carolyn_davis2 Reviews

Flipper (1964–1967)

Flipper was a tremendous influence

[10/10 · 25 January 2017]

sx

I've just written a middle-grade novel that is rooted in my love of cetaceans. Flipper, which I watched as a small child, aimed me in positive directions. The television program taught children many lessons: the virtue of self-sufficiency, the reality of single-parent households, and, above all, respect for nature and the virtues and abilities of other species.

Our generation can thank Flipper for its many lessons in cross-cultural, family, and inter-species cooperation and enjoyment.

And, as another reviewer posted, yes -- all in living color!

Charly (1968)

An extremely thought-provoking, moving experience

[10/10 · 11 November 2006]

I read Daniel Keyes' book, *Flowers for Algernon,* when aged nine and few books before or since have affected me as much. Surgical experimentation is frequently controversial and can be devastating in its consequences. Beyond the ethical issues are Algernon and Charly, one a mouse, the other, human, who are affected by a particular experiment -- Charly, especially, in a multitude of ways.

Robertson does extremely well in a particularly complex role. Throughout we see his humanity. His "transformation" is believable, and by the actor's skill, Charly is portrayed as a sympathetic Everyman in an extraordinary situation.

I give this film the highest recommendation.

Rebecca (1940)

I grew up with the book and film

[10/10 · 7 August 2006]

My mother's favourite book and film were these, and when I was growing up in the 1960s and '70s we had many conversations about them. Jack Favell seems to be a male version of Rebecca, who hates Maxim out of envy partly, but also because he loathes or is bored by most people -- similar to the way that Rebecca felt, we are led to believe. I think that this is particularly the case since Rebecca and Jack are not from the same socio-economic stratum as Maxim, who ultimately had the most material resources of all the characters. Jack is, in a way, an embodiment of Rebecca, as Danvers is, and he is obsessed with Rebecca, as most of the major characters are except the more stable Bee, Giles, and Frank.