Seven Days’ Leave (1942) in Color — Starring Victor Mature & Lucille Ball

Seven Days’ Leave (1942) — Buy This Classic in Color

Discover Seven Days’ Leave, the 1942 musical comedy directed by Tim Whelan and starring Victor Mature and Lucille Ball, now available as a professionally colorized version. Soldier Johnny Grey is engaged to marry singer Mapy Cortes, but his plans go awry when he learns that he is the heir to $100,000 from his great-grandfather — a bequest that comes with a catch: before claiming the money, Johnny must marry a descendant of his great-grandfather’s Civil War enemy. Victor Mature delivers a charming performance as Johnny, while Lucille Ball brings her signature comedy talent to the role of Terry Havelock-Allen. Featuring musical numbers with Freddy Martin and Ginny Simms, this wartime comedy offers entertainment and escapism. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

Soldier Johnny Grey is engaged to marry singer Mapy Cortes, and their wedding plans are proceeding smoothly until Johnny receives unexpected news. He has inherited $100,000 from his great-grandfather, a substantial fortune that could change his life. However, the bequest comes with an unusual condition: before claiming the money, Johnny must marry a descendant of his great-grandfather’s Civil War enemy, General Havelock-Allen. The stipulation is a legacy of the old family feud, and Johnny must comply or forfeit the inheritance.

Not wanting to disrupt his planned marriage to Mapy, Johnny must figure out how to satisfy the condition without losing his fiancée. The solution he devises is to concoct a temporary marriage-of-convenience with the descendant of General Havelock-Allen, intending to divorce her quickly and then marry Mapy. The plan seems workable until Johnny meets Terry Havelock-Allen, the beautiful woman who is the designated descendant. Terry is charming, intelligent, and far more appealing than Johnny expected.

As Johnny and Terry proceed with their temporary marriage, complications multiply. Mapy, unaware of Johnny’s inheritance and the condition, becomes suspicious of his relationship with Terry. The situation is further complicated by the presence of Terry’s family and the various friends and associates who have opinions about the arrangement. Musical numbers featuring Freddy Martin and his orchestra, along with singer Ginny Simms, provide entertainment and comic relief throughout the unfolding drama.

The film builds to a climax as Johnny must choose between his original plan and his growing feelings for Terry. The resolution brings clarity to the romantic entanglements, with Johnny ultimately following his heart rather than his original scheme. The film ends happily, with the romantic confusion resolved and the characters finding happiness in unexpected places. The wartime setting adds poignancy to the story, reminding viewers of the importance of love and happiness in uncertain times.

Cast & Crew

Director: Tim Whelan

Stars: Victor Mature, Lucille Ball, Harold Peary, Mapy Cortés, Ginny Simms, Freddy Martin, Marcy McGuire, Arnold Stang, Peter Lind Hayes

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

Seven Days’ Leave was originally filmed in black and white, with cinematography that captured the glamour of the musical numbers and the comic situations that drive the plot. This professionally colorized restoration enhances every scene with frame-by-frame precision, from the elegant musical stage sets to the charming domestic interiors where the romantic drama unfolds. The colorized version reveals new visual richness in the musical sequences, where the contrast between the black and white uniforms and the colorful costumes and sets becomes even more striking. Victor Mature, who would become a major star in the 1940s and 1950s, gains additional dimension in color, his handsome features and charismatic presence enhanced by the visual detail. Lucille Ball, before her television fame, brings her signature comedy talent and beauty to the role of Terry, her expressive face and physical comedy skills gaining additional impact in color. The 1942 musical settings — the stage shows, the military uniforms, the period costumes — gain historical authenticity that transports viewers to wartime America. Now also available in colour.

Buy Seven Days’ Leave in color today for just €15.00. Your DRM-free MP4 download is available for instant access.

Historical Significance

Released in 1942, Seven Days’ Leave is a wartime musical comedy that offered entertainment and escapism to audiences during World War II. The film’s title references the brief leaves that soldiers received during the war, a precious time when they could return home and reconnect with civilian life. The film’s romantic comedy plot, with its complications and happy resolution, provided audiences with a temporary escape from the anxieties and hardships of the war years.

Victor Mature was early in his career when he made this film, having transitioned from supporting roles to leading man status. His performance as Johnny Grey showcases the charm and good looks that would make him a major star in films like “Samson and Delilah” (1949) and “The Robe” (1953). Lucille Ball, who would later become one of the most beloved television stars in history with “I Love Lucy,” demonstrates her comedy talent and screen presence in this film, showing the skills that would make her a television legend.

The film features musical numbers with Freddy Martin and his orchestra, a popular bandleader of the era, and Ginny Simms, a singer who was known for her work with Martin and other big bands. These musical sequences reflect the importance of music and entertainment in wartime America, where songs and performances provided morale and connection for both civilians and soldiers. The film’s lighthearted approach to romance and its emphasis on happiness and love reflect the escapist entertainment that Hollywood provided during the war years. Through modern colorization, this wartime musical comedy reaches new audiences who can appreciate Mature’s early performance, Ball’s comedy talent, and the film’s contribution to wartime entertainment.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: English original mono
• Runtime: 87 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Who stars in Seven Days’ Leave?
A: Victor Mature stars as Johnny Grey, with Lucille Ball as Terry Havelock-Allen. Harold Peary, Mapy Cortés, and Ginny Simms co-star, with Freddy Martin appearing as himself in musical numbers.

Q: What is the plot of Seven Days’ Leave?
A: The film follows soldier Johnny Grey, who learns he has inherited $100,000 but must marry a descendant of his great-grandfather’s Civil War enemy to claim it. He arranges a temporary marriage with Terry Havelock-Allen, but complications arise as he develops feelings for her.

Q: Is Seven Days’ Leave a musical?
A: Yes, the film features musical numbers with Freddy Martin and his orchestra and singer Ginny Simms. The musical sequences provide entertainment and comic relief within the romantic comedy plot.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as MP4 and MKV files that play on virtually any device.

Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

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