More Many Mini Reviews (Period Drama)

Madness of King George (1994)
I loved it and I hated it. I really pitied the King in many, many, many, many places. And the way he was treated by his doctors and by his SON and by some of the politicians was heartbreaking. There were a few scenes that just ANGERED ME. That being said, the KING could be a trouble-maker. This film was beautiful at times. But I really wish it had had subtitles. I don't really think it's appropriate to call it "funny and entertaining."

Von Trapp Family: A Life of Music (2016)
So glad I watched this one. It is one of those movies with an embedded flashback. The "current" story has Agathe reaching out to her great niece--a teenager, I believe--who is determined to run away from her "mean" father and stepmother. She shares her life story with her, and, that life story is, of course, of the Von Trapp Family. It is a very different movie than The Sound of Music. I really enjoyed this one for the most part.

Jane Eyre (1944)
Is this my absolute favorite adaptation of Jane Eyre??? Probably not. But Orson Welles is super-charismatic and this one is very gothic. I really do love it! It may not be faithful to the book, but, as a movie it excels!!!

The Seventh Cross (1944)
DRAMA at its finest. This is set in Nazi Germany and it's INTENSE but oh-so-good. It's about seven prisoners who escape and what happens to them all....

Nicholas Nickleby (1977)
My friend was right. This is a GREAT, GREAT version of Nicholas Nickleby. Yes, it is long. But it is funny and charming in places. One always knows which characters to boo and hiss with Dickens, and which to just laugh at. I would recommend this version over the one I reviewed previously!!!

She Stoops to Conquer (2009)
I love this one. I've seen it twice now. And it is very funny. You wouldn't think a centuries-old play would make you laugh, but, it does!

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Mad for Musicals, part 1

1776 (1972 film; 1969 Broadway)
Written by Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone
Stars William Daniel as John Adams, Howard Da Silva as Ben Franklin, Ken Howard as Thomas Jefferson, Donald Madden as John Dickinson

Premise/plot: A musical focusing on the (Second) Continental Congress and the fight (led by John Adams initially) for America to declare its independence from Britain. Much centers around the writing and signing of the Declaration of Independence. When the movie opens, most if not all delegates oppose independence, but, by the end, most support it.

My thoughts: At 165 minutes it is LONG. A LOT of profanity and blasphemy. A lot of coarse jesting and joking among the delegates. There are two 'light' romances in this one. John and Abigail and Martha and Thomas Jefferson. Perhaps if I loved the music, I would not have found it so tedious?!

Favorite scenes: The Lees of Old Virginia is probably my favorite scene/song from this one. Something about Richard Henry Lee's character makes me laugh. Ben and John coax/trick him into being the delegate to propose a resolution for independence. He's enthusiastic and says he'll go "right away." He is a bit full of himself, it's true, and he is slow in leaving. Eventually,  John Adams ends up in the fountain, I think!

Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
Written by Robert Buckner and Edmund Joseph, featuring music of George M. Cohan
Stars James Cagney as George M. Cohan, Joan Leslie as Mary, Walter Huston as Jerry Cohan, Rosemary DeCamp as Nellie Cohan, Jeanne Cagney as Josie Cohan, and Richard Whorf as Sam Harris

Premise/plot: A musical biopic about the life of Broadway performer/dancer/writer/producer/musician, etc. George M. Cohan.  The musical opens with his birth on the fourth of July. And the film concludes with him meeting President Roosevelt and receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor.

My thoughts: I saw this several times growing up, and I liked it. Recently I saw it for the first time as an adult. I like it. But I don't 'love, love, love' it.

Favorite scenes: I like the sequence around Mary's A Grand Old Name. How he accidentally "gives" Mary's song away to a star for a new show...but she doesn't mind because she has HIM. Zoom in on her wedding band.

West Point Story (1950)
Written by Irving Wallace, Charles Hoffman, John Monks Jr.
Stars James Cagney as Elwin 'Bix' Bixby, Virginia Mayo as Eve Dillon, Doris Day as Jan Wilson, Gordon MacRae as Tom Fletcher

Premise/plot: A down-on-his-luck Broadway producer (performer) Bixby reluctantly is bribed to go to West Point to see if he can coax a talented cadet (Harry Eberhart's nephew) away from a military career and into show business. Bixby arrives wiling to produce the show and be the dispenser of wisdom...but his TEMPER gets the best of him time and time again. And he ends up having to live like a cadet himself. The show seems doomed to fail...until he calls in a favor from an actress he discovered....

My thoughts: This is one of the earliest Doris Day performances I've seen. (Though I have seen Tea for Two released the same year.) Overall, I liked it. Not love, mind you. The musical numbers were not the strength of this one. But I really liked the story and the actors. Gordon MacRae was VERY charming in this one.

Favorite scenes: I like Doris Day. Here's Ten Thousand Four Hundred and Thirty-Two Sheep. By the Kissing Rock.

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

My Thoughts on Two Thirties Musicals

Showboat (1936)
Written by Edna Ferber & Oscar Hammerstein II
Stars: Irene Dunne as Magnolia, Allan Jones as Gaylord Ravenal, Charles Winninger as Cap'n Andy Hawks, Paul Robeson as Joe, Hattie McDaniel as Queenie

Premise/plot: Magnolia, the heroine, grows up on her father's showboat, when the showboat's star attraction is forced to leave, Magnolia takes her place and becomes quite popular. A newcomer to the act is a young man named Gaylord. The two fall deeply, madly in love with one another...and end up leaving as well to live life as a married couple. But happily ever after it is not....

