David Bintley's Hobson's Choice DVD

Advantages: Great film
Disadvantages: Few DVD Extras

...David Lean's version of Dickens' 'Great Expectations' is well worth an evening in - the story of a young boy befriending a criminal, falling in love with a girl brought up by an eccentric old lady, and being given a start in life by an unknown benefactor is quite vividly rendered in this film. It's b&w, and won 3 Oscars at the time, and in my opinion is far superior to other versions of the book. It stars John Mills and Valerie Hobson. It varies in price rom about £15 to £20, depending on where you look, but the Bensonsworld website os one of the cheaper ones I've found. The action is lively, the sense of doom palpable, and the acting superb - look out for an extremely young Alec Guinness; this is the film which made his name. If you liked the book you'll like this film, apart from the ending - which has none of the ambiguity Dickens... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great three parter!
Disadvantages: disturbing story!

.../Angel is played by the talented Emilia Fox, Rosie has many different personalities and with the help of wardrobe and make-up Emilia does an excellent job of showing the transitions that this young girl goes through. It can't have been an easy task getting in to the mind of one so disturbed but Emilia does a brilliant job off showing the many emotions Roes goes through. Emilia Fox played the part of Nikki Alexander in Silent Witness. David Rosie's father the priest is played by Charles Dance, heard of the phrase through nature or nurture? Well this is what David has to ask himself, are Rosie's actions the fault of his neglect as a child, should he is tried to stop her obsessions before they began? Charles Dance is an excellent actor and plays this part brilliantly, his on screen chemistry with Clare Holman who plays Wendy is brilliant, again he had... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Classic, stylish black comedy, great performances, nice twist
Disadvantages: None for me, but perthaps dated and too gentle for some.

...Alec Guiness Joan Greenwood Valerie Hobson, who I loved in Hobson's choice also. A young Arthur Lowe John Penrose Hugh Griffith and more. As Alec Guiness plays so many roles obviously there is a smaller cast than normal. It shows how versatile he is when you look at the different ages, sexes and types of individual that he plays. Sir Alec was such a success in these roles that, this film put him firmly on the road to stardom. Director - Robert Hamer Producer - Michael Balcon. Running Time 106 minutes. The title, Kind Hearts and Coronets, was taken from a couplet by Tennyson which is quoted by one of the characters-'Kind hearts are more than coronets, And simple faith than Norman blood' which when you watch the film you will realise is very true. This film was release in France also where it was called ' Noblesse Oblige' You can pick... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful