audhep

The film is a superb adaptation of the book. As is true of most adaptations, it doesn't quite live up to the book. Read the book first--and then see the movie. The acting is first-rate. The little boy, Nicholas Gledhill, is amazing. And Wendy Hughes is stunning--what a shame she has never caught on with American audiences in her relatively unproductive American film and television career. The film is another example of the high quality work that comes out of Australia with such frequency.

Mary Higgins Clark's books are usually quite predictable, as is this adaptation of one of her song-titled books. The cast is mostly unknown with the (not too great) exception of Laura Leighton. You will have no trouble figuring out who-dun-it--if you stick around to see the ending, that is. The made-for-TVer is not very involving but is relatively painless. Not worth the price of a rental, much less a ticket.

"As Times Goes By" is brilliantly written, directed, and--especially-- acted. What a marvelous treat to see the fascinating Judi Dench week after week. She and Geoffrey Palmer have incredible chemistry together. There are many laugh-out-loud laughs, as well as serious moments too. The final scene in the second episode is perfection. The series would be have been well-advised to end about two seasons before it did, but even these episodes are head-and-shoulders above most of today's television. All in all, a remarkable achievement sustained, for the most part, over nine seasons. Bravo, all concerned! Brava, brava, Judi!