Naughton's 1958 play Spring and Port wine was a phenomenal success both as a radio play and stage production - and deservedly so. It was inevitable that at some point the story should find its way onto film but, alas, this production does not do it justice.
The most enthusiastic reviews here on IMDb concentrate on the story - which is not surprising because it is a good story and an excellent snapshot of working class life in late 50's Bolton. But this filmed version loses a lot of the tension and drama so well-crafted in the play and adds nothing in return.
This technicolor lit-for-television view of Bolton looks more 70's than late 50's and combined with the cheerful music score is more evocative of contemporary "Carry On.." films than working class kitchen sink. Naughton had to write new material to flesh this out into a full movie and unfortunately the additional bits do nothing more than add stock Northern comedy characters into the mix. Not so much "port wine" as "Last of the Summer Wine".
As for performances - every one gives their best and the family ensemble generally works well together but there are times when you wish the direction had been a bit more "hands on" with tighter interactions in the humorous bits and more tension when serious. Susan George, once again shows that she is a better actor than frequently credited, Diana Copeland however doesn't seem to be able to shake off the caring middle-class mother image that she made her own in "Bless this House" and her desperate flight to the canal-side is far from convincing.
James Mason, of course, is excellent. His look, body language and general presence is spot on even though his accent has not an atom of Bolton in it. Great pity that some of his best lines and most telling moments are not given the directorial treatment they deserve.
I recommend the film because it is a story worth watching - especially if you haven't seen the play. But if you have seen the play you will spend it thinking how much better this could have been with a bit more 50's feel, Northern grit and the directing talents of Tony Richardson or John Schlesinger.
The most enthusiastic reviews here on IMDb concentrate on the story - which is not surprising because it is a good story and an excellent snapshot of working class life in late 50's Bolton. But this filmed version loses a lot of the tension and drama so well-crafted in the play and adds nothing in return.
This technicolor lit-for-television view of Bolton looks more 70's than late 50's and combined with the cheerful music score is more evocative of contemporary "Carry On.." films than working class kitchen sink. Naughton had to write new material to flesh this out into a full movie and unfortunately the additional bits do nothing more than add stock Northern comedy characters into the mix. Not so much "port wine" as "Last of the Summer Wine".
As for performances - every one gives their best and the family ensemble generally works well together but there are times when you wish the direction had been a bit more "hands on" with tighter interactions in the humorous bits and more tension when serious. Susan George, once again shows that she is a better actor than frequently credited, Diana Copeland however doesn't seem to be able to shake off the caring middle-class mother image that she made her own in "Bless this House" and her desperate flight to the canal-side is far from convincing.
James Mason, of course, is excellent. His look, body language and general presence is spot on even though his accent has not an atom of Bolton in it. Great pity that some of his best lines and most telling moments are not given the directorial treatment they deserve.
I recommend the film because it is a story worth watching - especially if you haven't seen the play. But if you have seen the play you will spend it thinking how much better this could have been with a bit more 50's feel, Northern grit and the directing talents of Tony Richardson or John Schlesinger.