Smilin' Through (1941)

Haunted by a past filled with despair and solitude, John Carteret has never quite recovered from the tragic murder of his bride, Moonyean, on their wedding day. He finds a sliver of solace in opening his home to Kathleen, a vivacious five-year-old orphan and Moonyean's niece. As time passes, Kathleen blossoms into a striking image of her late aunt, providing an eerie yet comforting presence in John's life. An unexpected romance blossoms when Kathleen crosses paths with a captivating stranger from across the Atlantic, Kenneth Wayne. However, this newfound love threatens to unravel when John discovers Kenneth's lineage. The ghost of Moonyean's tragic past resurfaces as it's revealed that Kenneth's father, Jeremy, was the perpetrator of the heinous act that stole Moonyean away. Fueled by a potent mix of resentment and protective instinct, John unleashes his long-held grudge against Jeremy onto the unsuspecting younger generation. His fury threatens to overshadow Kathleen's chance at happiness, echoing the sorrow of his own lost love. However, as the plot twists and turns, John finds himself grappling with his bitterness, potentially paving the way for a softer, more forgiving future.

Smilin' Through is a fantasy movie featuring Jeanette MacDonald.

Smilin' Through is currently streaming on TCM.