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This episode is fascinating but for the opening which shows 4 engine German bombers flying over Buckingham Palace. The Germans never developed 4 engine bombers, which contributed greatly to their losing the Battle of Britain, by failing to knock out the radar masts of the chain home stations and the RAF airfields. Claire Foy gives a fine performance, dressing down Winston Churchill and Lord Salisbury.

Despite the hysterical protests of Harry Potter fans who seem willing to accept anything Hollywood dishes out, OotP is such a poor serving it wouldn't give anyone enough soulful nourishment to make even a wispy patronus. As one of the most important books in the series, OotP has to bring the movie audience along with Harry and his friends as they finally start to take a more adult portion of life. Unfortunately most these elements are left out and the three friends' time together seems uncomfortable and disconnected for the first time in the film series. The director's shallow emphasis on 'darkness'' totally misses the point of this film, which is Harry fighting his feelings of isolation, vulnerability and guilt as he begins to access Voldemort's thoughts and feelings. And it is Harry's developing sense of leadership as he takes on the mantle of the number one foe of Voldemort. I first saw the film in IMAX and the 3D sequence was dazzling, but when watching the film on the small screen, one misses the human moments which make up the core of the Potter stories. One also misses the sense of wonder the first films managed to convey. As a fan of the books, some compromise is needed in order to enjoy the films because so much is left out, but this time the journey seems not worth the effort. I'd give this film a 6 out of 10.

This was always a favorite of mine when I would see it on television many years ago but I had forgotten how good a film it still is. I just saw it today on TCM and I have to say something about this under-appreciated gem. The cast is a terrific ensemble of filmdom's great character actors such as George Bancroft who appears in countless films, among them Stagecoach. He plays Tom's father with great heart and finally when he realizes who is son really is, they share a heartwarming thumping of the town's most obnoxious father, son pairing. Virginia Weidler is very good as Tom's sister. Another of Hollywood's most talented children, she appeared frequently with Mickey and Judy and also had a high profile role in The Philadelphia story.

Fay Bainter has one of her best roles ever as Tom's mother, easily worthy of an academy nod. While the story may not resemble reality, it communicates some very important human truths about family. This film is every bit as good as The Yearling and should be considered a must for family viewing.