A Child's Christmas in Wales
Starring: Denholm Elliott, Mathonwy Reeves, Glynis Davies, Michael Fawkes, Jesse McBrearty, Calum McGeachie, Gwynyth Walsh, Nigel Bennett, Anne Butler, Helen Beavis, Jenny Turner, Donald Ewer, Gordon Masten, Bridget O'Sullivan, James Mainprize, Marti Maraden, Rolant Ellis Thomas, David Jones (XIX), Jo Paige, Gaynor JonesDirector: Don McBrearty
Studio: Henstooth Video
MPAA Rating: G (General Audience)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
Running Time: 55 minutes
DVD Release: November 1st 2005
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DVD Review
This timeless tale is as wondrous as the story's snow globe, delivering with pristine gentleness a glimpse of a child's Welsh Christmas told from the remembrances of a kindly grandfather to his attentive grandson. Dylan Thomas' 1955 poem of the same name--originally written for radio--is richly adapted to the small screen by director Don McBrearty who brings to life an already masterful piece of prose, infusing it with even more grandeur through vivid costumes, scripting, and cinematography. Denholm Elliott is captivating, both as narrator and as Old Geraint, the grandpa who settles in on a rainy Christmas Eve to share with young Thomas (Mathonwy Reeves) his memories of Christmas past. Who can forget the fire in Mrs. Prothero's parlor; the unending snow, "a dumb, numb thunderstorm of white"; the Useless Presents, including the mewing moo; the Uncles "trying their new cigars"; and, always, the Aunties-- including Hannah, who customarily "laced her tea with rum." Gift-wrapped in delicate music by Lou Natale, the language, imagery, and subtle humor of this film--absent of stain and cynicism--makes for a suitably classic "annual family tradition." (All ages) --Lynn Gibson
User Reviews
A Child's Christmas in Wales - Rating: 5/5
This is a beautiful re-telling of Dylan Thomas's classic tale. Though not filmed in Cardiff the setting is close enough to be believeable and the words are pure magic. It's a "must see" each Christmas season in our house and gets better each time we see it.
True Welsh Christmas story - Rating: 5/5
This is a Canadian film shot in Wales about the Dylan Thomas book of the same name. It is filled with traditional Christmas music and follows the book very closely. I would recommend this DVD for any family but especially ones with a heritage of the English isles or one with children. A wonderful look back at Christmas's long ago.
One of my favorite films guaranteed to get me the Christmas spirit.
Christmas Classic - Rating: 5/5
I first saw this movie on PBS years ago. I kept hopeing it would come out on VHS! Thats how long ago I saw it. I am so glad it finally came out on DVD. If you love "A Christmas Story" you will love this.
A Child's Christmas in Wales - Rating: 5/5
I remembered this movie from PBS years ago with great fondness. I teach
H.S. Literature and Creative Writing so I was pleased to find it on Amazon. I found it to be all I remembered it as: a snapshot of childhood.
The dialect in the flick was authentic and served to lay some groundwork
for my classes to tackle English (U.K.) literature. I also ordered a copy
for my in-laws for Christmas we share Welsh heritage. They loved it! It's
a homey little movie for a cold winter's evening.
A Child's Christmas in Whales - Rating: 5/5
This movie is "therapeutic" for all of us that hustle and bustle during this busy time of year. I am a lover of many british creations...books, T.V. shows and movies alike and this one does not disappoint.
