Dolce novembre

I never intended watching Sweet November. I'd never even heard of it. I was flicking through the channels and it just leaped out and grabbed me. I don't what it was, the wonderful, light, witty dialogue that reminded me of Noel Coward at his best, or the tangible chemistry between Sandy Dennis and Anthony Newley. Whatever it was I just couldn't stop watching. It was like snuggling up with someone you love on a windswept winters night or shuffling through fallen autumn leaves. Watching this film filled me with a wonderful inner glow and I loved it.

When Anthony Newley passed away in 1999 I was disappointed,to say the least,at the lack of television tributes that would normally accompany such an event.A brief note at the end of Eastenders was the best that the BBC could muster.The one exception,somewhat suprisingly,came from the fledgling Channel 5 and took the form of a showing of the film Sweet November.I must confess that at the time I had not heard of this film and it was only by chance that I happened to be over at My brother,s house at the moment of its broadcast.For the following two hours I sat mesmerised by a film that represents for me,the very best work that Newley ever did within the medium of film.The opening minutes of the film offer little indication of the true nature of what is to follow,as an unfashionably clad,and strangely uptight Anthony Newley has a chance encounter with a free spirited young lady,who epitomises all that the rigidly conventional Mr Newley would appear to despise.These opening scenes are possibly the most demanding on the viewer,as representing conventional characters came about as easily to Anthony Newley as it does now to Jack Nicholson,or Dennis Hopper.As the storyline unfolds however,the viewer is taken on board a magical rollercoaster of alternating pain and whimsy as the process of liberation,initiated by the promise of a transient love,brings both spiritual regeneration and inconsolable loss to Anthony Newley,s urban changeling.A storyline ,that would in less capable hands than the superlative ensemble cast and director,might descend into empty schmaltz,is carried to an unforgettable finale.I urge all those with a suitably open mind to take the opportunity to share in this neglected masterpiece.

***Possible Spoilers*** OK, the overall plot does unfortunately suffer from a heavy dose of implausibility. However, if you're willing to suspend your disbelief and simply enjoy the ride from the outset, including the whole look and feel of the '60's (I was born in this decade, and always love living it vicariously through films), the clothes, her adorable apartment (I notice more of the interior design of her apartment with every viewing), and of course, above all else, their tender love story and the road on which Dennis' character leads Newley's, you'll be in for a very real treat. I can be a very harsh critic when films are set in "reality" but clearly have a very implausible storyline, but I make an exception with this film. It's unfortunate, but I have heard/read somewhere that Anthony Newley and Sandy Dennis did not get along at all during the making of this film. That fact alone is a testament to the strength of their performances, because their chemistry was so wonderful on screen. I was never much of an Anthony Newley fan prior to seeing this film, because I was too little during his heyday, and never really took to "children's films" during that time either, such as The Chocolate Factory and Dr. Doolittle. However, in this film, he was absolutely charming.

***SPOILER COMING***The scene in her bedroom loft in which he professes his love for her is one of the most genuine and tender love scenes (conversation only) I've ever seen on film. Whenever I watch this scene, I feel as if I were truly eavesdropping on a very private conversation between two people. Newley's slight mockery of Dennis' knack for going wackily off-subject during this conversation was just a beautiful little dance of dialog. He is just SO English!...he's adorable. Also, it was sweet to notice his first having a very hard time climbing the "stairs" in her apartment, but, toward the end of his "month", he's mastering them with finesse, without even needing to clutch the side railings. Finally, the "1,000 Novembers" he wants to give her make you hope that she will take him up on his offer, once and for all.

Beneath the storied romance of this movie, and Newley's beautiful, tender charm, there is an underlying message provided in large part by Sandy Dennis' character and brilliant performance. Though her character on surface appears to be very much of a free spirit, heavy on whimsy and light on logic, she is the one who makes the stronger impression on Newley than he on her, seemingly, at least, effecting more change in him than he in her. She slowly leads him to look at life as well as his role in it in a different manner, and his character is forever enriched as a result.

If you haven't seen this film, find it (you can get it on Amazon on VHS....I wish they'd offer it on DVD), make yourself a cup of tea, curl up under the covers, listen to this story and watch these characters. "Sweet November" is very touching....tender, sad, romantic, and warmly moving.

Maybe I'm weird but this film really struck a chord with me. What a tender and moving little love story..definitely a woman's movie, romantic and sweet. Sandy Dennis is at her quirky best in the role of Sara Dever...and Anthony Newley at his most attractive and wonderful as charming Charlie Blake is a perfect casting match.There is terrific music by Leslie Bricusse, a fine performance by Theodore Bikel as a crusading vegetarian signmaker....but mostly there is this incredible growth of love between Sara and Charlie that is a delight to watch from the first frame to the last..and an incredible bittersweet ending that has me in tears EVERY time I see it. This movie SINGS to me.A lost and forgotten gem of a play made into a movie Sweet November is a must see for anyone who has ever been in love ...and lost. Don't miss this one!!!! It is a definite KEEPER!

I'm a guy who loves films, I also love poetry and for me this film is the perfect combination of both. I saw this film 15yrs ago and watch it every few years.

Its a film that touches in so many ways, and for what plays as a romantic comedy the ending is one of the best endings for such a film.

I hope Newly knew just how much of an abiding love people had for this film and for himself and Sandy.

Its a shame they remade it, but the remake is a soulless travesty when set against the original. Sadly more people probably know the remake and will be put off watching the original. Quite simply in a quiet, dignified way I think this is one of the best films ever made.