I haven't read other reviews on this, but can't understand the voting - most people have given it 10 - which I can understand, but then a group have given it 3 - how anyone can watch this evocative movie and give it 3 is beyond me. It is probably the only Christmas movie that I feel I must watch every time that it's on - it shows a simpler time, a raw view of Christmas through the eyes of a Welsh child. It's simple effective and a great antidote for the glitzy artificial 'made for TV' Christmas schmaltz so evident during this season. Well worth the time to watch. Denholm Elliot's voice over is melodious and you can almost feel the snow and the excitement of the young protagonist. 8/10
24 Reviews
What beautiful words pour forth in any showing, having been written by Dylan Thomas, and a great tale, too
inkblot1115 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
In modern times, a boy in Wales is sad that its raining outside, not snowing, for it is the night before Christmas. Fortunately, his grandfather (Denholm Elliott) is there to tell him stories and to help pick out the gift the little boy will be able to open on the Eve. Thus, Grandpa begins reflecting on his own Christmases past, when he was a boy. For one, there was always snow! (Admittedly, his memories are somewhat biased). Also, G-papa recounts the time he and his friends spent throwing snowballs at unsuspecting cats and trailing the postman as he trudged through the snow. One Christmas, there was a smoky fire in a neighbor's house and the boys had to run to the phone booth and summon the firefighters. When they came, much water was sprayed, as dishes and other fine objects hit the ground. Turns out, it was a pipe the gentleman of the house left burning in his easy chair! Then, there were toy soldiers to play with, walks on the chilly beach (the man's village was right on the sea), home-made nose muffs to wear, and pranks played on various relatives. What a beautiful place and time for remembrance among those folks in the present! Admittedly, this viewer would probably never have sought this film out if it had not appeared on a collection disc with other movies. Quite a mistake that would have been! The words of the poet Dylan Thomas are the foundation of the tale, for he wrote it, and the beauty of the prose can not be overstated! Then, too, Elliott makes a terrific narrator and the other actors do nicely as well. The setting is likewise lovely, an ocean village in the country of Wales. What a treat to see the scenery, costumes, and photography! Finally, the story is filled with humor and only the best of memories. If you live in Wales, Wisconsin, Wellington or Warsaw, doesn't matter, get your hands on this one!
Dylan Thomas' classic adapted for the screen
barryrd5 August 2008
This re-telling of the classic story "A Child's Christmas in Wales" is almost the cinematic equivalent of hearing Dylan Thomas reading his own story. In the film, Denholm Eliot is the narrator and tells the story to his grandson as they celebrate a family Christmas together.
As in the story, the movie is mostly flashback images of Christmases long past - cats, opening the presents, a fire at Mrs. Prothero's house, aunts and uncles celebrating and snow falling on the town making it whiter than Lapland. We think what rich memories for a child to carry into adulthood. Most of us have our own images of Christmas past and these are etched in our memory for life. This film gives us a glimpse of the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of one child and how he responds to the pictures he sees as his grandfather tells the story.
I once heard that when Dylan Thomas recorded this story, it was at a session in New York City and he didn't show up for the first one. He did show up the second time but there was only enough material to fill one side of an old record album. Someone went out and found a recent copy of Harper's Bazaar and Thomas read the story to complete the record. Without this accidental recording, we might have never come to appreciate this great story, which in turn gave rise to this beautiful, little film.
As in the story, the movie is mostly flashback images of Christmases long past - cats, opening the presents, a fire at Mrs. Prothero's house, aunts and uncles celebrating and snow falling on the town making it whiter than Lapland. We think what rich memories for a child to carry into adulthood. Most of us have our own images of Christmas past and these are etched in our memory for life. This film gives us a glimpse of the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of one child and how he responds to the pictures he sees as his grandfather tells the story.
I once heard that when Dylan Thomas recorded this story, it was at a session in New York City and he didn't show up for the first one. He did show up the second time but there was only enough material to fill one side of an old record album. Someone went out and found a recent copy of Harper's Bazaar and Thomas read the story to complete the record. Without this accidental recording, we might have never come to appreciate this great story, which in turn gave rise to this beautiful, little film.