My thoughts: OH MY EARS. If you've heard Irene Dunne sing, then you know why I'd begin with a strong exclamation!!!! But Allan Jones--in this movie, at least in a few scenes--looked remarkably like Matthew McConaughey. I don't know why!!!

Show Boat was originally a musical on the stage (Broadway) in 1927.

Favorite scenes: Paul Robeson singing Ol' Man River and Ah Still Suits Me.

Swing Time (1936)
Written by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields
Stars: Fred Astaire as Lucky, Ginger Rogers as Penny, Victor Moore as Pop, Helen Broderick as Mabel, Georges Metaxa as Ricky Romero.

Premise/plot: Lucky doesn't prove Lucky when viewers first meet him. Pop and the rest of the show business act conspire to keep him from his wedding to Margaret. He ends up still very much single and much broker. (He recklessly made a bet (for all his money) with one of his friends that he'd "be married by the end of the day.") Lucky and Pop end up going to New York, still very much penniless except for his lucky nickel (or dime???). Lucky meets a young woman, Penny, who is a dance instructor. At first she HATES, HATES, HATES HIM. But then she begins to warm up to him when she realizes he is her ultimate dance partner and they've got a chance of making it BIG if they stick together.... Will they keep it professional, or are they destined to fall in love?!

My thoughts: I love this one so very much!!!

Favorite scenes: Fred Astaire singing You Look Wonderful Tonight to Ginger Rogers--as she's washing her hair in the other room. I also adore A FINE ROMANCE.







© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

My Thoughts on Testament of Youth

Testament of Youth
2014
Set during World War I
link to the soundtrack

I'd heard good things about this one, and I was not disappointed. Testament of Youth is a movie to be experienced not exactly enjoyed.

It is based on Vera Brittain's autobiography. The movie opens with Vera, her brother Edward, and two houseguests--her brothers' friends--Victor and Roland all enjoying each other's company.

Vera has big, big dreams: to study at Oxford. Her immediate ambitions include university NOT marriage. So falling in love with Roland was not exactly in her plans. But the more time she spends with Roland, the more it's feeling like it could very well be love.

The good news is that Vera is accepted into Oxford. The bad news? The good news is essentially interrupted by really bad news--the WAR. Her brother, Roland, and Victor all go away to war. She tries her best to study, but, soon finds herself too distracted to continue on with her dreams since her brother is so far away from fulfilling his. She decides to become a nurse.

Most of the movie is about her experiences during the war. Her experiences as a sister fearing for her brother. Her experiences as a girlfriend and fiancee. Her anxiety and broken-heart. There's a super tragic scene that involves her in a wedding dress and a phone call. Her experiences as a daughter--how to balance doing her part for the war effort and maintaining her own sanity of sorts, and taking care of her parents. Her experiences as a nurse. All of these 'experiences' are intense. One isn't exactly more important than the others.

The movie stars Alicia Vikander as Vera. She did a WONDERFUL job. Taron Egerton stars as her brother Edward. Colin Morgan stars as the adorable Victor. And Kit Harington as Roland. Emily Watson stars as her mother, and Dominic West stars as her father.

Do expect emotion and drama. Don't expect happily ever afters.

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

My Thoughts On And Then There Were None

And Then There Were None (based on the novel by Agatha Christie)
2015, 3 episodes
Set in 1939
Link to the score

Reasons for watching: Not because it's Agatha Christie. While I enjoy *most* of her novels. This one is near the bottom for me. I just don't like it. So why did I watch? Short answer: Aidan Turner. Long answer: LOOK AT THE CAST. If you've seen any period dramas or BBC dramas over the past few decades, you'll recognize most of the cast.

Three I recognize from Bleak House. Charles Dance. Anna Maxwell Martin. Burn Gorman. (Mr. Tulkinghorn, Esther, and Guppy)

Toby Stephens was in the 2006 Jane Eyre. Aidan Turner was in the Hobbit movies and Poldark. Miranda Richardson was in Belle, Testament of Youth, The Young Victoria, Merlin, Enchanted April).

Spoiler-Free Section. The premise is ten strangers are invited to an island for a house party. Opening scenes show the letters of invitation being typed. Viewers see them traveling to the island. Eight of the ten arriving by boat all at the same time. The host for this house party is mysteriously absent. But they continue on with dinner all the same. After dinner, a record is played. The contents of the record are shocking and scandalous....

Content Advisory?!?! I was disappointed with this one. This one had a good bit of profanity. Including the f-word. And it was all so unnecessary. You expect BLOOD AND VIOLENCE from Agatha Christie but not foul language. This one also had drug use, drinking, smoking, and sex. So all around I'd say if you're looking for a 'clean' miniseries, this one is probably one to skip.

Worth watching? It depends on what you like in a movie. If you love blood, gore, violence, creepy, thriller type movies that are dark and ultimately depressing....then yes.

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This one had me shouting at the TV. What was I yelling, you ask, DON'T TRUST MR. TULKINGHORN. Now I don't blame most of the strangers for not knowing what was going on. But two of them KNEW MR. TULKINGHORN was bad news already. There is no excuse for Guppy and Esther. 


© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

April and May Tag Questions for Period Drama

Old Fashioned Charm
Period Drama Challenge

April & May Tag Questions: 

(Answer here in the comments or on your blog)

1. What period dramas did you view in April & May?

2. Do you prefer to watch period dramas that have a happy ending or a bittersweet ending?

3. What media forms do you prefer to use when watching period dramas (i.e. purchased DVDs, rented/borrowed DVDs, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu)?

4. Which period drama character's wardrobe would you like to own?

5. What period dramas are you looking forward to viewing in June 2016?

What I Watched in April
11) Doctor Zhivago
12) Lark Rise to Candleford, series 2
13) Lark Rise to Candleford, series 3
14) Ever After
15) Much Ado About Nothing
16) Young Victoria

What I Watched in May
17) Amazing Grace
18) Lawrence of Arabia
19) Schindler's List
20) Victoria and Albert
21) Lark Rise to Candleford, series 4
22) Nicholas Nickleby
23) Bleak House

2. It completely depends on what it is. If it's a work of fiction, I like happy or at least optimistic endings. If it is based on a true story or a real person, I like it to stay faithful and true to events as they happened.

3. I would love it if Netflix had more period dramas! They do have a few, and, I'm not complaining. I still need to catch up on seasons of Foyle's War. Mostly I rely on my own collection AND on my public library. I've got an interlibrary loan title coming in that I hope to get to before the challenge ends.

4. Too hard! I love the costumes in Young Victoria though.

5. I'll be reviewing Testament of Youth. And hope to get to a more faithful adaptation of Nicholas Nickleby. I am also contemplating hosting a challenge of my own for July through December focused on musicals. Would anyone be interested?!?!

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

My Thoughts on Two Winston Churchill Movies

The Gathering Storm (2002)
Stars Albert Finney as Winston Churchill, Vanessa Redgrave as Clementine (his wife), Jim Broadbent as Desmond Morton, Linus Roache as Ralph Wigram. It also stars Hugh Bonneville, Derek Jacobi, and Tom Hiddleston.

The Gathering Storm is set in the 1930s. Winston Churchill is viewed by his contemporaries as past his prime, irrelevant, out of fashion, a bore. But Churchill sees danger coming. He fears Nazi Germany; he fears that his country is ignoring plain evidence that Germany is preparing for war. He wants to wake his country up. But what he needs are facts, facts, more facts. He needs proof of what Germany is doing. He needs a fact smuggler, someone from within the government who will share information with him. His speeches become more informed, weightier. He is now being heard. He may not be any more popular than before. But he can't be ignored or dismissed. The movie ends with Britain at war and Churchill appointed First Lord of the Admiralty.

Ralph Wigram's character is essential in the movie. He is the government worker (Foreign Office) who smuggles documents to Winston Churchill. He shared Churchill's concerns about Adolf Hitler. In fact, he may have been even more anxious and frightened. I think one of the saddest things about the movie is his end. The movie certainly hints that he committed suicide because he was so depressed and anxious about the coming war.

Viewers also see Wigram as a husband and father. His scenes with his child are particularly touching.

Is the movie accurate to history? I'm not qualified to answer that. But I think things may have been compressed quite a bit! For example, I don't remember that many minutes passing between the funeral scene for Wigram and Churchill's appointment as the First Lord of the Admiral. But according to wikipedia, Wigram died in December 1936, and Churchill was appointed in September 1939.

In addition, I think the film simplifies the politics a LOT.

Would I recommend this one? Yes and no. I'll start with the no. It has some nudity. Mainly Churchill in the bathroom. I don't think viewers ever need to see anyone--even from the back--going to the bathroom. There's also some tub scenes. But these scenes are mostly negligible in comparison to the profanity. If you're sensitive to what your eyes see and your ears hear--as the song goes--then the strong language in this one may prove too unsettling.

Now for the yes. I think this one is well-paced and has great tension and drama. Both Clementine and Winston come across as very, very, very human and quite fallible.

Into the Storm (2009) 
Stars Brendan Gleeson as Winston Churchill, Janet McTeer as Clemintine, Ian Glen as King George VI, Len Cariou as Franklin Roosevelt, Jack Shepherd as Neville Chamberlain.

This 'sequel' to The Gathering Storm suffers a bit. I think the main weakness, as I see it, is that the narrative is nonlinear. It jumps back and forth in time A LOT. Viewers first see the Churchill family on vacation AFTER the war in Europe is over. Election results have yet to be announced, and, Churchill is super-super-super cranky. Viewers have to look for visual clues to know if any given scene is "past" (any time during the war, dates are almost always on the fuzzy end) or "present" (July 1945).

So before viewers even see him become prime minister, viewers see him worry about losing the position as prime minister. I'd be curious as to why they chose this narrative format to tell the story of the war. It doesn't really add any tension or drama to the film. And, if anything, adds confusion and keeps the pace from ever getting started.

The movie surprisingly lacks intensity and drama. One would think that the story would be even more compelling than the first one. But that is so far from the truth! Churchill delivers great speeches, it is true. But most of the movie is either him dictating speeches to secretaries, editing his speeches, delivering his speeches, or in conference with others (leaders, politicians, diplomats, etc.).

My favorite scenes were those between Churchill and King George VI. 

The movie also has a lot of profanity.


© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

My Thoughts on Two Dickens Adaptations

Bleak House (2005)

I was happy for an excuse to rewatch Bleak House. This adaptation saved me from abandoning the novel when I initially tried to read it six years ago.

