Dulcima

I saw this film 20 years ago on with my friends. It is a wonderful film we still talk about it today with great fondness. This comedy starring John Mills is a credit to both the actors and the extremely talented Director Frank Nesbitt. We always wished to see this film again but although we all remembered this film in great detail as it is such a memorable film, the characters especially, John Mills who played Mr Parker we could not remember the title of the film. After all this time I am so happy I have finally found out the title. Dulcima is one of these masterpieces you should not miss. I will now find this film on D.V.D and I cannot wait to see the delight on my friend faces when it starts to play

Dulcima," based on a story by H. E. Bates, is a new English film about pastoral passions of the sort that I associate with D. H. Lawrence, perhaps because the story's catalytic agent is a dopey gamekeeper who doesn't look as if he'd spent much time outside.

A stingy old farmer named Mr. Parker (John Mills), a widower with an attic-full of crumpled banknotes, falls in love with his young housekeeper Dulcima (Carol White), who comes to work for him because she feels sorry for him, and then stays on because she fancies both him and his money. Dulcima is earthy, a bit avaricious and essentially good. She doesn't mind a roll in the hayloft with Mr. Parker, but when she falls in love with the gamekeeper (Stuart Wilson), she decides to move out. It is a really great film, not to be missed.

http://bobmeades-ivil.tripod.com/id13.html

Enchanting in the way it accurately depicts the Gloucestershire countryside, towns and villages (Minchinhampton, Tetbury, etc.) 50 or so years ago. Enchanting too in the acting by all involved - the much missed Dudley Foster giving a compelling cameo as Symes and even Kristin Hatfield delights as the assistant in the dress shop. Johnny Douglas's score and recurring theme is just right for the characters and the locations.

Yet disturbing in its climax which comes as a shock but which captures the counterpoint between rural charm and human frailty. An underrated gem from Frank Nesbitt.

Where to start only to say that I have tracked a copy of this film down and i was convinced it was filmed in Devon or somerset where I work & live only to see it is in fact made in Gloucestershire. Brings back Happy memories of the 70's for me and what an Idyllic place England was then. This movie i believe was only shown Once on TV in the Mid seventies and surly deserves to be shown again. It is just such a simple story but it encompasses all the simple things in life that make us smile. I would love to hear from anyone who knows when exactly it was shown on TV ie; 1975 or 76. I hope all of you fans get a copy soon. Anyway finally a lovely Movie and big thanks to Carol White and John Mills and the Director not forgetting the producer.

This film title was long forgotten until i recently spent time reminiscing with an old school friend, we had both attended Minchinhampton school in the late 60's and had watched in awe as the film crews and stars strutted their stuff, in particular John Mills, later to become Sir John Mills, I remember well, the morning i was walking to school and had to stop and wait until a scene had been shot at the rear of the crown inn, as he passed me the great man patted me on the head.

I have recently managed to find a copy on DVD, watching it i was catapulted back to a time of innocent childhood, Mills's character, Parker, could of been based on one of many eccentrics that have lived in and around the Stroud Valleys.

The country side has not changed a great deal but the peacefulness has, watching you realise the impact the motor car has had on the area, in particular to Minchinhampton, i remember the village streets before they became clogged with cars, a time when nearly everyone travelled ON the green Bristol omnibus.

Times change i know, but at least with gorgeous films like this the memories live on.