Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front

As Molly's ninth birthday approaches in 1943, she dreams of a princess-themed tea party. Her family lacks the money and ration allowances to fulfill the wish, highlighting how wartime shortages touch everyday life. The setting is Jefferson, Illinois, where ordinary joys must be tempered by the war.

Molly goes with her father to a Victory Dance in the local park, where he gives her a keepsake locket. Later that night, during an air raid drill, James reveals he plans to travel to London to aid soldiers and civilians. Molly is furious at the idea of him leaving, but he consoles her by calling her his North Star and telling her to look at the stars.

James departs for Europe to provide medical aid, leaving the family behind and deepening Molly's fear of separation. Helen decides to join the war effort by taking a factory job at Jefferson Aircraft Plant. The McIntire home becomes a hub of activity as Mrs. Gilford begins daytime babysitting.

With James gone, Helen begins working at the Jefferson Aircraft Plant to support the war effort, while Molly's neighbor Mrs. Gilford starts watching the kids during the day. The household adapts to the new rhythm of work and duty. The war's reach starts to shape their daily routine.

Molly sets her sights on becoming the school's Miss Victory, the lead tap-dancer for the Christmas Pageant. She works with her teacher, Ms. Campbell, practicing diligently until her routine improves. The goal gives her something hopeful to focus on amid the surrounding uncertainty.

The McIntire family takes in Emily Bennett, a British girl, and Molly resists the newcomer at first. Jill encourages adaptation and a sense of duty, while Emily exaggerates her past by claiming royal lineage and a 'Bennett Manor' home. The new girl's presence stirs curiosity and a touch of insecurity at school.

Emily becomes popular at school, especially with Molly's rival Allison Hargate, which deepens Molly's resentment. Molly and Emily end up in a spelling bee together, testing their budding friendship under competitive pressure. The rivalry highlights the social dynamics of wartime adolescence.

During the ongoing events, a Western Union messenger informs Ms. Campbell that her fiancé has been killed in action, casting a pall over school life and reminding the students of the war's reach. The moment personalizes the sacrifice that families endure. The pageant's progress is shadowed by grief.

A later air raid drill forces the family to shelter in the basement, frightening Emily as she recalls bombed streets. She shares a nightmare that deepens Molly's empathy and helps cement their new bond. The fear of the war becomes a shared experience that forges their friendship.

In a moment of vulnerability, Emily reveals that she is not royalty and recounts her family's losses during The Blitz. Molly forgives her, choosing friendship over suspicion. The two girls begin to trust each other as they navigate wartime adolescence.

Molly helps bake and deliver a casserole to Mrs. Gilford, whose son has been killed in action, showing her growing empathy. Aunt Eleanor arrives to help with the children and housework, but soon leaves for Texas to join the WASPs. The family leans on each other as Christmas approaches.

Before Christmas, Molly sees a newsreel at the cinema that galvanizes her to contribute to the war effort at home. She helps create care packages for Allied soldiers with the Red Cross and gathers old clothes and bandage boxes for overseas use. The new resolve translates into tangible, morale-boosting work.

A Western Union telegram arrives stating James has been found alive but is hospitalized, and will be discharged as soon as he is well enough to travel. The relief is tempered by the fact he is still healing, but the family prepares for his return. Molly's anticipation for Christmas grows as she holds onto hope.

On Christmas Eve, Molly performs as Miss Victory in the pageant while her father makes a return, surprising her with a cane and a wounded leg. The family celebrates together, grateful that he is alive and home for the holidays. Presents are exchanged: Molly gets a Red Cross doll and Emily a copy of A Christmas Carol from her father.