Spring and Port Wine

I have watched this film many times, and it always seems to get better. With great acting performance by James Mason, and the cast of this classic English film. If you have not seen it before, then I highly recommend that you do.

No matter what mood I'm in, this film always sorts me out. I can't count the times I've watched it, at any time of the day or night. It is the most basic of love stories, showing that the ties that bind a family are often stretched to the limit, but cannot be broken. I have over 500 films in my collection and I don't think there's a more romantic moment in any, than when James Mason takes of his jacket and puts is round Diana Coupland's shoulders. I remember feeling the tenderness of that moment when I first saw the film in the cinema as a young teenager and now I am 50 and it still makes me shiver. There's never been another film which comes anywhere near it. My old video is just about played out and I've copied it on to DVD, but I would love to know if anyone has ever seen it for sale on DVD.

This is an excellent film about a traditional working class family in Northern England. Filmed on location in Bolton, it stars James Mason as the father who is the dominant force within his home. Or so it seems. Cleverly, the film, based on the play, portrays the complexities of family life. The supporting cast is terrific as well, with many familiar faces lending support.

Even though I have lived abroad for more than 50 years, this film so perfectly captures the essence of life in northern England in the 50-60's that I cannot decide whether I want to go back there or stay away. Father knows best - no question. You do as you're told! You "tip up" on Fridays. Mother cooking fish on Friday pay day. Oh my gosh, it is all there. There are so many unforgettable scenes of northern working class life it is like a time warp for those of us who lived it.

For anyone in the future who may wonder what life was like back then when there was virtually full employment in the cotton mills, they could do worse than watch this film.

I wish this film were on TV regularly so that I could show my friends what it was like.

A true view of working class northern England of the past. Mason rules like a king over his family, as he does with his acting as he heads a super cast. This can't be faulted.