From the moment I began reading Dylan Thomas’s classic Christmas tale many years ago, I was completely enchanted. It’s a wonderfully nostalgic memory of Christmases past brought to life through such rich and evocative imagery that it leaves you almost breathless. What a delight then to discover a film version that is not only true to the text, but also so beautifully acted and filmed that it more than does justice to the story. It is a classic in itself. Watching this has become a cherished Christmas tradition at our house since it first appeared on TV in 1987, and indeed, our daughter grew up with it. When we speak of “the Uncles” or the “horrible-whiskered cats” or Miss Prothero and the firemen, we need say no more, but chuckle in fond remembrance.
You can hear Dylan Thomas reading his story at this link, but do be sure to check out the movie with Denholm Elliott as the grandfather who tells the tale to his spellbound grandson on Christmas Eve. Elliott does it so much better!
So on Christmas Eve we will once again be mesmerized by the “bandaged town” with “powder and ice-cream hills” by the “carol-singing sea”.
I wish you all the joys of such a heartfelt Welsh Christmas!
I wish you all the joys of such a heartfelt Welsh Christmas!
