Daisies in December

This is a slight film, but one greatly strengthened by the leading players. Jean Simmons and Joss Ackland are both at the top of their game playing characters probably close to their actual ages. While it lags a bit and is kind of hokey, you sense the real affection between the two and Ackland delivers a speech declaring his love that is just magnificent. Great film and worth the effort.

I had chanced upon viewing this film on a channel surfing excursion one weekend morning. I passed by the usual junk, info-mercials, and tired network programs and movies, then, it happened. I instantly became transfixed to the screen watching every minute until the end of this magnificent TV movie the British have produced.

If you want to have the best of character identification and development, in which a film so immerses you you can't turn your attention to anything else, then try this film my friend. The story is gripping to say the least and at its best it is simply the best formation of a loving relationship since Cary Grant on the big screen. And these people in the cast are old! Who would have thought young, pretentious romantics could learn anything from grandparents about love and commitment? After all, aren't they mostly over the hill? No. Far from it. Despite physical limitations and ailments of old age, these two stars of the film, Jean Simmons and Joss Ackland prove to any doubting Thomas's that love is ageless. Tragedy too.

My favorite line is when Catherine (Jean Simmons) tells her aspiring lover, "Life is essentially ridiculous. Once you understand that you can start to enjoy yourself." So true, and more so for the crusty codger, Gerald (Joss Ackland) who takes life a little too seriously and shies away from gleeful moments that he considers undignified or embarrassing for a man of his age or position...until she enters into his heart.

I would thoroughly agree with the comments of others - this is a too-little seen movie. To the best of my knowledge it has only been shown on British TV once, whilst other inferior films get regular showings. The central characters are sensitively portrayed by Joss Ackland and Jean Simmons at their best, and the cameo roles provide some comic moments, among them the wonderful Barbara Lott playing an eccentric old lady. The balance between comedy and drama is well maintained in the way that British TV does so well - had this been an American production it would no doubt have been sickly sentimental to the point of overkill. I am very surprised to hear that the film isn't available on video

An excellent film that was screened on British TV a year or so ago. Joss Ackland and Jean Simmons, two of our great actors, play a very tender and dignified scene of love in later-life.

I wish it was available on video. I want this!

This is a gentle old fashioned type of love story with enough humor to make it appeal to a wider audience. It's also nice to see Joss playing a role other than the bad guy. Although he's a little rude and short of tact - he's basically a decent chap in this one.