jmoore964 Reviews

The White Cliffs of Dover (1944)

Unusual poetic narrative

[6/10 · 19 August 2005]

I have seen this film several times over the years. It is typical of the films made during WW II, in that is promotes patriotism and implies that sacrificing young men is a worthwhile venture.

The aspect that strikes me as odd is the narration that rhymes. It took me a few viewings to realize that was what it was. The cast does a fine job, but the story is a bit too sweet and predictable.

Dunne is wonderful, as are the character actors Smith, Morgan and Witty. It is fun seeing Elizabeth Taylor and Roddy McDowell together again after they appeared in Lassie Come Home.

It ranks up there with Mrs. Minver in my opinion - minus the rhyming narration.

An Englishman Abroad (1983 TV Movie)

A charming film

[14 July 2003]

I saw this when it fist appeared on tv, and fell in love with it. An absolute delight, but sad at the same time. After many years I stumbled upon in on VHS, so can now watch it whenever I choose. Well worth watching! Browne and Bates are stunning.

Losing Isaiah (1995)

Beware the TV version

[2 April 2003]

The version currently being shown on a cable station is very badly edited in my opinion. Whole sections seem to have hit the cutting room floor. The sister Hannah, is barely shown at all. If you can see this film - intact - on video, try to do so. It is not a perfect film, but it is a lot better than this chopped version represents. Shame on them!

Nancherrow (1999)

Sequel to Pilcher's "Coming Home" is well done

[26 March 2003]

I enjoyed the tv movie version of "Coming Home", so I was pleased to see the sequel. It really wasn't bad. Not written by Pilcher, but in the spirit of the first story. Some characters deleted, some actors changed, but mostly a continuation from the first. A feature I really enjoyed was the use of newsreel footage from the era. It was helpful to set the stage of the various time periods involved. The basic story involves Loveday's struggle to keep the estate Nancherrow in the family after the death of her father. Lots of parallel stories involving the various characters as in the first film. It has a good feel for the changes England went through after WWII and into the early 1950's.