What you should know:

It is fifteen episodes long. The first episode is about an hour long. The remaining fourteen episodes are thirty minutes each. Oddly enough, the fact that when you're binge-watching (and who doesn't binge-watch Dickens???) your progress is interrupted by opening and closing credits so often makes the drama feel much, much longer than it actually is.

It has a few familiar faces. (Anna Maxwell Martin, Carey Mulligan, Burn Gorman, Gillian Anderson, Pauline Collins, Philip Davis, Charles Dance, Timothy West, Alun Armstrong, Louise Brealey, Denis Lawson, and Richard Harrington.) I had just finished watching Lark Rise to Candleford, so I NOTICED right away that "Gabriel" was in this one as Esther's love interest.

There's some humor, some mystery, a LOT of drama, and a bit of romance.

The romance I found almost-but-not-quite satisfying the first time I watched it. I really loved John Jarndyce--perhaps carrying over from the book where he plays an even bigger role in some ways. In the book, the doctor isn't even NAMED for his first few appearances. He's just "a doctor" or "the doctor." The romance between Esther and Dr. Woodcourt--in the book--was practically nonexistent. In the movie, especially the second time around, the romance is there even if a tiny bit subtle. It helped me that Richard Harrington has become more familiar face to me. (Bleak House, Lark Rise to Candleford, Poldark). There is something about him--perhaps his eyes--that are just mesmerizing. I wouldn't mind him cast as Mr. Rochester if another Jane Eyre is made.

Nicholas Nickleby (2002)

This is a 'relatively' short adaptation of a Dickens' novel. Considering how long the novel is to begin with, the fact that one can watch it in just a little over two hours seems a bit questionable. Yet I found it enjoyable. I had no other adaptation to consider it by, that's true. But I think it's one of those adaptations where you don't really need prior familiarity with the book to make sense of it.

It stars Christopher Plummer as Ralph Nickleby. (Christopher Plummer was probably my first BIG, BIG crush. There were plenty of reasons I watched Sound of Music every single day for months.) Charlie Hunnam is Nicholas Nickleby and Romola Garai is Kate Nickleby. (She also stars in Emma and Amazing Grace). 

It also stars: Anne Hathaway, Jim Broadbent, Jamie Bell, Tom Courtenay, Nathan Lane, Dame Edna, Philip Davis, to name just a few.

Did I love, love, love this one? Probably not. I don't know that we really get to know any of the characters fully. But it's an enjoyable movie to watch at least once.

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

My Thoughts on Lark Rise to Candleford, Season 4

Previously, my thoughts on season one and two and season three.

Season four had a lot of potential. But sadly it was only six episodes. Seasons two and three had twelve episodes each. I'd become quite spoiled!!! (Season one had ten episodes).

Three wonderful things happened in season four:

Minnie and Alf are together as a couple and get married by the end of the show!

Gabriel Cochrane. This broken-hearted, down-on-his-luck, unemployed widower comes to town...and Dorcas life may never be the same. Yet. Even though the show is only six episodes, this romance, to me, did not feel forced or rushed. Viewers see him genuinely grieve his loss, and, yet see Dorcas and Gabriel come together in a natural, healthy way. This may be the healthiest romance depicted for Dorcas.

Thomas Brown and Margaret are going to be parents!!! This announcement scene--when the Pratt sisters try to let him know WHY Margaret has been acting the way she has--is so adorably cute!!!


My favorite episodes would probably me the third and sixth episode. My least favorite episode would definitely be the fifth one. The one with all the cricket. The scenes with Margaret dressing as a guy and attempting to walk and talk like a man were just awkward and cringe-worthy.

I would definitely recommend this series!!! I enjoyed the Lark Rise folk and the Candleford residents!

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Many Mini-Reviews, Movies (April, May)

Much Ado About Nothing

This movie is one of my FAVORITES. I adore it so very much. I love nearly everything about it. I particularly LOVE the soundtrack. Did you know that Patrick Doyle makes an appearance in the movie itself?! I recently learned. If you haven't seen this one, you should. Though you should know that it has oh-so-brief moments of nudity in it--a bathing scene--it is such a GREAT movie. One I could watch again and again and again.

Amazing Grace

I haven't seen this one again and again and again. But I have seen it twice now. I really do enjoy it very much. I think I loved it even more the second time. I recognized a LOT more faces for one thing. (Spotting "Sherlock" was fun.) The subject matter is good and intense. It's a lovely movie.

Lawrence of Arabia

Speaking of "good and intense" I recently watched Lawrence of Arabia for the first time. It has a great theme to it, but what really stands out to me--besides the camels--is the acting. Did I love, love, love Lawrence as a character??? Not really. But I did come to grow very fond of Ali. The movie is AN EXPERIENCE. It is long and painful, but not painfully long. That's not my main point. One sees how war can effect one's life--one's emotional, mental, psychological well being. Expect bursts of drama in between all the riding around on camels and horses scenes.

Schindler's List

Good. Intense. Great Theme. The words I used to describe Lawrence of Arabia can easily be applied to Lawrence of Arabia. Though I will say the subject matter is even darker and even more disturbing.  I had forgotten just how intense, how painful, how disturbing, how unsettling this one truly is. Moments of kindness juxtaposed with raw brutality. Very well done, quite outstanding. This one gets quite carnal and sensual in places, but for the right audience, it is almost a must-see. Not one to watch again and again and again. But one that you should watch at least once. Probably one of the few R-rated movies that I've seen.

