Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont
(c) A.J. Malouin 2008
(Rating: 5 by Caryl)
(2005—Dan Ireland —UK) Life! Death! Love! Dinner! The English hypnotize Americans whenever they speak and, for Al, the same is true of the Scots. What more could we Americans ask for than a warm-hearted story enacted by people speaking Proper English? The story? Now in her 80s, and permaybe even in her 90s, the Scottish widow Mrs. Palfrey goes to live at the Claremont in London, to be close to her grandson. Her grandson, however, is tooooo busy living life to pay much attention to her. Bit of a disappointment, that. Mrs. Palfrey is one day out for a London walk-about, however, when she falls down, and is rescued by a young writer. As with most writers, he makes most of his money by playing music in the subways. He takes her home, anyway, cleans her up, and serves her a tea which surprises no one. The two of them become fast friends. When the young man later goes to visit Mrs. Palfrey for dinner at the Claremont, the other residents naturally assume he is her grandson. Mrs. Palfrey does nothing to discourage this enchanting misconstruing, and the fun begins. Or, more to the point, continues. This film is well-acted and well-made throughout. Mrs. Palfrey and the young writer learn a great deal from each other. The residents of the Claremont are Lovable English Eccentrics whom we enjoy watching, even when they are busy being Harmless Busybodies. There is London background, British accents and delicious sub-plots. There are warm-hearted stories about people at the beginning and at the end of life. There is much stretching out ahead of us and battening down behind us. When Caryl saw this in the theatre, she reported enjoying “Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont” soooo much that she might go back to see it in-theatre again, although she never actually did. (1 hr 48.)
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