This is really a very beautiful film about love at old age. If you ever get the chance to see it, don't let it pass! The acting is great and it leaves an impression that will make you remember this film for the rest of your life.
20 Reviews
Hesitant Love in the Sunset Years
don250721 March 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Like some others, I discovered this film while surfing one day at home, and fortunately it was near the beginning because the unusual love context (for films these days) and slowly developing drama were absorbing for me. Jean Simmons has been one of my all-time favorite actresses (especially in Elmer Gantry and Guys and Dolls) and it was wonderful to recognize her as a widowed woman in an English retirement home with a wry and gentle comic touch. As a guy who visited his mother for 10 years in a retirement home, it was moving and poignant to recognize the sweet and sometimes awkward interaction among the residents, and then to see Jean Simmons's character and Joss Ackland slowly and hesitantly gravitate to each other. Nobody's life is ever over until the casket is closed, and it's inspiring to see oldsters risk their emotions in their final years, tentatively at first and then with more assurance. Near the end, the ex-stockbroker Joss Ackland's character renders investment advice to the residents about moving from "blue-chip" stocks to riskier investments with the promise of greater returns, and then goes on to use that as an apt metaphor for being able to risk exposing our emotional vulnerabilities for the promise, and reward, of love, however fleeting and temporal.
Poor, gravelly-voiced Joss.....when he finds cinematic love in his older years, while it's sweetness is probably enhanced by its fleeting nature (from health issues), it can still be a bittersweet experience for him, similar to what he experienced with Claire Bloom in the BBC version of C.S. Lewis's Shadowlands produced 10 years before Daisies.
Poor, gravelly-voiced Joss.....when he finds cinematic love in his older years, while it's sweetness is probably enhanced by its fleeting nature (from health issues), it can still be a bittersweet experience for him, similar to what he experienced with Claire Bloom in the BBC version of C.S. Lewis's Shadowlands produced 10 years before Daisies.
Sweet love story
virgo-130 December 2001
This is a gentle old fashioned type of love story with enough humor to make it appeal to a wider audience. It's also nice to see Joss playing a role other than the bad guy. Although he's a little rude and short of tact - he's basically a decent chap in this one.
A lovely little seen film with great acting chemistry
AriesJB42 September 2003
"Daisies in December" is an excellent TV movie, which first aired in the United States on the Showtime channel in December 1995. I do wish it was available on video. It did receive the ACE Cable award for Best Screenplay and it is well deserving of it. Joss Ackland and Jean Simmons had previously acted on the London stage in another project and there is a chemistry between them. It was a pleasure seeing Mr. Ackland in a different type of character than the type he usually portrays. "Daisies" is a lovely film - one of my all-time favorites - and note that the supporting cast is a joy to watch as well. Highly recommended - you won't be sorry.
Video please!
datkins-328 August 2000
An excellent film that was screened on British TV a year or so ago. Joss Ackland and Jean Simmons, two of our great actors, play a very tender and dignified scene of love in later-life.
I wish it was available on video. I want this!
I wish it was available on video. I want this!
Daisies in December - Truly Timeless Movie
vicanddebbylehr10 June 2006
I loved this movie the first time I saw it several years ago. I have searched for it in many places to buy, but with no success! I've only seen it once but have not forgotten it since.
It is a sensitive and intelligent movie that grabs you from the get go.
The scenery in magnificent. The movie as a whole draws you in and really takes you into the life and place these people are experiencing.
If I can ever buy it, I will. Right now, though it will be seen on the Hallmark channel June 18th.
Hopefully, someone "out there" will release this movie for the public's pleasure at some time!
It is a sensitive and intelligent movie that grabs you from the get go.
The scenery in magnificent. The movie as a whole draws you in and really takes you into the life and place these people are experiencing.
If I can ever buy it, I will. Right now, though it will be seen on the Hallmark channel June 18th.
Hopefully, someone "out there" will release this movie for the public's pleasure at some time!
An excellent movie!
ivannola29 July 2004
I think this movie "Daisies in December" was one of the most enjoyable movies I have seen. It was funny, sad, romantic. Just a "heart warming" story.