Victoria and Albert

How does Victoria and Albert compare with Young Victoria???? Well, the focus is completely different. Young Victoria is focused on selling a romance, a sweep-you-off-your-feet ROMANCE. It isn't that it ignores other kinds of tension--family and politics--it' doesn't. In some ways, it is even more political than Victoria and Albert. One other key difference is that it only tells about the first few years of Victoria's reign. Victoria and Albert proclaims itself a love story as well, but, to me it didn't feel like one. One sees a very, very human Victoria and a very, very human Albert at times at odds with everyone and even with one another. If there was a happily ever after it came at the expense of both making sacrifices and compromises. It covers about twenty years or so! Victoria is played by Victoria Hamilton whom I recognized as Ruby Pratt! She does a great job with the role. Albert is played by Jonathan Firth.   

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

My Thoughts on Young Victoria

The Young Victoria (2009)
Writer: Julian Fellowes
Score Composer: Ilan Eshkeri
Stars: Emily Blunt as Queen, Victoria, Rupert Friend as Prince Albert, Paul Bettany as Lord Melbourne, Jim Broadbent as King William

If I had to pick just one period drama to recommend, it might just be this one. That is how much I love, love, love, LOVE, and adore this one. Of course, as my best-good friend says, WHY would you ever have to choose?! And she does make a good point. I'll never have to choose just one of anything.

I love it from start to finish. There is plenty of tension and drama and ROMANCE. Is any of it embellished? Perhaps. Probably. Maybe. But I think there is plenty of reality to keep this romance grounded. 

Do I love the soundtrack? No, I love, love, LOVE the soundtrack. I may have even listened to the soundtrack more than I've rewatched the movie. Simply because it's great for having on in the background while I write reviews! Favorite song: Marriage Proposal

Do I love the costumes? Yes.

Do I love the story and the characters? Yes. This one is giddy-making and magical.

Is it clean--in terms of content? Relatively-mostly clean. Not "G" by any means. But the sensuality is relatively mild in terms of movie-making, and, it all occurs after marriage. For those who insist on squeaky clean, it's nothing that can't be fast-forwarded through painlessly. I'd say for those used to watching PG movies, this one wouldn't be anything objectionable.

Favorite quotes:

The opening voiceover:

Some people are born more fortunate than others. Such was the case with me. But as a child I was convinced of quite the opposite. What little girl does not dream of growing up as a princess? But some palaces are not at all what you would think. Even a palace can be a prison. Mama never explained why she would have someone taste my food, why I couldn't attend school with other children or read popular books. When my father died, Mama and her advisor, Sir John Conroy, created rules. He said they were for my protection, and he called it The Kensington System. I could not sleep in a room without Mama, or even walk downstairs without holding the hand of an adult. I learned the reason for all this when I was eleven: my Uncle William was the King of England, yet he and his three brothers could boast only one living child. And that was me. Sir John's dream was that the King would die and there would be a regency where my mother would rule England and he would rule my mother. So I began to dream of the day when my life would change and I might be free. And I prayed for the strength to meet my destiny.

Soon after this first meeting of cousins:

Princess Victoria: Do you ever feel like a chess piece yourself? In a game being played against your will.
Prince Albert: Do you?
Princess Victoria: Constantly. I see them leaning in and moving me around the board.
Prince Albert: The Duchess and Sir John?
Princess Victoria: Not just them. Uncle Leopold. The king. I'm sure half the politicians are ready to seize hold of my skirts and drag me from square to square.
Prince Albert: Then you had better master the rules of the game until you play it better than they can.
Princess Victoria: You don't recommend I find a husband to play it for me?
Prince Albert: I should find one to play it with you, not for you.

The oh-so-giddy-making proposal:

Prince Albert: I just got your note. I was riding.
Queen Victoria: Sit, please.
Prince Albert: The park is marvelous.
Queen Victoria: I'm so pleased you like it. I do want you to feel quite at home... I'm sure you're aware why I wished you to come here. Because it would make me happier than anything, too happy really, if you would agree to what I wish.
Prince Albert: And stay with you?
Queen Victoria: And stay with me.
Prince Albert: And marry you?
Queen Victoria: And marry me!

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

My Thoughts on Ever After

I had forgotten how much I adored Ever After until I recently rewatched it. I've been meaning to rewatch it since watching the newest Cinderella. I couldn't quite make up my mind which might be my favorite Cinderella retelling. I'm not sure I've made up my mind completely, but, I think I'm leaning towards Ever After.

Danielle is the heroine of Ever After. This Cinderella retelling is set around the time of Leonardo da Vinci--he is actually a character in the film--which would mean the movie is apparently set in either the late 15th century or the early 16th century. But this is not meant to be a historically accurate film necessarily. Don't expect the 'royal' family depicted in the movie to match up with any actual royal family from Europe!!!

I loved Danielle. I did. I loved the way she spoke, the way she carried herself, the way she laughed and smiled. She loved to read. And she was a thoughtful, considerate, compassionate person. I enjoyed her friendship with Gustave and Leonardo da Vinci. And, of course, I loved to see the developing relationship between her and Prince Henry. Overall,  I thought she was a lovely Cinderella.

Marguerite and Jacqueline were the stepsisters of Danielle. Marguerite is decidedly a wicked stepsister! Her cruelty and selfishness make her so. She was not particularly an 'ugly' stepsister--on the outside--but her vanity and selfishness make for an ugly character all the same. Jacqueline is a character that I quite enjoyed, her "wickedness" does not come as naturally perhaps. She has to be coached and reminded to be cruel and rude to Danielle. And her reformation was a delight.

