The apparently simple storyline of a young couple having difficulty "starting" their marriage is only a cover for the main sub-plot... the question of whether the son (Hywel Bennett) really is John Mills' son, or is the result of an affair in the early days of Mills' marriage. By the film's end we know the truth, as does John Mills, but that truth doesn't alter his devotion to his "son".
Paul McCartney's first venture into film music makes wonderful listening in its own right - it's like hearing vintage Beatles, and it should be remembered that although Paul composed the tunes, the actual orchestrations and arrangements were carried out by George Martin, at that time a top executive at Parlophone records, who co-operated with The Beatles on all their hit releases.
So many "sympathetic" acting performances in this film, which at times is deeply moving. Marjorie Rhodes, as the ever-patient wife to John Mills - but she also has her own guilt complex to overcome on a daily basis.... she knows the truth behind her family. John Mills, the honest, industrious and yet naive working-class family head. Hayley Mills in her first "grown-up" role, and Hywel Bennett's portrayal of a young man often angry with the world around him, a world that he feels doesn't understand him.
In summary, a marvellous film, grossly under-rated - a viewing experience which stands the test of time. The exterior scenes, by the way, were shot in and around Bolton, Lancashire.
Paul McCartney's first venture into film music makes wonderful listening in its own right - it's like hearing vintage Beatles, and it should be remembered that although Paul composed the tunes, the actual orchestrations and arrangements were carried out by George Martin, at that time a top executive at Parlophone records, who co-operated with The Beatles on all their hit releases.
So many "sympathetic" acting performances in this film, which at times is deeply moving. Marjorie Rhodes, as the ever-patient wife to John Mills - but she also has her own guilt complex to overcome on a daily basis.... she knows the truth behind her family. John Mills, the honest, industrious and yet naive working-class family head. Hayley Mills in her first "grown-up" role, and Hywel Bennett's portrayal of a young man often angry with the world around him, a world that he feels doesn't understand him.
In summary, a marvellous film, grossly under-rated - a viewing experience which stands the test of time. The exterior scenes, by the way, were shot in and around Bolton, Lancashire.