The Last Days of Dolwyn

Britain's precursor to 'Wild River' is the only film ever directed by Emlyn Williams, in which he rather perversely cast himself as the serpent in this particular Eden in the form of a disgraced local boy who doesn't even understand Welsh chased out of town for stealing the collection money returned to the land of his fathers to gloatingly offer an ultimatum to the locals to let their village die or face financial oblivion.

Returning locals speak with wonder of Liverpool as an exotic place of houses with seven windows, full of people who never speak to each other; while Edith Evans plays the Jo Van Fleet role and a young and dashing Richard Burton plays Evans' adopted son, both of whom we actually get to hear speak gaelic.

I find it incomprehensible that this gem of a film about a Welsh village doomed to be flooded by a new dam is available only in a less than pristine print. The current DVD is simply a transfer from a VHS tape (one reviewer said the version he taped off of TV looked better). You would think a film with Emlyn Williams, Dame Edith Evans, and featuring the first screen appearance of a 23 year old Richard Burton would be a prime candidate for the "Criterion treatment" but so far nothing, not even in England. The picture quality on this release is good to excellent but the soundtrack needs to be cleaned up. You can hear everything but it takes a little effort.

I first saw this movie back in 1980 when I was living in the historic city of Charleston, SC. From the opening shot of a vast lake with the top of a church steeple rising out of it, I was hooked. I didn't recognize Richard Burton at first as he was so young. His voice hadn't matured yet and he spoke as much Welsh as he did English. In fact one of the pure delights of the film is that so much Welsh is spoken even by Edith Evans whose accent blends right in with Burton's and a young Hugh Griffith as the village minister. Welsh author-director-star Emlyn Williams (THE CORN IS GREEN) does a remarkable job in all three roles. He is not as well known today as he used to be but he was a major talent which is fully on display here.

The story is set in 1892 and deals with the impending flooding of a small Welsh village to provide water for a neighboring English county. The man behind the project (Williams), a former villager, is working for the power company but has reasons of his own for wanting to see the village inundated. The townspeople are of two minds. Some want the money and jobs promised but others don't want to move to Liverpool. Edith Evans is heartbreaking as the village elder who doesn't want to see the town disappear. Burton is one of her two sons. Although the outcome is known, the ending comes as a real surprise. I was bewildered by it as the plot twist seems highly improbable. Despite that, the depiction of village life is poignant and the Welsh language poetic and beautiful. Now all we need is a first class restoration...For more reviews visit The Capsule Critic.

The Last Days of Dolwyn is a thoughtful and moving film, which conveys its main purpose expertly. The storyline is a simple one, and concerns the flooding of a small welsh village to provide water to the inhabitants of certain towns in Lancashire, England. Emlyn Williams completes a tour-de-force as writer, director and star of this film. On all three counts he does exceptionally well, and it was no surprise that he went on to become a famous showbiz personality. His portrayal of the arrogant and selfish agent is particularly noteworthy, and he is the perfect villain of the piece. In fact, the whole cast is top notch, and there isn't a dud performance to be seen. This top quality ensemble playing does greatly enhance the film, as does the typical welsh valley scenery. However, a special mention must be made of that great actress Edith Evans, who gives a magnificent performance in the lead role. She demonstrates the art of acting at its very best, and undoubtedly brings that extra special touch of quality to this film. It's not an easy film to track down, but is well worth the effort if you can see it. Highly recommended.

There is a marked contrast between the careers of the two leads,Richard Burton,in his debut performance,and Emlyn Wiliiams.

Burton shows here why he went on to become a star,but after marrying Elizabeth taylor his career was doomed,apart for a couple of performances. Otherwise it was a case of take the money and run till his early death.

Williams on the other hand had been around since the thirties and would be around for a time after Burton's death.

As a writer he knew how to write best for himself. Thus he played maany villains,particularly blackmailers and he was very effective as such.

They both make this a very watchable film.

Richard Burton's first film and Dame Edith Evans before her smash hit in Wilde's "Earnest"(and after establishing herself in the theatre and knighted), plus a wonderful cast of supporting characters and an atmosphere of solid strength of morals and ethics which only British films can evoke so memorably on celluloid.

This movie is a gem because it seeps into the deepest crevices of our hearts by a subtle interplay of mood and character study where words fail and acting skill take over.

'The Last Days of Dolwyn' is highly recommended. If you have the chance see it.