THE HOLLY AND THE IVY

UK, 1953, 80 minutes, Black and White.
Ralph Richardson, Celia Johnson, Margaret Leighton, John Gregson, Denholm Elliot.
Directed by George More O'Ferrall.

The Holly and the Ivy is very much an English film. Based on a play by Wynyard Browne, it is set in an English rectory at Christmas time. The Parson's children and relatives assemble and their clash of attitudes and personalities is brought to a head. Nothing very much happens in the line of action, but the film probes personality and relationships, especially the responsibilities of children to their parents and to their own lives and where priorities lie.

The setting is rather old-fashioned now but for those who like an intelligent drama and excellent performances, the film is well worthwhile.

1. Was it obvious that the film is based on a play? How? Did this affect the impression the film made?

2. How did the film give the impression of being rather old-fashioned, old-fashioned British drama?

3. What kind of a world did the characters come from - the aunts, widowed and spinstered, the Parson's children. son and fashionable daughter?

4. What impression did the Parson make on you? Was he a good man? What kind of world did he stand for and typify?

5. Jenny - were you sorry for her, staying at home and looking after her father? Was that her duty? Should she have got married and gone away?

6. Margaret - why was she so hard? Should she have accepted any responsibility towards her father? Was she selfish and unfeeling?

7. Should Jenny have had to make the choice between marriage and David's career?

8. When a child is victim of a parent, even of a parent's love, who should give way? who has the responsibility to look after the aged?

9. Was the Parson a religious man? Why did his children rebel against him and his religion? Is this understandable?

10. Why could he not be told the truth? Had he put up barriers to what was around him?

11. Did Margaret's change of attitude too easy a solution? lm had a Christmas and family reunion

12. Did the Christmas affect the atmosphere?