Since You Went Away

Tim Hilton volunteers for the U.S. Army and leaves for training. Anne and the girls travel by train to say goodbye, but the departure is delayed when a defense supply train must pass first.

The curmudgeonly Colonel William Smollett becomes a boarder at the Hilton home after Tim's departure. Beneath his gruff exterior, he cares in his own way for his grandson Bill, who serves as a corporal in the Army.

The socialite neighbor Emily Hawkins complains about wartime inconveniences and hoards food, criticizing the Hiltons' sacrifices. Her unsympathetic attitudes highlight the social strains on the home front during the war.

Navy Lieutenant Tony Willett visits the Hiltons while awaiting orders. Bill Smollett quickly falls for Jane, who already harbors a crush on Tony, creating a budding love triangle.

Jane and Bill fall in love and become engaged. Bill asks Jane to wait to marry until after the war, valuing their relationship over a rushed wedding.

Bill is sent overseas and boards the departing train; Jane runs after him to say goodbye, and the Colonel communicates his goodwill to Bill through Anne, arriving too late to say goodbye in person.

Jane volunteers as a nurses' aide at a nearby military hospital, tending to returning veterans with physical and mental injuries. Her work gives her a sense of purpose and contribution to the war effort.

The Hiltons receive a telegram informing Tim Hilton is missing in action in the Southwest Pacific. The family faces the troubling uncertainty of wartime, balancing hope with fear.

Shortly after Bill's departure, news arrives that he was killed in action at Salerno. The loss devastates the Hiltons and deepens the strain with the Colonel, who had hoped for his grandson's safety.

Jane and Anne confront Emily about her dismissive attitude toward wartime service, calling out her behavior. Meanwhile, Anne resolves to contribute more to the war effort and begins welding training at the shipyard.

Tony returns on leave and discusses his feelings for Anne. They decide to remain friends rather than pursuing a romantic relationship, given Tim's absence and their existing ties.

On Christmas Eve, Fidelia places gifts under the tree that Tim had given her months earlier for the family. The moment moves Anne to tears as memories of Tim surface.

A cablegram by telephone informs the family that Tim is safe and is coming home. Anne and her daughters embrace with renewed hope and gratitude, finding strength in their faith and togetherness.