Under Milk Wood (DVD)

...Thomas’ 1953 play for voices, Under Milk Wood, directed by Andrew Sinclair.

The story centres on the inhabitants of a small Welsh village, whose lives are shown over a period of one day in Spring.

“It is difficult to make a film that was essentially written for voices” Andrew Sinclair said in an interview during the making of the film. Difficult it may be, but Sinclair handles the filming with skill, sticking closely ...
...opens as Richard Burton, (the 1st Voice) and Welsh TV star Ryan Davies (the 2nd Voice) stroll into the fictional village of Llareggub, (read it backwards and you will get a hint of the humour of Dylan Thomas), while its occupants are asleep.

The only fault that I found with the film was this. Unless you are familiar with the original story, it is not very clear what the two characters are actually doing – the story is supposed to be ... more

In 1971 a film crew descended on the small coastal town of Fishguard in Wales, to make a film of Dylan Thomas’ 1953 play for voices, Under Milk Wood, directed by Andrew Sinclair.

The story centres on the inhabitants of a small Welsh village, whose lives are shown over a period of one day in Spring.

“It is difficult to make a film that was essentially written for voices” Andrew Sinclair said in an interview during the making of the film. Difficult it may be, but Sinclair handles the filming with skill, sticking closely to Dylan’s original storyline.

The film opens as Richard Burton, (the 1st Voice) and Welsh TV star Ryan Davies (the 2nd Voice) stroll into the fictional village of Llareggub, (read it backwards and you will get a hint of the humour of Dylan Thomas), while its occupants are asleep.

The only fault that I found with the film was this. Unless you are familiar with the original story, it is not very clear what the two characters are actually doing – the story is supposed to be told through their eyes; but the fault is a minor one.

Gradually, one by one, the viewer is introduced to each character while they sleep, and through their dreams.

As morning breaks the lives of the characters are expanded upon, and all the actors really do justice to their specific roles.

There are exceptional performances by; Richard Burton, Peter O’Toole, Vivien Merchant, Sian Phillips and Victor Spinetti. Although Elizabeth Taylor is rated high on the list of actor credits, she does in fact only have a small part to play; and it has to be said that her performance was by no means outstanding.

Between acted scenes, Richard Burton’s lilting narrative brings to life the lyrical words of Dylan Thomas.

Peter O’Toole makes a totally believable ‘Blind Captain Cat’ whose life as a whaler is shown through a series of flashbacks, and the skill of the make-up artist can be fully appreciated when you compare shots of the 'old Capt. Cat', and the young one.

Vivien Merchant is convincing as Mrs. Pugh, the wife of the local schoolmaster, whom she hates and is certain that her husband is trying to kill her. The scene at the breakfast table exceptional.

Sian Phillips plays the part of Mrs. Ogmore-Pritchard who runs a guest house "at the top end of the town", but because she is so house-proud will not allow anyone to stay there.

Mog Edwards, who owns the local millinery shop, is played brilliantly by Victor Spinetti. He is in love with the prim and proper groceress Myfanwy Price, played by Glynis Johns. Each day they write love-letters to each other that are steamed open, before delivery, by the wife of ‘Willy Nilly’, the postman.

A young David Jason is worth a quick mention here for his portrayal of ‘Nogood Boyo’, the village idiot – the way he plays it is just pure comedy.

The bridging shots, used to break up the acting, show some beautiful scenes of Wales in autumn around Fishguard.

I have watched this film countless times, and have never grown tired of it, finding something new in it each time. It is a film for anyone who loves a good story containing a lot of humour. So if you looking for a film that you can watch time and again, this would certainly make a worthwhile addition to your collection. 

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