tpendleton

I gave this movie a 10 rating, not because it was that good of a film (it wasn't), but because to me it brings back memories of my teenage years. I saw this movie when it was released in 1951. I was 15 at the time and interested in nothing but golf. I watched the movie three times. I would have watched it over and over had it not been removed from the local theater. Even at that young age, I was a student of the game. I was intimately familiar with Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, and all the other great names in golf at that time. I had even seen most of them play in person in tournaments. I even fantasized about becoming a golf pro. I played golf whenever I could. Unfortunately, in the 40's and 50's, money was tight. And parents didn't pay a lot of attention to their children's career goals, especially if they involved becoming a sport's figure. My dreams were dashed early. Thank goodness, I can still watch FOLLOW THE SUN and relive my teenage fantasies.

I've been watching this British comedy for about 10 years now; first on PBS and then recently on BBS. I'm sure I've seen all 44 episodes; most of them more than once; some of them three times or more. And I've never gotten bored with a single one. It's true that some of the plots were pretty much repeated over and over. But, still, watching Hyacinth, Richard, Daisy, Onslow, and all the others always gave me a chuckle. I've seen them so many times now that I feel I know each character personally. I wish I could have attended one of Hyancith's candlelight suppers, or spent an afternoon watching TV with Onslow, or gone for an afternoon drive with Hyancith and Richard. It would have been a scream. Situation comedies, British or American, don't get much better than "Keeping Up Appearances".

This is a nice movie in spite of the low rating that viewers have given it. And I'm not surprised that it got such ratings. Most Americans would not like this movie because it doesn't have enough action. This is a movie about real life relationships, past and present; about how different people adapt to changing situations; and about how life's decisions are made. This is a movie about how real people live, what they say, and how they love. I especially liked the ending. I think most of the acting was good too. I thought all three of Delia's daughters did a fine job. I especially liked her youngest daughter, Cissy; wise beyond her years. I can remember her from "The Blue Car". I was so frustrated with Amanda's rote religious jumbo that I wanted her mother to grab her and give her a good shaking. But if you love someone enough, I suppose you often put up with that sort of thing.