Promoted to Glory

I remember watching this during its original transmission and loving it, fair play to Network, they continuously release these hidden gems, and Promoted to Glory shines brightly.

A ninety minute Christmas drama that will have you laughing, wondering and teary eyed. A flawless cast, heralded by the magical Ken Stott, backed up by a glorious, tender performance from the wonderful Lesley Manville. At times it verges on surreal, but it has a huge heart and it feels intensely original, I can think of no other production that is anything like it. The entire cast are great, how wonderful to see Kevin Whately cast as the bad guy (Apart from Trip Trap!!) and he does a splendid job. Stott is sensational, remains one of the best performances I've ever seen from him, and there are many.

I think any viewer would struggle not to chuckle watching this, and the ending comes as rather a surprise.

Fabulous drama 10/10

Thanks to "Author: Tom May (joycean_chap@hotmail.com) from Sunderland, England" for your very useful comments on the film. Like a number of other viewers I found the ending just too much. I just did not get it! However thanks to Tom, it now has clicked and made the whole thing so very much worthwhile. I thought the spiritual content of the film very useful and interesting, and, though not a member of the Savation Army I thought the beliefs and and portrayal of it very reasonable and respectful. The whole cast was wonderful, but I do have to give 10/10 to Ken Stott who threw his whole talent into the role which must have exhausted him.

This movie is not only touching, funny, heart-wrenching and uplifting but its surprise ending will leave you reeling. The wonderful cast includes the understated Kevin Whately as the well-meaning but totally dull Hurst, the unglamorous but very attractive Lesley Manville as the reawakened Annie, and the masterful Kevin Stott as the irascible, irreverent Mike. Mike is the antithesis of the Hollywood hunk but his charisma and sense of humor is such that he is utterly lovable and irresistible (especially to Annie). A great production of a wonderful story and without a maudlin Hollywood ending. This is a thoroughly enjoyable movie, and if available in your area, rent it tonight. Cheers!

I have enjoyed this TV movie found it touching and well acted. The actor playing Mike deserves an Oscar even though I have never heard of him. May be a bit overdone and too sentimental, but then this is a Christmas story...