I wonder if it is possible to purchase this movie on Video?
I work as a nurse in an Aged Care Hostel, I would Just love to be able to obtain a copy to show to my residents. I am sure most of them could relate to it,in "one way or an other"
Having worked in this setting, has helped me appreciate this movie even more. I is so much more difficult for men to settle into these situations, more so than women. Daisies in December portrayed the whole story so beautifully,
Nola
I wonder if it is possible to purchase this movie on Video?
I work as a nurse in an Aged Care Hostel, I would Just love to be able to obtain a copy to show to my residents. I am sure most of them could relate to it,in "one way or an other"
Having worked in this setting, has helped me appreciate this movie even more. I is so much more difficult for men to settle into these situations, more so than women. Daisies in December portrayed the whole story so beautifully,
Nola
Gripping Drama and Delight
gcwells22 March 2006
I had chanced upon viewing this film on a channel surfing excursion one weekend morning. I passed by the usual junk, info-mercials, and tired network programs and movies, then, it happened. I instantly became transfixed to the screen watching every minute until the end of this magnificent TV movie the British have produced.
If you want to have the best of character identification and development, in which a film so immerses you you can't turn your attention to anything else, then try this film my friend. The story is gripping to say the least and at its best it is simply the best formation of a loving relationship since Cary Grant on the big screen. And these people in the cast are old! Who would have thought young, pretentious romantics could learn anything from grandparents about love and commitment? After all, aren't they mostly over the hill? No. Far from it. Despite physical limitations and ailments of old age, these two stars of the film, Jean Simmons and Joss Ackland prove to any doubting Thomas's that love is ageless. Tragedy too.
My favorite line is when Catherine (Jean Simmons) tells her aspiring lover, "Life is essentially ridiculous. Once you understand that you can start to enjoy yourself." So true, and more so for the crusty codger, Gerald (Joss Ackland) who takes life a little too seriously and shies away from gleeful moments that he considers undignified or embarrassing for a man of his age or position...until she enters into his heart.
If you want to have the best of character identification and development, in which a film so immerses you you can't turn your attention to anything else, then try this film my friend. The story is gripping to say the least and at its best it is simply the best formation of a loving relationship since Cary Grant on the big screen. And these people in the cast are old! Who would have thought young, pretentious romantics could learn anything from grandparents about love and commitment? After all, aren't they mostly over the hill? No. Far from it. Despite physical limitations and ailments of old age, these two stars of the film, Jean Simmons and Joss Ackland prove to any doubting Thomas's that love is ageless. Tragedy too.
My favorite line is when Catherine (Jean Simmons) tells her aspiring lover, "Life is essentially ridiculous. Once you understand that you can start to enjoy yourself." So true, and more so for the crusty codger, Gerald (Joss Ackland) who takes life a little too seriously and shies away from gleeful moments that he considers undignified or embarrassing for a man of his age or position...until she enters into his heart.
A simple yet wonderful story
afsjp9 July 2006
This is my favourite film of all time. A simple yet wonderful story which is set in St Ives in Cornwall and based around the Tregenna Castle hotel overlooking St Ives bay. My parents stayed at the hotel whilst filming took place. I have made every effort to get a copy of this film without success as I taped over my copy!! The film, as I have said, is a simple yet heart warming tale of older love and the story becomes very poignant as the film progresses. The music score is also excellent and fits in with the film perfectly. Joss Ackland and Jean Simmons are cast wonderfully and the location just adds to the feel of the film. The film was made for the American market but was shown by the BBC here in the UK. This is a true Sunday afternoon film.
