MRS MINIVER *

There's no denying that this tub-thumping piece of jingoism is reasonably entertaining for what it is and that it's very well made, (you expect nothing less from Wyler), and pleasingly acted, (Garson and Wright won Oscars and Pidgeon, Whitty and Henry Travers were all nominated though it was really Whitty who should have won), but it's so patronisingly middle-class it is almost offensive. It's supposed to be about a 'typical' middle-class British family at the beginning of and during the early years of the Second World War but this is Hollywood's idea of England and the Minivers are about as close to real-life as the inhabitants of "Downton Abbey" or even Neverland, (the 'typical' Minivers are so middle-class they have their own servants), and at well over two hours all this sweetness and light, with a little sentimental tragedy thrown in, is enough to melt your teeth. Amazingly it won six Oscars including Best Picture, was a huge hit and is much loved by many, though not by me.