Rodmilla was the stepmother's name. (She was played by Anjelica Huston.) She was appropriately wicked and heartless. Perhaps even more so than the animated 'Wicked Stepmother' of Disney fame. I'm thinking in particular of what happens after the big reveal at the ball. And how she got all the 'nice things' back in her home so she could make a good impression on the Prince. Was enough justice done in the end? Perhaps, perhaps not.

Prince Henry. I adored him. Of course it's not hard to like him say more than the animated Prince Charming who has no lines of dialogue. Still, I decidedly liked him...for the most part. Most of his scenes with Danielle were just wonderful--very cute, sweet, charming, romantic. Not all of his scenes, perhaps, because he could be a bit stubborn and foolish and blind. I am thinking of his reaction to the 'big reveal.' But he made me smile and laugh most of the time. The scene, for example, where he's at the altar with the Spanish bride and she's sobbing and hysterical. Overall, he is a big reason why this is such a giddy-making film.

The writing and the story. I thought it was very quotable.

Their first meeting in a field:

Danielle: Forgive me, Your Highness, I did not see you.
Henry: Your aim would suggest otherwise.

When he's showing her a library:

Danielle: It is not fair, sire. You have found my weakness, but I have yet to learn yours.
Henry: But I should think it was quite obvious.

The near-ending:

Henry: Hello.
Danielle: Hello.
[pause]
Danielle: What are you doing here?
Henry: [sheepishly] I uh... I came to... rescue you.
Danielle: Rescue me? A commoner?
[starts to walk away]
Henry: [going after her] Actually, I came to beg your forgiveness. I offered you the world and at the first test of honor, I betrayed your trust. Please, Danielle...
Danielle: [stops, turns around] Say it again.
Henry: I'm sorry.
Danielle: No.
[smiles]
Danielle: The part where you said my name.
Henry: [smiling] Danielle.

The ending:

My great-great-grandmother's portrait hung in the university up until the Revolution. By then, the truth of their romance had been reduced to a simple fairy tale. And, while Cinderella and her prince *did* live happily ever after, the point, gentlemen, is that they lived.

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

My Thoughts on Lark Rise, Season 3

My thoughts on season one and two. I think in some ways, season three may just be my favorite season. I haven't rewatched season four, so I suppose I might always change my mind. But. I love, love, love this third season. Fewer 'new' characters are introduced, and more time is spent on characters in both Lark Rise and Candleford.

The one 'new' character introduced is Laura's new love interest, a journalist named Daniel. None of Laura's love-interests have been perfect or perfect for her, in my opinion. And Daniel doesn't make the best first impression. In fact, he HURTS so many people...and yet...he sticks around to try to make things right and reconcile relationships.

One of the main characters of the show becomes Alf Arless. That is probably one of the main reasons that this third season seems so very right. For me, the biggest highlight of the season is the developing romance between Alf and Minnie :) I adore them together. I really do.

Ruby and Pearl. A lot of season three focuses in on these sisters. Ruby has begun corresponding with a man in Pontefract...falling in love with a stranger....and her sister is struggling with bills and bill collectors. A lot of drama and tension and stress...and the sisters really show a lot of vulnerability and complexity. Friendships are strengthened as weaknesses and secrets come to light...

One "cute" thing is that Ruby gets Minnie addicted to sensational serial dramas.

Lady Adelaide returns for the seventh episode. No, Sir Timothy, unfortunately. But the "St. George" play is surprisingly fun...

The final three episodes are a bit messy--dramatically speaking--as Laura "wrestles" with her heart as to which man she belongs with--Fisher or Daniel, Daniel or Fisher. But there's also some drama about the future of the post office....

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

My Thoughts on Lark Rise to Candleford Series 2

Lark Rise to Candleford Season 2

Here is my review of season one. To recap: So. The show centers around the post office of Candleford essentially. The heroines are Laura Timmins, a new, oh-so-young apprentice, and the older-and-mostly-wiser postmistress Dorcas Lane. Laura comes from the (rural) community of Lark Rise, and she finds quite a bit of difference between the two communities or villages--between those living (and working) in Lark Rise to those in Candleford.

Season two introduces new characters to the show. (In no particular order....)

• James Dowland, a love interest for Dorcas Lane, with a public past and a not-so-public past. His public past is that he was an orphan taken in by Queenie and Twister. He has returned--apparently wealthy--to open a hotel in Candleford. He is a man of strong opinions, and, few words. How can this be?! Well, he's not good at expressing how he feels and what he wants. He can talk business and politics, but, not of private matters. 
• Minnie Mude, an oh-so-young maid hired to replace Zillah. She is without a doubt one of my favorite, favorite, favorite characters of the show. 
• Fisher Bloom, a young, oh-so-attractive love interest for Laura Timmins. He is a clock-maker hired by James Dowland. He never stays in one place for long...
• Sydney Dowland is perhaps Dorcas Lane's one true weakness. James Dowland is 'surprised' with a son. The greater surprise may be that Dorcas Lane becomes his full-time guardian.  

The season has two weddings...though neither of the 'main heroines' is the bride.

The season begins with a Christmas episode that would be nearly perfect if it wasn't so ghostly. On the one hand, there are some very quotable lines in this one. Scenes that are just right. On the other hand, all the ghost business is just weird and unsettling.

