Dulcima

This film is particularly dear to me as they knocked down our wall while they were making it! As compensation we got an invitation to go and see them filming nearby! The film is such quintessentially English that it really should be in everyone's film library for its scenes and great acting. It reminds you very much of Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee which also hails from the Cotswolds. Both John and Hayley Mills give a great performance, and the innocence of this post war era really comes over. I noticed a couple of comments about obtaining copies of the film and wonder if anyone could let me know where they have been able to get it?

The picturesque Gloucestershire countryside of the early 1970s is shown to good effect in this unusual love story, based on one of the works of H E Bates. Carol White, at the peak of her powers before her life tragically disintegrated, displays her talent and versatility as the titular character. Dulcima Gaskain is a member of a sparse and not very wealthy rural community, the eldest daughter of a poor farming couple who work her round the clock and show her no respect, let alone affection.

The ever-reliable John Mills is Mr Parker, a neighbouring farmer of mature years who has neglected himself and his property in the years since he became a widower. When he literally crashes into Dulcima's life one day whilst drink driving, the good-natured girl sees him back into his home safely out of concern and is appalled at the conditions in which he is living. But she is also surprised to find that he has a wad of money stashed in the lining of his hat, so senses an opportunity to make some cash for herself, something she is unable to do at home.

Parker is rather confused and disorientated by having his clothes washed, his home tidied up and his meals cooked for him by this pretty young girl, but quickly grows to appreciate it. Naturally he is also drawn to her physically, especially as she plays up to this, but Dulcima initially keeps him at bay by pretending she has a boyfriend knocking around called Albert - in fact, just a handsome male she saw in a photo in a magazine.

However, as Dulcima discovers that Parker has lots of money hidden around his house, her dreams become bigger. Although she's not prepared to outright steal from Parker, she's not above persuading him to throw as much of his cash at her as she can, through a combination of hard work and deception, so becomes his live-in housekeeper and is soon treating him to 'extra' parts of her personal service to him - as long as he's prepared to add it to the bill, of course. Parker has no idea she knows about his wealth, and also remains ignorant that 'Albert' does not really exist.

As Dulcima makes more money from him, she lavishes it on finer clothes and hairstyles for herself, but at the same time she isn't properly noting how Parker himself is paying more attention to his own appearance. Her involvement in his life has increased the widower's sense of self-worth and his miserly ways have given way to generosity not just towards her but to others.

Complicating the situation is the arrival on the scene of a neighbouring gamekeeper, a handsome young man who bears a passing resemblance to the 'Albert' from the magazine. Dulcima is naturally attracted to him and, as she becomes increasingly glamorous, so too is he attracted to her. Even so, she's happy to tell him a few fibs too while she juggles her position between the two men in her life.

Of course, the continual deceptions and the playing fast and loose with other people's emotions will mean that there will ultimately have to be a heavy price to pay. And although the film is very watchable throughout, it is the shocking climax that will make it memorable for most viewers. It is a climax that would certainly not be expected from the opening sequences which are very light and comedic in tone; rather cleverly, the whole feel of this film mirrors the main character's scheme, and what starts out as a bit of a lark gradually morphs into something altogether more serious as, rather too late, Dulcima herself realises the true effect of her actions...

Overall, a very good character piece. It doesn't quite have enough incident or intensity throughout to make it a truly great film, but even so, there's not much one could fault it with.

I recall seeing this movie by chance on TV many years ago and have been hoping that one day it will be shown again, or at least available to hire or purchase. Without repeating the plot or the other useful comments already posted, I'll just say that this film left a lasting impression on me. I wouldn't call it a comedy, it was much more than that; although there were some amusing scenes, I remember it primarily as a portrayal of off-the-beaten-track country life with ultimately a tangle of emotions and a tragic, moving ending. John Mill's portrayal of the lonely farmer, whose state went from sober to legless and soft to nasty, was excellent. Yet I submit that the star of the film was Carol White, whose moving performance as the simple and comely country girl confirmed her talents that had first come to public notice in Cathy Come Home.

Enchanting in the way it accurately depicts the Gloucestershire countryside, towns and villages (Minchinhampton, Tetbury, etc.) 50 or so years ago. Enchanting too in the acting by all involved - the much missed Dudley Foster giving a compelling cameo as Symes and even Kristin Hatfield delights as the assistant in the dress shop. Johnny Douglas's score and recurring theme is just right for the characters and the locations.

Yet disturbing in its climax which comes as a shock but which captures the counterpoint between rural charm and human frailty. An underrated gem from Frank Nesbitt.

Dulcima," based on a story by H. E. Bates, is a new English film about pastoral passions of the sort that I associate with D. H. Lawrence, perhaps because the story's catalytic agent is a dopey gamekeeper who doesn't look as if he'd spent much time outside.

A stingy old farmer named Mr. Parker (John Mills), a widower with an attic-full of crumpled banknotes, falls in love with his young housekeeper Dulcima (Carol White), who comes to work for him because she feels sorry for him, and then stays on because she fancies both him and his money. Dulcima is earthy, a bit avaricious and essentially good. She doesn't mind a roll in the hayloft with Mr. Parker, but when she falls in love with the gamekeeper (Stuart Wilson), she decides to move out. It is a really great film, not to be missed.

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