Yvonne

This is my very favourite book, and I know there's a film with Richard Attenborough as Percy Boone. It was on TV recently but I wasn't in England. My questions are (1) Is it obtainable on DVD (video won't do; I've ruined my machine)? and (2) Is it as good as the book? The write-up on the film site doesn't make it sound so good, since Percy's story was only one of very many threads, as the film deals with the lives of a lot of people all lodging in the same London house. Shall I keep my illusions?

[ 25. February 2004, 14:25: Message edited by: DB7 ]

Yvonne

Russ

I agree, a superb film, in my opinion the subplot and full supporting cast make it the closest yet to a British Capra film.
Especially Alastair Sim at the seance as a llama with friends amongst the "birds and snow flowers?"

Catch it if you can

Russ

Yvonne, just reread your original posting and question, unfortunately I haven't read the book but I would suggest that it does follow the plot as time and energy are well spent on the numerous threads.

In particular, getting the clock fixed on Monday, the old dear who can't afford the rent, the seance scam, Percy's sorry tale, the detective's love life, the Uncle, the parade etc etc.
As I said earlier a real Capraesque beauty.

Have the team behind it made any others worth watching?

Russ

I've just remembered another bit The Christmas dinner.

Yvonne

Detective's love life? That must be something new. His name was Todds and he was lodging with the Jossers and pretending to work at Battersea Power Station while keeping an eye on Percy but he didn't have a love life in the book. You didn't mention Doris (Josser), boyfriend Bill the medical student, and her brother Ted, married to the blonde usherette Cynthia or Mr Puddy the nightwatchman, but it sounds like a great film if they were in it or not. Thank you for telling me about it. It will be worth buying a replacement video recorder for, since I don't suppose it will ever be on DVD.

Yvonne