Under the Greenwood Tree is based on a novel by Thomas Hardy. Unlike my previous experiences with Hardy, however, everyone does not die in the end. Hooray! This is a cute little story about a simple village with rather ordinary people. Miss Fancy Day has recently moved into the village to be the new schoolmistress. In very short order she finds herself
being courted by not only the richest farmer in the area (a rather blustery and chubby old fellow) but also a poor working man and the local parson. To mix things up even more, the parson is dead set upon pulling his little village into the modern era whether they're ready or not. He's just purchased a "harmonium" (an organ?) to replace the "choir" that has traditionally provided music in church. He wants Fancy to play the new instrument which automatically sets her up as something of a usurper in her new hometown. Fancy's father is dead set upon her marrying up and actively encourages the suit of Mr. Shiner, the richest man in town. But Fancy finds herself drawn to poor Dick Dewey (yes, you have to love the name) despite her better judgement as to who makes the best husband material.
What I enjoyed about this movie was that it felt gentle and charming. None of the main characters are part of the gentry, they are all country folk. It all felt very sweet. Also, the actors seemed very well cast. The handsome young country boy was played by James Murray, whom I don't think I've ever seen anywhere, but he was adorable. Check out those blue eyes!Viewers of the Forsyte Saga will also recognize Parson Maybold as none other than Montague Darty. A bit of a change, but he does well as the pompous if well-meaning preacher with a very high opinion of himself.
Fans of light romantic drama set in Britain will probably want to put this one on the netflix queue. I'd recommend it for an evening of relaxation. It's no North and South (but really, that is in a category all of it's own) but in it's own way a very nice little film.
11 comments:
Unlike my previous experiences with Hardy, however, everyone does not die in the end.
Hahahahaha! Although I was a history and Lit major at uni, I managed to totally avoid learning Jude the Obscure's plot. How'd I do that? Anyway, imagine my suprise when I watched the delicious Mr. Eccleston and the smashing Ms. Winslet in Jude last year, only to be presented with a steaming cup of BABY HANGING DEATH. Not a happy camper, me. My review here. But thanks for the Happy Hardy rec. Might have to check it out for sheer curiosity.
This one does look very charming - and you're right! He does have beautiful blue eyes!!
carrie, I remember that Jude movie! I must have watched it back in college or something. Christopher Eccleston was intense and broody and I liked that, but from what I recall of the plot (and it's all rather hazy now) it just went from bad to worse. ugh.
kristie, don't forget to have your boys help you with the VCR setup. ;-)
He's a bit cute, eh? But young. Not that there is ANYTHING wrong with that.
Ugh. Thomas Hardy. I think I have a large hole in my brain where "classics" once resided because I don't remember anything about his books anymore. Except for the landscape. And the sheep.
I love the movies they make from the Thomas Hardy novels. He is the next author to read after I finish North and South. *G*
Speaking of North and South ~ I've got Wives and Daughters on hold for me at the library. I think Sunday may be a good day to watch it.
Keeley Hawes is a good actress. I'm surprised she's never made the leap to Hollywood (especially given that she's married to the rather lovely Matthew McFadyen).
I hated the film Jude. From recollection, the gaps between the endless scenes of Christopher Eccleston sobbing wrenchingly just get shorter and shorter until the end.
However, I do have a fondness for that old 60s version of Far From the Madding Crowd with Julie Christie. Love the bit where Terence Stamp is impressing her with his sword (it is a real sword btw)
In spite of the name, how can Dick Dewey not prevail? Look at those eyes, and that sincere look. I so have to rent this North and South. I will join your bandwagon...probably when you all are well and off of it.
Don't worry Carolyn, we will probably be on this wagon for a long long time. Get the horse and buggy ready because I am driving it. *G*
I think we should all put that up...No shit, I'm doing it too.
13+Masochist=LOS Lover
Not that we would ever offend anyone...
Lisabea, count me in as 13 LOS Lover. :)
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