The Holly and the Ivy – 1952 | 83 mins | Drama | B&W

Plot Synopsis

Adaptation of Wynyard Browne’s play about a country cleric’s family reunion at Christmas. The poignant family drama is stiffly directed by George More O’Ferrall, betraying its stage origins, but the entire cast perform with great understatement, particularly Ralph Richardson’s clergyman and a sympathetic Celia Johnson.

Norfolk parson Rev. Martin Gregory (Ralph Richardson) gathers together his family for a reunion at Christmas but the festive spirit is soon dampened by startling revelations. The approaching family include sister Aunt Bridget (Maureen Delaney), hotel-resident and sister-in-law Aunt Lydia (Margaret Halstan), soldier son on 48-hours leave Michael Gregory (Denholm Elliott) and ice-queen fashion model daughter Margaret (Margaret Leighton). Meanwhile, aging dutiful daughter Jenny (Celia Johnson) can’t leave her father despite long-time fiancé, David (John Gregson), wanting to marry and take her to South America. Following a series of confessions and revelations, the misunderstood vicar who has spent his life offering support and guidance to his flock finally demonstrates sympathy and understanding to a re-united family.