Pearl: Ruby, you are beyond felicity.
Ruby: Pearl, you speak like a baboon who swallowed a dictionary.

Episodes two and three focus on two newcomers: James Dowland and Minnie Mude. James Dowland never really captured my interest, though Dorcas may have developed feelings for him, I never shared them. But Minnie, well, Minnie she's a favorite.

Episode four focuses on the romance of Thomas Brown and "Miss Ellison." Her father dies, and, he decides the time has come to propose marriage. Unfortunately, the arrival of an estranged brother, confuses Miss Ellison so much she's oblivious to nearly everything else including Thomas.

Episode five, six, and seven: These episodes focus in on Laura and Fisher Bloom. We also learn more about Minnie. Some time is also spent focusing in on Robert and Emma, Laura's parents.

Episode eight: James Dowland finally declares his feelings for Dorcas--undeniably. Unfortunately, a business partner and former/current lover arrive in town and lets Dorcas know in plenty of detail that James is not as 'free' as he proclaims.

Episode nine: The focus is on Lark Rise, mainly, as Alf falls in love with a girl from a neighboring village. Also Thomas and Miss Ellison struggle to agree on when to get married! He wants to wait and save up money. She wants to be married in October!

Episode ten: This episode is just weird and surprising! Constable Patterson--a married man--falls for Pearl Pratt when he sees her kill a mouse. He attempts to woo her with vegetables from his garden...and somehow...it works?! This "romance" is short-lived when the wife finds out...but still....

Episode eleven-and-twelve: These episodes are good. Dorcas discovers that James Dowland has a son, a son that he never knew about. He is all for keeping his son at boarding school and never meeting him. She'll have none of that. She creatively finds out more about the school Sydney is at and convinces him to do something for his son: bring him home now. She does end up taking care of Sydney full-time, but, this is a good thing. The wedding day has been set for Thomas and Margaret...but will things go smoothly?! These episodes have some funny and charming moments.

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

March Tag Questions

Old Fashioned Charm
Period Drama Challenge

March Tag Questions:
1. What period dramas did you view in March? Some Lark Rise to Candleford. (I've completed the first two seasons, and am halfway through season three.) Ever After, Doctor Zhivago, Scarlet Pimpernel, Persuasion.
2. What is your favorite period drama soundtrack? Much Ado about Nothing. I adore it ;)
3. If you could attend a ball in a Jane Austen story what would be the color of your ballgown and who would you dance with? Definitely Henry Tilney, and, I'm not sure on the color of the dress.
4. Do you prefer watching period dramas by yourself or with friends/family? Why? Either. Both. I don't mind watching them on my own, and, then dragging people into the fun for repeated watching.
5. What period dramas are you looking forward to viewing in April 2016? I'll be reviewing Much Ado About Nothing, Ever After, and some more Lark Rise. As to what I'll view next...probably a musical or two!

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

My Thoughts on Doctor Zhivago

I recently watched Doctor Zhivago. It was a film my parents had seen a couple of times before. (Mom has definite thoughts on Omar Sharif. In fact, for years, that's all I've ever heard about this movie. I must admit she was right about him.) I had not seen it before. While mini-reviews for the Period Drama challenge are okay for films I've seen a dozen or so times, I wanted to be sure to capture my thoughts on this new-to-me film.

Omar Sharif. I have to say that he made this movie very watchable! He's probably a good reason why this movie is a classic.

Julie Christie as Lara worked for me more than I initially thought it would. The only other movie I've seen with her is Fahrenheit 451. That movie did not work for me...at all.

Alec Guinness plays Yuri Zhivago's half brother. I associate him with Star Wars so much, it was nice to see him in something else, and a bit younger looking too.

The music composed and conducted by Maurice Jarre. I love, love, love the music in this one! It definitely helped me persuade me that yes, I was liking this movie.

The story and content. Doctor Zhivago is intense drama, in a way. Its set during a violent, turbulent, bloody, cruel, horrifying period of Russian history. It focuses on two people: Lara and Doctor Zhivago mainly. For being a movie about a married man falling in love with a married woman, it was surprisingly tasteful. (As tasteful as it could be. It could have always been a lot worse.)  I am assuming the fact that it was 1965 has a little something to do with that. 

The Trailer



© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Catching Up on March Period Dramas

In March, I watched Persuasion, The Scarlet Pimpernel.

If you know me at all, you wouldn't bother asking me *which* adaptation of Persuasion I watched. Since most of you don't, I'll answer with "the one starring Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds, of course!!!"

Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel. It is. Pride and Prejudice doesn't really stand a chance of being *my* favorite. Though there are lovely adaptations of it!

I love Anne. I love Captain Wentworth. I love that this adaptation gets it right!

The Scarlet Pimpernel. I've seen three adaptations of this, and enjoyed all of them. Perhaps I just lucked into watching them in the right order. Or perhaps I just really, really love this story?! This time I watched the movie starring Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour. (Also a very, very young Ian McKellen.) The three adaptations are very different from one another. I like that in this adaptation we have a more straight-forward romance.



© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Thoughts on Miss Potter

For Old Fashioned Charm's Period Drama Challenge, I watched Miss Potter. 

