I have enjoyed reading the comments on this truly marvelous film. Its main appeal is that it has a timeless nature which explains why so many visitors to this site have only discovered it comparatively recently.
Its primary characteristic is indeed an omnipresent nostalgia, present even on its release . Many who saw it (including myself) when it came out in 1961 were struck by this. I think the major reinforcer of this quality is Malcolm Arnold's hauntingly melodious music which manages to be both wistfully operatic and deftly atmospheric. Surely this composer is one of those who have managed to capture popular sentiment and combine it with admirable developmental structure.
As for the performances, they are extremely inspired. And I have nothing to add. No one has yet mentioned, however, the superb vignettes such as 'Auntie' with her aversion to port wine 'not since VE day'. These stem, in turn, from the brilliant script by Waterhouse and Hall, and illustrate the way that their TV assignments were overflowing into conventional cinema to great comic effect. Indeed, the references to popular TV shows in their script for this film is a measure of the importance of the box in sociological history .
All in all, a landmark film that has succeeded in touching the lives of many people in its modest and profound way.
Definitely one that should be seen and seen again in the 21st century!
Its primary characteristic is indeed an omnipresent nostalgia, present even on its release . Many who saw it (including myself) when it came out in 1961 were struck by this. I think the major reinforcer of this quality is Malcolm Arnold's hauntingly melodious music which manages to be both wistfully operatic and deftly atmospheric. Surely this composer is one of those who have managed to capture popular sentiment and combine it with admirable developmental structure.
As for the performances, they are extremely inspired. And I have nothing to add. No one has yet mentioned, however, the superb vignettes such as 'Auntie' with her aversion to port wine 'not since VE day'. These stem, in turn, from the brilliant script by Waterhouse and Hall, and illustrate the way that their TV assignments were overflowing into conventional cinema to great comic effect. Indeed, the references to popular TV shows in their script for this film is a measure of the importance of the box in sociological history .
All in all, a landmark film that has succeeded in touching the lives of many people in its modest and profound way.
Definitely one that should be seen and seen again in the 21st century!