Very poignant without being too sentimental
signature27 December 2001
I would thoroughly agree with the comments of others - this is a too-little seen movie. To the best of my knowledge it has only been shown on British TV once, whilst other inferior films get regular showings. The central characters are sensitively portrayed by Joss Ackland and Jean Simmons at their best, and the cameo roles provide some comic moments, among them the wonderful Barbara Lott playing an eccentric old lady. The balance between comedy and drama is well maintained in the way that British TV does so well - had this been an American production it would no doubt have been sickly sentimental to the point of overkill. I am very surprised to hear that the film isn't available on video
The best romance film I ever saw.
eveunger11 July 2006
I saw Daises In December when it was shown the first time on TV. I fell in love with it. I was lucky enough to catch it again and recorded it. I enjoyed viewing it a number of times. I would often watch it when I could not sleep,,,, or after a particularly bad day. That lovely movie about an unlikely love gave me hope that one day I will find someone. THEN DISASTER STRUCK!!!! My son grabbed a tape one day without seeing if anything was listed on the case and recorded over it! I wanted to kill him! That was definitely a sad day. I have been searching for someone else who may have recorded it for a number of years. If anyone has recorded it and would be willing to share it would be greatly appreciated. evelyn
A little gem of a movie!
enigma14-914-8923318 February 2014
When I read all the reviews of this movie from people who it has affected for the better, I really cannot understand why it hasn't been marketed as a DVD. I agree with pretty much the whole world who agree this is a gem of a movie, with the two main characters played by a beautiful older Jean Simmons and a rugged but ultimately charming, and charmed Joss Acland. I have been to St Ives and even stayed at the Hotel just to experience a tiny moment of the magic this Movie engenders. I shall love it and miss it forever, Ithink, and I,m not a sentimental old fool, just old! I understand that this movie was a 'made for TV' production but so too were many other BBC productions, like truly madly, deeply which went on to be a huge box office hit and is available readily on DVD. Surely the BBC are missing a trick here, judging by the demand for a rerun which this Movie has had. So I say, bring it on BBC and lets keep your worldwide audience happy. Surely the great and beautiful British actress Jean Simmons, now sadly no longer with us, not only would approve but we owe this to her memory....one of the best movies she ever made, and I,m including the likes of The Big Country in that list!
A wonderful flick, available on YouTubeit
dugwindad-11 December 2018
I stumbled onto this movie while browsing Jean Simmons, (my movie 'love' for 60 years) on YouTube. It had been uploaded by one Marcus Fraz, to whom I owe a debt of gratitude. (It's complete and it's free!) I fell in love with the movie, and watched it three or four times in the next month. I found out that I could download it with RealPlayer, which I did. I copied it onto a flash drive, and gave it to a friend who put it onto a DVD for me, I hope the copyright owner will forgive me.Needless to say, I agree with all of the positive comments of the reviewers.
A captivating film.
Sleepin_Dragon21 February 2024
Gerald Carmody is packed off to a retirement home whilst his family take a holiday. Gerald resents the stay, but finds interest in one of the residents, Katherine Palmer.
It's some time since I found myself totally captivated and totally engrossed. What an incredibly powerful story, one that packs a punch, taking you on a highly charged emotional rollercoaster.
It manages to be funny, sad, moving, and best of all, it's all delivered by a magical, mature cast.
A shame there's been no commercial release, isn't it interesting that there are such hidden gems out there such as this, if you can see it, it's magnificent.
Two of my all time favourites, the eccentric and imposing Joss Ackland, and the beautiful, female screen legend that is Jean Simmons, the pair combine exquisitely.
Whilst it's very sad at times, it also provides us with multiple laughs, Barbara Lott, Muriel Pavlow and Wolfe Morris are all tremendous. Lott always had incredible comedy timing, seeing her here instantly made me want to dig out Sorry.
10/10.
It's some time since I found myself totally captivated and totally engrossed. What an incredibly powerful story, one that packs a punch, taking you on a highly charged emotional rollercoaster.
It manages to be funny, sad, moving, and best of all, it's all delivered by a magical, mature cast.
A shame there's been no commercial release, isn't it interesting that there are such hidden gems out there such as this, if you can see it, it's magnificent.
Two of my all time favourites, the eccentric and imposing Joss Ackland, and the beautiful, female screen legend that is Jean Simmons, the pair combine exquisitely.
Whilst it's very sad at times, it also provides us with multiple laughs, Barbara Lott, Muriel Pavlow and Wolfe Morris are all tremendous. Lott always had incredible comedy timing, seeing her here instantly made me want to dig out Sorry.
