Daisies in December

I watched "Daisies in December" because it stars Joss Ackland...an incredibly talented actor with a gorgeous voice. However, I had no idea the film also starred Jean Simmons...and the two together were simply marvelous. The acting is THE reason to watch this film.

Gerald is an elderly man who resents losing his independence. He's recently moved in with his son and family but now that the family is going on a skiing vacation, Gerald is forced to stay at a hotel which is also like a short-stay nursing home. He clearly resents it and wants to hate every minute of it. And, at first, he does a great job of being miserable. But when he meets Katherine, she is able to cut through his very gruff exterior...and their relationship is quite charming.

As I already said, I love the acting. My only regret is that some elements of the story were very easy to guess and anticipate...the biggest weakness in an otherwise terrific film. Well worth seeing...and proof that Ackland was every bit the equal to the great Ms. Simmons.

I had chanced upon viewing this film on a channel surfing excursion one weekend morning. I passed by the usual junk, info-mercials, and tired network programs and movies, then, it happened. I instantly became transfixed to the screen watching every minute until the end of this magnificent TV movie the British have produced.

If you want to have the best of character identification and development, in which a film so immerses you you can't turn your attention to anything else, then try this film my friend. The story is gripping to say the least and at its best it is simply the best formation of a loving relationship since Cary Grant on the big screen. And these people in the cast are old! Who would have thought young, pretentious romantics could learn anything from grandparents about love and commitment? After all, aren't they mostly over the hill? No. Far from it. Despite physical limitations and ailments of old age, these two stars of the film, Jean Simmons and Joss Ackland prove to any doubting Thomas's that love is ageless. Tragedy too.

My favorite line is when Catherine (Jean Simmons) tells her aspiring lover, "Life is essentially ridiculous. Once you understand that you can start to enjoy yourself." So true, and more so for the crusty codger, Gerald (Joss Ackland) who takes life a little too seriously and shies away from gleeful moments that he considers undignified or embarrassing for a man of his age or position...until she enters into his heart.

This is a gentle old fashioned type of love story with enough humor to make it appeal to a wider audience. It's also nice to see Joss playing a role other than the bad guy. Although he's a little rude and short of tact - he's basically a decent chap in this one.

This is a slight film, but one greatly strengthened by the leading players. Jean Simmons and Joss Ackland are both at the top of their game playing characters probably close to their actual ages. While it lags a bit and is kind of hokey, you sense the real affection between the two and Ackland delivers a speech declaring his love that is just magnificent. Great film and worth the effort.

"Daisies in December" is an excellent TV movie, which first aired in the United States on the Showtime channel in December 1995. I do wish it was available on video. It did receive the ACE Cable award for Best Screenplay and it is well deserving of it. Joss Ackland and Jean Simmons had previously acted on the London stage in another project and there is a chemistry between them. It was a pleasure seeing Mr. Ackland in a different type of character than the type he usually portrays. "Daisies" is a lovely film - one of my all-time favorites - and note that the supporting cast is a joy to watch as well. Highly recommended - you won't be sorry.