Now and Forever (1934 film)

Now and Forever is a 1934 American drama film starring Gary Cooper, Carole Lombard, and Shirley Temple. Directed by Henry Hathaway, it tells the story of a charismatic but irresponsible con artist, Jerry Day (Cooper), who attempts to reform his life for the sake of his adopted daughter, Penelope (Temple).

The film focuses on the complexities of Jerry's relationship with Penelope, and his subsequent romance with Toni Carstairs (Lombard), a socialite. Jerry is torn between his desire for a life of crime and his growing love for his daughter and Toni, realizing the impact his choices have on their lives. The central theme revolves around the transformative power of love and the difficulty of escaping a dishonest past.

Now and Forever was a significant success, largely due to Temple's popularity, which overshadowed the performances of Cooper and Lombard, despite their established star power. The film is notable for its sentimental tone and exploration of moral dilemmas. It is considered a classic example of the era's family-friendly filmmaking, though its sentimental approach may not appeal to all modern audiences. The film was released by Paramount Pictures.