angelknpenny

I have watched this film so many times that I know the dialogue verbatim. Of course, it is not a significant film in the history of cinema, but good luck finding many as charming. For one thing, the cast is amazingly attractive with Kay Kendall off the charts. She is so beautiful and stylish and her comic timing is glorious. The scene with she and husband, Rex Harrison trying to spy on their daughter is priceless and their chemistry is palpable. I find that she died only a short time later and that is really depressing. She was so lovely and funny; modern actresses would suffer by comparison. Only someone like Kate Winslet is anywhere near her league.

I have to agree with Mike. I have no idea what Ted was watching. Miss Marple 'obnoxious" huh? Joan Hickson nails her completely and is charming. She also is able to bring across just how intuitive and intelligent Miss Marple is. I, too, like McEwan as an actress, but her portrayal of Marple is vile. she is better suited to series like "Mulberry". As for Rutherford, she doesn't bother me as Marple because I don't take her seriously in them. It's more like a charming parody of the character. Remember both Lansbury and Hayes also had a crack at Jane and while both very talented could not come close to Joan Hickson. She manages to be both steely and soft, no small feat! Ted's comments show a lack of knowledge about the mystery genre. There is no such thing as just mystery; there are numerous subcategories as well. So, comparing Gardner to Christie is akin to comparing Chandler to Conan Doyle.

I'm not sure I believe anyone that says they like romance, but does not this movie. Is it a little sappy? Yes. Is it unbelievable? Yes. Are Elizabeth's poems a bit treacly? Yes And you know what? Who cares?! It is a very sweet and gentle story. It does remind of an old- fashioned movie, feelings of passion and attraction without flinging everyone into a sexual romp. I also like movies about sexual attraction, but this is a refreshing change. People falling in love with a kindred spirit is unbelievably exciting in its own way.

As to some feeling that it is a betrayal for Scotty to feel attraction for Beth at the end of the movie, I heartily disagree. Scotty, very unselfishly helped inspire Elizabeth to escape a vile suitor and loveless marriage; he also helped her find Caleb Denby one last time. I think it's fitting that Elizabeth's spirit helps Scotty find 'a love that burns" at the end.

And, to those that slam Elizabeth's poetry as unrealistic and sappy, stop speaking of that which you do not understand. 19th century poetry is often overwrought with emotion and symbolism. In that sense, it is not anachronistic, but very authentic. Read a book sometime!

Lastly, this is hot tea and comfy throw on a cold winter afternoon fare. Enjoy it for what it is! I know I will again.