OK, trivia champs. I am trying mightily to remember a film I saw once on television many years ago. It was a British film, in black and white, about a Church of England priest and his life in the parish, from his first days there (I think) to his retirement (I am certain). In his last sermon, he preaches quite passionately on Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice."
I don't remember the actor who placed the priest, nor do I remember who played his wife, I don't remember the title. But I do remember that it was a gentle film, and I would love to watch it again. Do any of you have any idea what it might be?
This is not a contest, but if you can supply the accurate information, I will gratefully send you a signed copy of "Feather and Bone" for Christmas.
Your description of the film didn't "ring any bells," but the promise of another copy of "F&B" motivated me to snoop around the Internet Movie Database (IMDb.) The closest I could come was actually a BBC miniseries: "The Barchester Chronicles." ( http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086667/ ) Any chance that's the one?
Posted by: Linnie in Dayton | December 16, 2009 at 07:14 AM
Another wild guess, thanks to Google and IMDb's search function: "Heavens Above!" starring Peter Sellers ( http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057134/ )
Posted by: Linnie in Dayton | December 17, 2009 at 06:50 PM
I'm a friend of Charles Martin who shared your quest with me. I'm wondering if the film you're looking for is the 1954 British film "Lease of Life," starring Robert Donat as a vicar in a rural English town. Although it is listed as being in "colour," the picture I see listed on http://www.britmovie.co.uk/films/Lease-of-Life looks more black and white-ish. Anyway, that's my best shot. Check and see if the picture on that website rings any bells. ee
Posted by: elaine | December 18, 2009 at 01:25 PM
Linnie,
Your suggestions are both good, but neither the Peter Sellers film nor the Barchester Chronicles is what I am searching for. The film I am remembering is not a comedy, and the Barchester series (as filmed, not as written, of course) is too new. But thanks!
Laurel
Posted by: Laurel | December 18, 2009 at 01:46 PM
Elaine -
Yes yes yes! That is the one. How ever did you know? I could not even come up with the right search terms to help me.
Thank you VERY much. I will contact you privately to get your mailing address for your copy of "Feather and Bone".
Blessings, Laurel
Posted by: Laurel Massé | December 18, 2009 at 01:51 PM
O Happy Day, Laurel - good for you! I was going to ask if the TV was a colo(u)r telly. Lucky me too, I already have a treasured, signed, and blessed copy of Feather and Bone, which reminds me this time of year: I first listened to you on my small Advent speakers, and I listen to Feather and Bone on newer (25-year-old) large Advents. Happy Merries!
Posted by: Stuart | December 18, 2009 at 07:32 PM