventure and drama. And Eleanor Parker is a wonderful match for him. The script is quite delightful, too.
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moonspinner5518 December 2011Divorced for just one year, a New York calendar artist (who specializes in cheesecake portraits) and a wealthy society lady are reunited by their precocious preteen daughter (nicknamed Flip!). Despite a script littered with talented names (I.A.L. Diamond, James V. Kern, and Lewis R. Foster adapting a story by Ben and Norma Barzman), this overly-cute concoction with holiday trimmings is enough to sink even Errol Flynn's curious good nature. Flynn isn't well-partnered with Eleanor Parker, and his punchlines are no better than those for the rest of the cast, yet he dances around the banal jokes and cozies up to his co-stars with the utmost charm. He doesn't attempt to make something special out of the frivolous material (he coasts through on his good will), but the sugar-coated scenario weakens his matinée appeal and turns him into a plastic prince. As a teddy-bear soldier, Forrest Tucker actually makes a stronger impression. Supporting cast, including S.Z. 'Cuddles' Sakall, Peggy Knudsen, and Hattie McDaniel, adds a bit of flavor, but the over-rehearsed youngster (Patti Brady, with an unplaceable accent) is filled with gooey-false uplift. Leaden package needs more than slapstick, sweet music, and changing partners...it could also use a heart. *1/2 from ****