And a Nightingale Sang

Although this film pales in comparison to the beautiful play it was based on, this is still nonetheless worth watching. Joan Plowtwright is excellent as the mother, while the film is commanded by a talented British ensemble. The story is often funny, poignant, and heartbreaking as it tells the wonderful story of one family's strength to endure.

Romance set in Newcastle, England, during World War II depicts a cheerful if slightly daffy working class family. Helen (Phyllis Logan) is the sensible one, 31 years old and slightly lame. She keeps the family centered. The mother (Joan Plowright) is a devout Catholic, the father (John Woodvine) spends his spare time pounding on a piano, Joyce (Pippa Hinchley) is slightly tarty, and grandpa (Des Young) is nutty for pets.

Into their lives come two young soldiers. Eric (Stephen Tompkinson) is hot for Joyce, and Norman (Tom Watt) is taken with Helen. As the war drags on, Eric and Joyce marry, while Norman and Helen set up housekeeping together in a flat. Each couple will eventually face some surprising facts.

Logan, best known as Mrs. Hughes on DOWNTON ABBEY, gives a radiant performance as the woman on the verge of spinsterhood who finds unexpected love. Plowright is also wonderful as the dotty mother who lives for church. Worth looking for.

This is a charming film, and the memory of its warmth is still filed away in the back of my mind some 15-years after first seeing it. The understated and compelling performance by Phyllis Logan would make it worth watching alone, but there is the added pleasure of journeyman performances by all concerned. Besides the always great Joan Plowright, I thought another stand out was Tom Watt, although a check here seems to show his further appearances limited. It has been years since I have seen this film come round on television. I really, really, really wish this film would be released on DVD for region 1. I fear that quiet films like this that at the time were seen fit to release on VHS will never see the light of day in a DVD format in the States.

This is one of those bittersweet and understated dramas that the Brits do so well. The story is light, but the characters are so warm and interesting you can't help but like them all. At times hilarious, and at times heartwrenching, this is a charmer of a film. Best viewed on a quiet evening beside a roaring fire.