In the all-star cast were:Anne Hilton (Claudette Colbert), the matriarchal wife and mother who held her family together (including her two daughters)Jane (Jennifer Jones in her second feature film), her eldest daughter, a high-school seniorBridget (or Brig) (teenaged Shirley Temple in her first major post-childhood role), the younger daughterTim Hilton (Neil Hamilton) (completely off-screen, although pictured in a photograph), the beloved businessman father, who volunteered to serve, and was later reported lost and missing in action in the SW PacificFidelia (Hattie McDaniel), the family""s black maid who worked to pay her rent due to stretched financesWhen her husband went off to World War II in early 1943, Anne Hilton was left behind with her two daughters.During their tour in the Tower of London, the guide shows off the axe of the axeman and the grisly execution block where famous individuals in English history were beheaded.Soon after, Princess Gwendolyn was promised by the ambitious court witch and her evil-eyed lady-in-waiting Griselda (Mildred Natwick) - when held at knifepoint - that she was destined and prophesied to marry the jester "Giacomo.At gunpoint, Dr.Loomis coerced Deputy Bloch to remain in the house and proceed with the original plan.Loomis was excitedly expectant: "You""ve come back to us, Michael." He then turned and spoke to the menacing masked figure in front of him:"I know why you""ve come back, Michael.Not too much shooting is actually accomplished.Elsa Mae observes: "Pa is drunk again!" but nevertheless, she goes over and demands a part in the picture.