Search - The Kingfisher on DVD

A GEM OF A SMALL FILM

J. MACKENZIE | Taconic, CT USA | 02/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The previous reviewer clearly has a bigotted axe to grind. Why else would they use a line like "...appears to have as its point the fashionable cliche that homosexual love is as important as heterosexual love." And then follow it with, "Or something like that."

This film is based on the stage play. It is small. It is quiet. It is literate. And it is very funny. And yes, the acting is splendid. A great turn for actors in their seventies/eighties. Remember - it is next to impossible to find three lead roles when you're that age.

The sole complaint is that the transfer, from film to DVD, is not the best. For the first 20 minutes or so the film moves slightly up and down - a function of the film not being locked in its gate. This calms down soon after. Most people won't even notice it, with the proliferation of 'moving cow' camera techniques, these days.

Pay no attention to the homophobic, inappropriate remarks bizarrely expressed by the other reviewer. (What were they smoking when they watched this film?) The film is not about homosexual or heterosexual love. It's about growing old, about love lost, chances missed, and that it's never too late to seize the day - and to laugh!"

First love remembered and a second chance

bernie | Arlington, Texas | 09/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"How many of us remember the great love of our youth. And for some reason or other the one that got away. Where is he/she now and is it possible for providence to give us a last opportunity to correct this?

Three great actors play out the scenario. As Cecil (Rex Harrison) discovers that his love Evelyn (Wendy Hiller) that getaway 50 years ago has been recently widowed and is passing by his home on the way from the funeral.

For 50 years Evelyn was married to an avid golfer who died on the seventeenth hole. Why did they get married? For 50 years Cecil decided never to marry and lived with his servant Hawkins (Cyril Cusack) who is not looking forward to the impending meeting.

This film is based on "The kingfisher: A comedy in two acts" by William Douglas Home and we are voyeurs watching these people and of course the kingfisher. You will have to watch again for all the nuances'. Also notice the extras on the DVD.

Be sure to watch Rex playing a character named Cecil in "The Honey Pot" (1967).

The Honey Pot ~ Rex Harrison"

A joy for the viewing

Carolyn D. Parsons | Morrison, CO USA | 05/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Years ago this film was a special on HBO. I recorded it....a couple times even. I never tired of the acting, the writing, the visual delight. These actors know how to act and knowing what is coming up, each time I see it, is part of the fun. I wore out 2 tapes I had made and for several years I tried to find a copy. When they finally put it on DVD no one was happier than I was.
Everyone should treat themselves to this film. It is a prize."

Memories are made of this!

E. Cleveland | Atlantic City by the Sea | 10/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I first commented on this movie, I hadn't actually seen it. Now I have to really recommend it more strongly.

I saw Rex Harrison & Claudette Colbert in this play on Broadway - what a thrill. Dame Wendy Hiller will also be great in the role, so I'm excited even though I haven't seen the movie yet. See Dame Wendy in Pygmallion (the original G.B. Shaw play before music and a softer ending made it into My Fair Lady) and you'll know why I'm so pleased to find this. I'll have to add an opinion after viewing later.

And I've always loved Cyril Cusack - one of the great old British actors.Pygmalion"