jfcolet

This represents the loss of another classic George K. Arthur film short, seemingly forgotten by the the industry. Evidently, this little short was conceived, written, directed and starred in by Wendy Toye. No special effects; just a charming, literal and creative presentation of a young man burying his lady in holiday gifts. Too bad that it hasn't been seen since it appeared as a mere fill on early subscription television. Delightfully charming. Should be seen annually at holiday time.

William Sanderson is not a name that people immediately recognize, but in this little film, Mr. Sanderson does an outstanding performance that held my attention. So many cliches in this film but so well done that one can readily forgive its predictability. It's not a matter of what is done, but just how well it's done. I looked at this film by chance, but I shall not forget it.

How sad it is that films such as this one seem to be of little interest to American audiences. It's an English film, based on a stage show and was brilliantly directed by Richard Attenborough. It is a musical allegory, based on World War I episodes and the cast includes just about every notable actor from the British Screen. I'm fairly sure that the ending of this film influenced the ending of "Saving Private Ryan". So far as I know, the film has never been available commercially in any form. I consider it to be one of those rare stokes of good fortune that I taped it off the air in the 1980s.