10/10.
i loved the movie and would like to purchase it
nancycam51 May 2006
i would like to get a copy of it for my office and for myself i really liked it i want to share it with the people i work with i liked it very much and would like to purchase it i liked it very very very very much and would like to buy it it is possible to get a copy of it any where maybe Intel stores or on the computer at another www. something this is very hard to type ten lines just to ask a question i guess thats why i do nd use the computer much I'm almost finished with the ten lines you require but i do nd know why that is necessary just to get a copy of the movie can you tell me that when i finish typing all these words to finish the ten line requirement thank you very much
Delicate Affection
ken200018 September 2003
This is a slight film, but one greatly strengthened by the leading players. Jean Simmons and Joss Ackland are both at the top of their game playing characters probably close to their actual ages. While it lags a bit and is kind of hokey, you sense the real affection between the two and Ackland delivers a speech declaring his love that is just magnificent. Great film and worth the effort.
A line to live by
pcmentor2930 March 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I have really heard a line of the male star from later in this film. "The joys are everlasting." This is very encouraging to me. I came into watching this film and previously seen the male star as a bad guy. Jean Simmons has always played older women in my lifetime. The taxi driver adds some comic relief, not needed though. They go to a first dinner. He's embarrassed cause people start dancing but she wants to dance so it's OK. I recall a scene that shows some daisies blooming literally. I would like to own this film but can't find it anywhere. The poster who said this would be good for an old folks home is right. But there are many good movies, even edgy ones older people might enjoy. I have thought about donating to such homes some DVD's for them to enjoy. I would start by taking a survey of the residents on what they want to see(with movie summaries, not just titles.)
Well produced, funny but poignant
ajlbruce30 December 2001
The film explores the problems of getting old and forming relationships in a very real and touching manner with excellent performances by Joss Ackland and Jean Simmonds. It has a very good story line and a very happy ending that could teach all elderly people a lesson in remembering to enjoy life and that they are never too old to take risks.
Well worth seeing.
I also spotted it on German TV before the BBC on the same day - so truly considered international.
Well worth seeing.
I also spotted it on German TV before the BBC on the same day - so truly considered international.
Great old folks romance!
HotToastyRag23 July 2017
I have a bone to pick with director Mark Haber. He was put in charge of a film whose setting was an old folks' home. Naturally, the demographic of the film's audience will mostly be comprised of older people. Older people sometimes get dizzy spells. So why would Mr. Haber choose to swirl and swoop the camera randomly? He'll make his audience sick!
Besides the very odd direction, Daisies in December is a really cute movie. Joss Ackland is settled into an old folks' home against his will, but his intense distaste for the place quickly wears off when he meets Jean Simmons, another resident. This movie isn't a comedy, but Joss is given some sporadic one-liners that are realistically funny, rather than purely comic relief. And while Jean Simmons is a little mean to him in the beginning, their romance is mostly very cute and touching.
Joss Ackland gives a fantastic performance. His pain and hope is palpable through the screen. If you like late-blooming romances, this is a really good one.
Besides the very odd direction, Daisies in December is a really cute movie. Joss Ackland is settled into an old folks' home against his will, but his intense distaste for the place quickly wears off when he meets Jean Simmons, another resident. This movie isn't a comedy, but Joss is given some sporadic one-liners that are realistically funny, rather than purely comic relief. And while Jean Simmons is a little mean to him in the beginning, their romance is mostly very cute and touching.
Joss Ackland gives a fantastic performance. His pain and hope is palpable through the screen. If you like late-blooming romances, this is a really good one.
Utterly charming
nativechick-2254628 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Delightful, charming movie. IMDb 'When Gerald Carmody is left at a seaside old-folks' hotel while his family goes skiing, he feels very grumpy and abandoned and is determined to have a rotten time'. NO, Gerald was brought there, because he just about burnt his house down. Yes he is grumpy, and feels abandoned. Katherine Palmer, is a resident at the old-folks hotel because she's ill. The two meet, hit it off and fall in love. I'm so happy I found this movie because it makes you smile. Simmons and Auckland have beautiful, chemistry together. Simmons movie resume is brilliant. This movie is in the top five, definitely!
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