Brilliant!
suomi_metal9 November 2004
I remember watching this every Christmas as a kid with my family. When the cassette was misplaced, of course the tradition subsided, but last Christmas I found it, dusted it off, and my parents, brother and I gathered around.
It was just as I'd remembered it, and better.
Don McBrearty did a really beautiful job of bringing Dylan Thomas' poem to life, and very sensitively, I might add. There is nothing sappy or commercial about it, and the film adaption keeps the same tone as the poem.
Actors, costumes and sets are vibrant and alive. Nothing feels contrived, and you barely notice that the actors are acting-- it's as though you're there, having Christmas with the family. There is this wonderful sense of innocence and warmth to it, and has a feeling that continues to ressonate with you for a long time after watching it.
My favorite part has to be at the end, when at the end of an eventful Christmas day, the young Geraint (Jesse McBrearty) is saying goodnight, taking his time to embrace each family member, as they are all singing that Welsh air, "All Through The Night," and quietly goes upstairs as the sounds of his family follow him. It's quite possibly one of the most moving moments in film that I have experienced, and one to be carried with me.
I am delighted that the tradition of watching this at Christmas has resumed-- it was a part of my childhood, and now is a part of visiting my parents at Christmas. We are all a bit older, but can fall into that innocence and peacefulness for a while...
It was just as I'd remembered it, and better.
Don McBrearty did a really beautiful job of bringing Dylan Thomas' poem to life, and very sensitively, I might add. There is nothing sappy or commercial about it, and the film adaption keeps the same tone as the poem.
Actors, costumes and sets are vibrant and alive. Nothing feels contrived, and you barely notice that the actors are acting-- it's as though you're there, having Christmas with the family. There is this wonderful sense of innocence and warmth to it, and has a feeling that continues to ressonate with you for a long time after watching it.
My favorite part has to be at the end, when at the end of an eventful Christmas day, the young Geraint (Jesse McBrearty) is saying goodnight, taking his time to embrace each family member, as they are all singing that Welsh air, "All Through The Night," and quietly goes upstairs as the sounds of his family follow him. It's quite possibly one of the most moving moments in film that I have experienced, and one to be carried with me.
I am delighted that the tradition of watching this at Christmas has resumed-- it was a part of my childhood, and now is a part of visiting my parents at Christmas. We are all a bit older, but can fall into that innocence and peacefulness for a while...
A Timeless Classic To Watch Every Christmas Eve!
Sisko236 November 1999
A Child's Christmas in Wales is a timeless classic. In fact I watch it, without fail, every Christmas Eve. To me this movie allows me to once again look at Christmas through the eyes of a child. Dylan Thomas's lush description of a Welsh Christmas is both a beautiful and poignant work that translates masterfully to the small screen. The inclusion of beloved British actor Denholm Elliott, as the wistful grandfather, eagerly telling his grandson of the great, snowbound Christmases of his childhood, only adds to the nostalgic air of this masterpiece. What makes this movie so amazing is its appeal to both young and old alike. When I first saw it on the Disney Channel as a young boy, I instantly loved it's simple story, vivid photography, and heart-warming humor. Now as an adult I appreciate even more the message it so wonderfully sends.
It is the endearing story of Thomas (Mathonway Reeves), a young Welsh boy, and the night of Christmas Eve. Denholm Elliott deftly portrays his loving, poetic grandfather, Geraint. His kind parents are played by the talented Michael Fawkes and Glynis Davies. The story begins on the night of Father Christmas' great journey. Thomas, as any young boy his age, is already planning to stay awake until the patter of hooves can be heard on the shingles and a pair of slick, black boots can be seen emerging from the hearth. According to Welsh tradition, one gift may be selected on Christmas Eve to be opened before all of the others. This year Thomas has chosen to open the present from his grandfather. It turns out to be a richly crafted snow globe. This, of course sparks Geraint's narration on how, the rainy Christmases of today, were nothing, no nothing when compared to the Christmases of his youth. When all the white Christmas rolled down toward the Welch-speaking sea like a snowball rolling whiter and bigger and rounder. And where the snow was not only shaken from whitewash buckets out of the sky, but seemed to come out of the ground itself.
