cantileb

I admit upfront that I am a fan of sentimental, romantic stories and this one tops them all. My opinion must not be too off center though because it was "selected by The New York Times as one of the 1000 greatest movies ever made." I saw it as a young girl and have never wavered in my opinion of it. Granted, Freddie Bartholomew's portrayal is now a bit over-the-top, but I still like it. It helps that the writer, Charles Dickens is also a favorite on my reading list.

How could this picture go wrong? George Cukor directed it and David O. Selznick produced. It was up for Best Picture at the Academy Awards although it did not win. And the cast was superb.

W.C. Fields was amazingly eclectic and his performance stands the test of time. For me though, Edna May Oliver's portrayal of the endearing, but eccentric Aunt Betsey was the best performance. Basil Rathbone as the abusive, husband/stepfather villain still ignites the wrath of the viewer. Who couldn't love Nurse Peggotty (Jessie Ralph)who loved the child as her own flesh and blood? Lionel Barrymore also has a strong presence. And, even though I wanted to shake her, Maureen O'Sullivan's, Dora, was flawless. Roland Young still gives me the creeps as Uriah Heep. In summary, let your kids see it. They and you will love it.

Maybe I am a sentimental fool, but I love this romantic drama. American productions could take a page of this Korean series! What is particularly interesting is that the supposed 'villian' is not a black or white character, but a human being who selfishly does the wrong thing. In American films/TV, the protagonist is generally evil and this is not the case in this production. You realize that even though you don't like the people who do wrong, they are people pursuing their own means for their loved ones. No excuse but a broader perspective on us as people. It is too bad there is only one season. Hopefully there will be another and Netflix will show it.

Love this show.