Comment by Eric Keith Longo on June 27, 2025 at 12:44am

Hi Scott,

I loved Ann Bancroft! From this to "Night Mother to The Prisoner of 2nd Avenue!

Comment by Scott Paul on June 27, 2025 at 2:03am

Thank you, Eric.  Anne Bancroft was a truly great actress with great comic timing.  I also loved 84 Charing Cross Road with Anthony Hopkins.  It is one I never get tired of.

Comment by Eric Keith Longo on June 27, 2025 at 2:11am

That was the one I started to write about and got side tracked - Helene Hampf and Frank. What a story and what a nuanced film! It always pleases. No too sad.

Comment by Scott Paul on June 27, 2025 at 2:19am

On the surface it appears a simple film yet when you realize how much relied on the acting talents of Hopkins and especially Bancroft.  A rare film based largely on letters where the two stars never appear in a scene together.  It was a very early role for the great Ian McNiece of "Doc Martin" fame.  

Comment by Eric Keith Longo on June 27, 2025 at 2:25am

And Judi Dench was so understated. The book was marvelous. It was wonderful to see everyone enjoy the holiday packages and try to write Helene themselves. It was clear during the 1953 Coronation on the tele Frank's mind was elsewhere.

Comment by Scott Paul on June 27, 2025 at 3:38am

I am embarrassed I forgot about her role as the wife.  She is always wonderful.  There was not a single cast member that was not fit no matter how small the role.  Maurice Denham was also memorable especially in the hospital.  That scene like the movie was subtle and very believable.  I think some directors would have gone for a tearjerking scene that would have been inappropriate for the time period.  I had toyed with the idea of collecting that movie and even bought an Ian McNeice, but I soon talked myself out of it.  I bought the movie on Vudu and have it my collection there.  That and Joan Plowright's "Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont."   

Comment by Eric Keith Longo on June 27, 2025 at 3:53am

I was going to mention the hospital scene but I did not know if anyone remembered it.

Have you seen The Whisperers? Dame Edith Evans, 1967

One of the best I have seen of any type. I have an original still, a letter from Evans and a paper still from the film signed. It is on YouTube right now for free. :-)

Comment by Scott Paul on June 27, 2025 at 5:16am

I have heard of The Whisprers but have not seen it.  I will have to look it up there. I am familiar with Dame Edith Evans.  I might have her I am not sure.  I thought Maurice Denham really looked like he was dying.  He went on for about another 15 years. 

Comment by Eric Keith Longo on June 27, 2025 at 5:18am

It is without a doubt one of the best films I have ever seen. Denham went on for 15 years more? WOW!

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