Straff

This is a very powerful film which I cannot watch with dry eyes. It gets to me on several levels.
Firstly Edith Evans physically reminds me of my beloved (long since departed) Granny, whom I adored beyond measure, hence the tissues.
Secondly the indifference and condescention meted out to the central character by 'the powers that be' enrages me not only on behalf of the fictional Mrs Ross but also because of the way we treat our old folks now. There is a lot to be proud of about being British, but we should hang our heads in shame about the way in which we treat our elderly population. (Rant over)
Although the film was made in 1967 I'm not sure if it is ever specified in which era the film was set, but those bomb-sites look real, and if they were it certainly brings home to me, in my mid forties, who lives in an area (North Wales) virtually untouched by the Luftwaffe, just how much devastation was wrought during the war, and the conditions under which many people had to live for years after.
Eric Portman is wonderfully odious as the absent Archie Ross, a striking departure from the 'officer/managerial class' role with which he is often associated.
And of course there's Nanette Newman. I don't think I need to explain do I?
I especially like John Barry's haunting music, which I have on vinyl, and with which I won't part for all the tea in Tesco.
It really is about time this masterpiece was released on DVD. If anyone knows Bryan Forbes could they please have a word.

Definitely my 'Desert Island' film.

julian_craster

To appreciate what a fine actor Eric Portman is, check out the scene where he meets
Dame Edith Evans for the first time, after being away for many years......and later says 'you haven't got anything I want', before visiting a street prostitute.......


THE WHISPERERS is surely Eric's last great film performance (and ably directed by Bryan Forbes). In his final film DEADFALL, Eric 's speech is at times slurred/indistinct, and he was clearly quite unwell , perhaps after suffering a minor stroke ?

susanduic

......after visiting a prostitute! Shame there's no nitpicking(?spelling.) 'Smilie'.....

I thought he was quite robust in Deadfall, compared particularly to his Prisoner episode........and something he did in January 1967 (The Crossfire)

Perhaps I should be struck down for saying it but I think he sometimes spoke too quickly, especially in 'posh' mode......thank god for VHS/DVD rewind capabilities!

Sorry Eric ..............

petandav

I cannot but agree that this is a wonderful film, even if so very sad. I really have to be in the right frame of mind to watch it.
It brings about memories of the old National Assistance Board and the poverty of the times, compared with today's rich society.
My copy is VHS, but I was surprised it hasn't been released on DVD - I guess it's only a matter of time.

petandav

I cannot but agree that this is a wonderful film, even if so very sad. I really have to be in the right frame of mind to watch it.
It brings about memories of the old National Assistance Board and the poverty of the times, compared with today's rich society.
My copy is VHS, but I was surprised it hasn't been released on DVD - I guess it's only a matter of time.
Ooops, I posted this twice - sorry folks.

billy bentley

Fantastic Film on all fronts. I picked up the soundtrack L.P. not long ago - a U.S.copy on United Artists Records.

Geoffers

You might be interested to know that the soundtrack album was re-issued on CD a few years ago. The CD also contains a few snippets of dialogue as separate tracks and also a short scene from the film as a sort of promo for a video release at that time.

The fold-out booklet also contains photos of scenes from the film and excellent notes on the film and music by Jon Burlingame. Even better, it's available very cheaply via sellers on Amazon.co.uk.

And, I agree, both film and music are wonderful.

stevie boy

Bryan Forbes is a cinematic genius and for those who do not know, look at the thread about him complete with Q & A. The Whisperers is one of various classics made by Bryan.