The Green Man

I've never read the novel this movie is based on either, but the movie made its impression on me from its debut. A BBC production that was released on the A&E channel, 'The Green Man' takes the old haunted house story and throws in a main character fighting his own personal demons, a little pseudo-lesbianism, plus an interesting mix of minor characters. Great scene where the other-wordly being pays a visit to Maurice to give him advice on dealing with Dr. Thomas Underhill! I can't decide whether the being was an angel, fallen or otherwise, or simply a messenger. We're all kept guessing as to that one! If anybody knows ghosts, it's the British. Not that we don't have our share, but there is something special about the United Kingdom. It remains a place of enchantment: the history of the Celts, Druids, and the Arthurian legends.

Incidentally, even though I wasn't the one to donate it, Riverhead Free Library has this excellent video in its catalog!

I loved this 3 part series, and have seen it 3 or 4 times over the years. Albert Finney's character, Maurice, does have many unappealing traits. However, Finney makes the character irresistible. Finney plays the anti-hero to perfection. The script is excellent. I loved the scene where Linda Marlow and Sarah Berger (excellent performances both) pull a fast one on the `manipulative' Maurice. Just reading the other reviewers' comments makes me eager to see this British gem again!

We love, Love, LOVE The GREENMAN and would love to have it in our inventory. We've searched high and low and can't find a copy - anyone out there know how/where we can locate one? Yep, we've tried Amazon, etc. to no avail. This is the perfect Halloween movie and we're fast approaching another witching season and would love to see it again. It's a classic "adult" ghost story worth seeing. The mood is dark yet entertaining and the performances of the entire cast are riveting and spell binding. Albert Finney outdoes himself as the owner of an Inn (The Greenman) whose past is filled with secrets, mystery and the unknown. If you like The Fog and the suspicious nature of what's going to happen next, you'll enjoy The Greenman, year after year.

Kingsley Amis, a charter member of the English 'Angry Young Men' club of post World War II writers, wrote a marvelous book containing equal parts of horror and humour.

'The Green Man' is an adequite translation of Amis's literary masterpiece to the screen; alas, in this case, the television screen.

Albert Finney delivers a preformance to match the character Amis created to present the story of a centuries-old child molester who still inhabits the precincts of the home in which he lived.

The production is English, hence, superior. If this one doesn't stick with you...check your pulse.

-30-

A delightful movie with a balanced mix of humor and horror.Some of the scenes are surreal. Well acted all round and Alex Guiness is brilliant in his protrayal of the lecherous alcoholic innkeeper caught between God and the evil inhabiting his country inn. Highly recommended.