Come Next Spring is a 1956 drama film directed by R.G. Springsteen. The film stars Ann Sheridan as Bess Ballot, Steve Cochran as Matt Ballot, and Walter Brennan as Jeff Jeremiah. The film was filmed in stunning color during the 1950s.
Matt Ballot, a hard-drinking, drifting man, returns home to his wife, Bess, and his two children, Annie (a bright young teenager) and Little Jeff (who is struggling to come of age). Matt has been gone for 12 years, leaving his wife and children to fend for themselves. When he returns, he finds that his wife has raised their children without his help and that the townspeople consider him a disgrace.
Determined to redeem himself, Matt starts working for Bess's father, Jeff Jeremiah, at his sawmill. Jeff, a wise and understanding man, takes Matt under his wing and helps him to reconnect with his family. With Jeff's help, Matt begins to rebuild his relationship with his children and his wife.
As Matt begins to make amends, he also becomes involved in a dispute between the union and the sawmill, which threatens to tear the town apart. Matt must make a difficult decision that could change the course of the town and his own life.
Come Next Spring is a heartwarming film about redemption, familial love, and the power of forgiveness. The film features excellent performances by its cast, including Walter Brennan's Oscar-nominated performance as Jeff Jeremiah.
