So many things come to an end in 1945, although not necessarily in order of personal importance.
The war ends.
The contract with Fox ends.
And his latest marriage to Ruth ends.
At the ensuing divorce hearing, Ruth testifies about the nature of this man to whom she has three times uttered the words “I do.”
When he has something, Ruth tells the court, he doesn’t want it, and when he hasn’t got it, he wants it. But he’s still a swell fellow.
Ben Shipman thinks that this may be the most succinct summation of his client’s character ever offered.
But 1945 also represents a beginning, for he hears a singer in a Russian nightclub.