llinos_wms
As snsnews, this isn't so much a comment/feedback on this particular adaptation but a question about an earlier version.The 26 minute short photo montage of "A Child's Christmas in Wales" made in 1961/62 by Marvin Lichtner is beautiful. snsnews - I can confirm that Marvin Lichtner was indeed the director. I do not know anything about Lichtner, but would really like to know a bit about him if anyone can help me please get in touch.Pennsylvania State University distributed it originally, and they still own a copy, as well as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York - but I do not know where the film can be found on VHS/DVD for purchase I'm afraid? Does anybody know who owns the copyright to this film?
George Wright
This re-telling of the classic story "A Child's Christmas in Wales" is almost the cinematic equivalent of hearing Dylan Thomas reading his own story. In the film, Denholm Eliot is the narrator and tells the story to his grandson as they celebrate a family Christmas together. As in the story, the movie is mostly flashback images of Christmases long past - cats, opening the presents, a fire at Mrs. Prothero's house, aunts and uncles celebrating and snow falling on the town making it whiter than Lapland. We think what rich memories for a child to carry into adulthood. Most of us have our own images of Christmas past and these are etched in our memory for life. This film gives us a glimpse of the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of one child and how he responds to the pictures he sees as his grandfather tells the story. I once heard that when Dylan Thomas recorded this story, it was at a session in New York City and he didn't show up for the first one. He did show up the second time but there was only enough material to fill one side of an old record album. Someone went out and found a recent copy of Harper's Bazaar and Thomas read the story to complete the record. Without this accidental recording, we might have never come to appreciate this great story, which in turn gave rise to this beautiful, little film.
David Miles
I have enjoyed this film rendition of Dylan Thomas's poem ever since I first saw it on TV back in the 80's. I look forward to viewing as much as I do my other favourite, A Christmas Carol with Alistaire Sim. It gives you an idea of what a traditional Christmas was like back in early 1900's England. Reminds me of the Christmas's I had when I was growing up. Not much different, the big family get-together, the uncles, granddad and dad falling asleep in the rec-room after the big dinner. Mom, grandma and my aunts clearing the table and doing the dishes. Showing everyone your gifts and playing with your cousins. Makes me long for the simpler days. I've been viewing a copy I made off TV up till about 2 years ago when I found a used video tape on eBay. Then last year it was released on DVD which is a vast improvement from the used rental copy. A real great Christmas movie for all ages. If you can find a copy, buy it as soon as you can. They are as scarce and hen's teeth. The video tape is even scarcer.
Melm
I haven't read other reviews on this, but can't understand the voting - most people have given it 10 - which I can understand, but then a group have given it 3 - how anyone can watch this evocative movie and give it 3 is beyond me. It is probably the only Christmas movie that I feel I must watch every time that it's on - it shows a simpler time, a raw view of Christmas through the eyes of a Welsh child. It's simple effective and a great antidote for the glitzy artificial 'made for TV' Christmas schmaltz so evident during this season. Well worth the time to watch. Denholm Elliot's voice over is melodious and you can almost feel the snow and the excitement of the young protagonist. 8/10