A CHRISTMAS GIFT FROM BOB
UK, 2020, 92 minutes, Colour.
Luke Treadway, Nina Wadia, Anna Wilson- Jones, Christina Tonteri- Young, Tim Lister, Stephen Mc Cole, Celyn Jones, Phaldut Sharma, Poppy Roe, Sheena Bhatessa.
Directed by Charles Martin Smith.
For many audiences, especially cat-lovers (and maybe even dog-lovers), the book and the film, A Streetcat Named Bob, based on the writings by James Bowen, another visit from Bob and James will be very welcome. And, it is set in London at Christmas, not always full of good cheer, but, especially by the end, a happy time for all.
Once again, Luke Treadway is James Bowen, former drug-addict, clean, going through the process of cold turkey with the help of Bob. They now live in a flat in London, James going out with his guitar, busking in Covent Garden or selling The Big Issue at Angel Station. Bob, generally present, perched on James’s shoulders. And, it being Christmas, somebody kindly gives Bob a little Santa jacket and cap.
James encounters the Animal Welfare patrol harassing a young busker. James defends him, brings him home, despite his surliness, gives him a meal and tells him stories about Bob. Flashbacks and away we go.
The film is a reminder of life on the streets in London. Another sympathetic character is Bea (a touch of romantic interest) who works at a soup kitchen, in full preparations for hosting those in need at Christmas. There are some rough reality when the food kitchen is robbed. In the meantime, the villains of the piece turn out to be the Animal Welfare authorities, concerned about Bob’s well-being, suspicious of James, making all kinds of investigations, character references, talking about his history and reliability.
Another sympathetic character is Moody, a man with Indian background who runs the local store. He is a good listener for James, supplying sardines for Bob, able to help when Bob gets sick and needs a vet (and we have seen a very sympathetic vet, Dr Becky, associated with the soup kitchen). With all the persecution, Moody goes on line, setting up a petition for signatures in favour of James and Bob. Which rather overwhelms the animal welfare people!
When word gets around, Lets people know where Bob is and they gather in crowds, bringing gifts, especially a lady who had been knocked down on the street and whom James had helped, who turns out to be a television chef (and, perhaps a touch gooey, on TV she shows the biscuits he has made in Bob’s shape and with the Santa clothes!).
On the whole, a very cheery show, full of feeling, and a glint of a tear in the eye at the end.
1. The popularity of the original story? Bob the Streetcat? Adventures? Comedy? Bonding with James? The publication of the book?
2. Adventures based on actual stories? James Bowen, his life, drugs, the encounter with Bob, the friendship, Bob helping him with cold turkey, the writing of the books, busking in London, going out with Bob, the public response? Going to the author’s party, the publishers wanting a new book?
3. James, his life, the flat, finance, electricity going off, need for food, food for Bob? Busking, singing, the public responding especially to Bob, Bob in the Christmas clothes? At Covent Garden? The Asian tourists? At Angel Station, selling the Big Issue? Clashes with Mike, suspicions of Mike? The friendship with Bea, the soup kitchen, her friendliness, Bob and the cut, going to Dr Becky? The robbery at the soup kitchen, Christmas?
4. The young busker, apprehended by animal protection, James knowing the law, giving the young man a meal, his surly reaction, listening to James’s story?
5. James, friendliness, Arabella being knocked down, his helping her up, later learning that she was celebrity chef, her program on the soup kitchen?
6. Animal protection, the surly official, his being transferred? The officer, her own cat? The official in charge, hard lines? The searching for evidence about James and his way of life, helpful for Bob and Bob’s welfare, changes, background, addiction, the interview with Bea? At the office, the signed appeal, the testimonies?
7. James, his friendship with Moody, Indian background, the discussions about religions, Christmas, Happy Krishna! James relying on help, Moody providing food, good talk, his own personal life and sadness, coming to help when Bob was sick? His starting the online appeal? The number of signatures, letting people know online where Bob was, the crowds gathering, bringing all the Christmas gifts? The old lady who was always friendly?
8. James and his attack on Mike, their being invited for a drink, James thinking Mike was spying, giving information to animal welfare? Sorting out the issue, Mike and his daughter and grandson, their coming to see James at the end?
9. Arabella, seeing the petition, bringing the gift, her television program and making the biscuits looking like Bob!
10. The Christmas setting? London, the decorations, the snow, hardships for those in need, tourists, the generosity towards buskers?
11. James, telling the story, the young man apprehended at the beginning, coming to the Christmas meal with Bea?
12. Bob providing good cheer, and a happy film, with sentiment, for Christmas audiences?
