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On November 21, 1946, William Wyler's 'The Best Years of Our Lives' had its world premiere at the Astor Theatre in New York City. The film, which told the tale of three servicemen attempting to adjust to civilian life in their Midwestern hometown after World War II, struck a deep and lasting chord with audiences. It starred Fredric March as a banker, Dana Andrews as a soda jerk, and Harold Russell as a sailor who had lost both his hands in the war. Russell was a real-life veteran whose hands were amputated in 1944 after an accidental explosion. 'The Best Years of Our Lives' swept the Academy Awards, winning seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay (Robert Sherwood), Best Actor in a Leading Role (Fredric March), and Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Harold Russell). Russell also won an honorary Oscar 'for bringing hope and courage to his fellow veterans.' This clip is courtesy of THE HISTORY CHANNEL.

Posted: 4/6/2008 Length: 02:22 Price: Free Video Type: Clip