DVD Corner

The Human Comedy Blu-ray Review

Worth seeing for Mickey Rooney alone.

Based on William Saroyan play and novel and adapted for the screen by Howard Estabrook, 1943’s “The Human Comedy” is an ensemble American slice of life tale in the vein of “Our Town.” Set during WWII, the setting takes place in the fictional town of Ithaca, California (yes, there are references to “The Odyssey”). The story is framed from the perspective of a deceased father (Mr. Macauley) who is looking over his family which includes a wife, 3 sons (Homer, Marcus and Ulysses) and a daughter (Bess). Ulysses is a mere child learning about the world, Marcus is in the Army, and the high schooler Homer is serving as a telegraph delivery boy for the Postal Telegraph Company (which is headed by Tom and employs an elderly calligrapher named Willie). The story floats around to the above listed characters in their everyday lives while exploring themes of loss, love, community, family, patriotism, generations, a loss of innocence, and the war’s effect on people. It’s also very much a coming-of-age story largely focused on Homer. 

Over the course of his career, director Clarence Brown was nominated for Best Director by the Oscars 6 times and “The Human Comedy” was one of those nominations (the film itself was also nominated). Looking at the film now in 2026, it truly feels like a relic from another time period which is partially what makes it so rewarding. It’s an American story about a time, a place, ideals, and people. Is it preachy and meandering? Yes, but even though it’s old fashioned by nature, it’s sincere, heartfelt, and manages to cover a wide range of themes about the human experience. 

The performances really sell the material here and the film is filled with notable actors including Frank Morgan, a young Donna Reed (whose character Bess does get short changed here), a young Robert Mitchum, James Craig, and, of course, Mickey Rooney. Rooney, who was also nominated for an Oscar, gives arguably one of the best (if not the best) performances of his career. The letter reading scene and the scene of Homer receiving devastating news are deeply moving moments where Rooney showed real range as an actor. He’s the heart and soul of the movie and the film is elevated by his inclusion.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.37:1 1080p. How does it look? This B&W film gets a dazzling restoration that gives the film new life.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect a crisp and clean audio track.

Extras:
* Theatrical trailer
* A cartoon titled “Blitz Wolf.”
* An MGM short film called “Don’t You Believe It.”
* 2 radio dramas featuring Mickey Rooney from Screen Guild Theater and Screen Director’s Playhouse.

September 20, 2026 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Classic Film, Donna Reed, Mickey Rooney, Oscars, The Human Comedy Blu-ray Review, Warner Archive