The first time I saw this--which would have been 2006 or 2007--I was disappointed. Probably for shallow enough reasons! Kill off Ewan McGregor's character, really?!?! Did I care that it was a film 'biography' of Beatrix Potter and that it almost had to follow the events of her life? Not then. I knew nothing about Beatrix Potter's private life, private tragedies. And since I was expecting a romance, I was angry when I didn't get one.

The second time was better for me. In part, because I knew what was coming. Also, I've matured a bit in ten years perhaps! And I've also learned a little bit more about Beatrix Potter's life, and, since I knew that she did find love and happiness and did marry...I was better able to 'cope.'

I'm not sure that the film will ever truly be one of my favorite period dramas. But there some lovely scenes in this one. The Christmas scenes, for example, were lovely. I also enjoyed the focus on the friendship between Beatrix and her would-be sister-in-law.

Have you seen this one? What did you think? Do you have a favorite Ewan McGregor movie? a favorite Renee Zellweger movie?

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Top Ten "My One Weakness"

This post (meme) is inspired by my recent rewatching of Lark Rise to Candleford. I would love to see what your "one" weakness is! So please share yours!

1. My one weakness is staying up late and reading.
2. My one weakness is rereading books instead of reading new ones. (Again and again and again and again.)
3. My one weakness is drinking tea. (I have many, many "favorites" now. I am on a Zinger kick at the moment. Love Black Cherry Zinger and also Wild Berry Zinger.)
4. My one weakness is having too many books checked out from the library at a time.
5. My one weakness is not being able to resist a book if it's a bargain. (It would be wrong to leave it, right?!?! Say I'm right!)
6. My one weakness is chips and salsa. 
7. My one weakness is peaches. (I do like other fruit as well. But there's something about a good, sweet, juicy peach.)
8. My one weakness is watching period dramas...
9. My one weakness is stuffed animals. (I have always gotten BONDED with things in stores. From a very early age, it was always DON'T TOUCH, DON'T TOUCH, DON'T TOUCH. It almost never worked. I always had to see for myself how soft and cuddly and just-right they were.)
10. My one TRUE weakness--and some of you know this is VERY true--is math!

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

My Thoughts on Lark Rise to Candleford, season 1

First, I just want to say that I'm rewatching this series. I spent one delightful summer watching all the seasons.

So. The show centers around the post office of Candleford essentially. The heroines are Laura Timmins, a new, oh-so-young apprentice, and the older-and-mostly-wiser postmistress Dorcas Lane. Laura comes from the (rural) community of Lark Rise, and she finds quite a bit of difference between the two communities or villages--between those living (and working) in Lark Rise to those in Candleford.

In Lark Rise, viewers come to know Laura's family especially her parents Robert and Emma, but, also her older brother, Edmund. (She has other siblings, but, at least so far in season one they rarely leave an impression.) Then there is the Arless family. There are a LOT of children. But let's be honest. We really only get to know the mother, Caroline, and the oldest son, Alf. Alf is one of Laura's dearest, dearest friends. And let's not forget Queenie and Twister! One could hardly forget them; they may be the show's most eccentric characters. Another character I can't help loving is Margaret Ellison, the reverend's daughter.

In Candleford, viewers come to know Dorcas Lane, of course, and Zillah, the cook. While Dorcas Lane might have many "one weaknesses," Zillah's literally has one weakness: gossip. She can't help listening in on other people's conversations and then repeating what she hears. Thomas Brown is a lovably eccentric character who works at the post office delivering mail--or telegrams--on occasion. He is easy to tease, I suppose. But I do genuinely like him. And then there are the two sisters Ruby and Pearl Pratt. A LOT could be said about them. Including the fact that at least in season one they have identical outfits for each episode. They can sometimes cause a LOT of trouble. And I'm still not quite happy that they broke up Dorcas' new romance. But. I suppose they're not solely to blame.

The squire. There is a LOT I could say about Sir Timothy Midwinter. Let's start with the fact that he's played by one of my favorite, favorite actors BEN MILES. For better or worse, he is only in the first season of Lark Rise to Candleford. Part of me really LOVED having him on the show. And the other part of me realizes that in terms of story, it is probably for the best that he and his wife did move to London. Sir Timothy and Dorcas Lane were childhood sweethearts, in a way, and they've stayed close after he's married someone else, perhaps a bit too close. I don't believe for one second that anything would happen, that either Dorcas or Timothy would let anything happen. But emotionally, it's not good for either one to spend so much time together. I actually really liked Lady Adelaide Midwinter. And I was so happy that she finally conceived!!!

The first season is ten episodes. I think I really enjoyed--if not LOVED--all the episodes. Perhaps my favorite may be the tenth episode. I really loved Zillah in that last episode. Thomas and Margaret finally, finally admit that they like-like each other. Dorcas' plans to sell the post office come to nothing...thanks to Thomas. Dorcas' new romance occurs in episode eight. I rather liked that episode, and, in a way I wish James Delafield had stayed in Candleford. There was a LOT of drama in episode six, when Polly is abandoned by her family. Lady Midwinter wants to adopt her...and Sir Timothy does not. Dorcas is put into an impossible situation! And oh, that ending with the poem!

Essentially, what I love about the show is...everything. I love the characters. I love the relationships. I love the humor. I love the drama. I love the costumes. I love how dependably GOOD the episodes are. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the theme song!

Last week, I spent a lot of time watching Dr. Quinn. This week was all Lark Rise to Candleford. There is no comparison really. Dr. Quinn seems like such a "weak" show in comparison to LARK RISE. (Sully is still cute, however.)

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews