Today's film starts off like a crime story but is really a screwball comedy, a spoof of British politics, and a nice little love story. Watch Richard Burton in an offbeat role!
I am a big fan of Trollope, especially the Palliser novels. However, I would recommend “Barchester Towers” for a first foray into his works. It provides Trollope’s usual insight into human nature, wonderful characters, and commentary on institutions (the church in this case; the political establishment in the Pallisers). The Barchester novels have much more comic relief than do the Palliser books and this makes them a lighter read in my opinion. ‘Barchester Towers” is the second novel in the Chronicles of Barsetshire series but you can read it as a stand-alone. If you do want to read a Palliser novel, you might do well to read them in order so you can better understand the trajectory of the many characters. The first is “Can You Forgive Her?”. I think that many people find “Phineus Finn” the best of the lot. My first Trollope was “The Eustace Diamonds” which some consider the weakest but I liked so much that I read one Trollope after the other.
Roger Livesey is a wonderful actor. If you ever have a chance to see The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp or I Know Where I Am Going, please don't miss the opportunity. Both are excellent old British films -- one is about the passage of time, lost love, and what it means to be English in the best sense; the other is a love story set in northern Scotland. Roger Livesey is excellent in both.
I clicked on the link, and while I am unable to watch the film at this moment, I can tell I'm going to enjoy it just by listening to the music that accompanies the opening credits. It foretells of lots of fun and high-jinks to come:)
We have been watching old British movies at our house lately and finding some little treasures, This one fit our week perfectly. I could wish that the film quality were a little better. Let us know what you think of it.
Sitting at an airport waiting to board a flight for grandchildren babysitting duty…I will watch between refereeing wrestling matches and ducking flying objects!
Can you suggest a Trollope novel to begin with? Just the first Pallister?
I am a big fan of Trollope, especially the Palliser novels. However, I would recommend “Barchester Towers” for a first foray into his works. It provides Trollope’s usual insight into human nature, wonderful characters, and commentary on institutions (the church in this case; the political establishment in the Pallisers). The Barchester novels have much more comic relief than do the Palliser books and this makes them a lighter read in my opinion. ‘Barchester Towers” is the second novel in the Chronicles of Barsetshire series but you can read it as a stand-alone. If you do want to read a Palliser novel, you might do well to read them in order so you can better understand the trajectory of the many characters. The first is “Can You Forgive Her?”. I think that many people find “Phineus Finn” the best of the lot. My first Trollope was “The Eustace Diamonds” which some consider the weakest but I liked so much that I read one Trollope after the other.
Roger Livesey is a wonderful actor. If you ever have a chance to see The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp or I Know Where I Am Going, please don't miss the opportunity. Both are excellent old British films -- one is about the passage of time, lost love, and what it means to be English in the best sense; the other is a love story set in northern Scotland. Roger Livesey is excellent in both.
Thanks for those recommendations. We are enjoying our delve into old British films and will definitely check these out.
I clicked on the link, and while I am unable to watch the film at this moment, I can tell I'm going to enjoy it just by listening to the music that accompanies the opening credits. It foretells of lots of fun and high-jinks to come:)
We have been watching old British movies at our house lately and finding some little treasures, This one fit our week perfectly. I could wish that the film quality were a little better. Let us know what you think of it.
Sitting at an airport waiting to board a flight for grandchildren babysitting duty…I will watch between refereeing wrestling matches and ducking flying objects!
Hahaaaa! You will be busy, no doubt!