Americans flocked to the movies in 1945 and 1946athe center point of the three-decade heyday of the studio systemas sound era. "Why?""Best Years" is a panoramic study, shining light on this critical juncture in American historyand the history of American cinemaathe end of World War II (1945) and a year of unprecedented success in Hollywoodas aGolden Agea (1946). This unique time, the last year of war and the first full year of peace, provides a rich blend of cinema genres and typesafrom the battlefront to the home front, the peace film to the womanas film, psychological drama, and the periodas provocative new style, film noir. "Best Years" focuses on films that were famous, infamous, forgotten, and unforgettable. Bigbudget A-films, road shows, and familiar series share the spotlight. From Bergman and Grant in "Notorious" to Abbott and Costello in "Lost in a Harem, " Charles Affron and Mirella Jona Affron examine why the bond between screen and viewer was perhaps never tighter. Paying special attention to the movie-going public in key citiesaAtlanta, New York, Boston, Honolulu, and Chicagoathis ambitious work takes us on a cinematic journey to recapture a magical time.