The majority of the movie is a flashback, to one typical Christmas in Geraint's childhood. The flashback scenes are lovingly constructed, with wonderful narration, by Elliot, and heartfelt humor from Dylan Thomas's original story. What Christmas after-after all, would be complete without the fattened uncles resting after dinner by the fire, examining their cigars? Or the busy aunts bustling in the kitchen? It will most surely remind older generations of the way Christmases were, but younger generations can easily relate to both. Seeing a magical wonder in the winters of old, and a new found miracle in the modern Christmas. With great cinematography, acting, and an unforgettable ending, A Child's Christmas in Wales is a story for all ages. It is the perfect film to watch on Christmas Eve and establish a family tradition for years to come.
It is the endearing story of Thomas (Mathonway Reeves), a young Welsh boy, and the night of Christmas Eve. Denholm Elliott deftly portrays his loving, poetic grandfather, Geraint. His kind parents are played by the talented Michael Fawkes and Glynis Davies. The story begins on the night of Father Christmas' great journey. Thomas, as any young boy his age, is already planning to stay awake until the patter of hooves can be heard on the shingles and a pair of slick, black boots can be seen emerging from the hearth. According to Welsh tradition, one gift may be selected on Christmas Eve to be opened before all of the others. This year Thomas has chosen to open the present from his grandfather. It turns out to be a richly crafted snow globe. This, of course sparks Geraint's narration on how, the rainy Christmases of today, were nothing, no nothing when compared to the Christmases of his youth. When all the white Christmas rolled down toward the Welch-speaking sea like a snowball rolling whiter and bigger and rounder. And where the snow was not only shaken from whitewash buckets out of the sky, but seemed to come out of the ground itself.
The majority of the movie is a flashback, to one typical Christmas in Geraint's childhood. The flashback scenes are lovingly constructed, with wonderful narration, by Elliot, and heartfelt humor from Dylan Thomas's original story. What Christmas after-after all, would be complete without the fattened uncles resting after dinner by the fire, examining their cigars? Or the busy aunts bustling in the kitchen? It will most surely remind older generations of the way Christmases were, but younger generations can easily relate to both. Seeing a magical wonder in the winters of old, and a new found miracle in the modern Christmas. With great cinematography, acting, and an unforgettable ending, A Child's Christmas in Wales is a story for all ages. It is the perfect film to watch on Christmas Eve and establish a family tradition for years to come.
A faithful adaptation of the Dylan Thomas classic.
Mia-327 December 2000
Watching this story on video has become a part of our family's Christmas tradition. The story is a gentle evocation of a Christmas past that grows more joyous with the passage of time. Denholm Elliot's narration, as the grandfather, is most effective in bringing the beautiful imagery of the poem to life.
A Classic for All
reggie-at-random3 January 2014
"One Christmas was so much like another, in those years around the sea-town corner now and out of all sound except the distant speaking of the voices I sometimes hear a moment before sleep..." Heartbreakingly poignant those words are now I have become an 'elder' and so many of my family are gone into their places in history.
Since this filmed version simply is the best, truest film adaptation of Thomas' famous work it also must be considered a standard few could match. My tape wore out but now armed with a lovely new DVD I enjoy it every year played on technology Thomas's narrator could have only dreamed of.
Sweet and intelligently produced, we are fortunate indeed to have this exquisite version to enjoy year after year.
Since this filmed version simply is the best, truest film adaptation of Thomas' famous work it also must be considered a standard few could match. My tape wore out but now armed with a lovely new DVD I enjoy it every year played on technology Thomas's narrator could have only dreamed of.
Sweet and intelligently produced, we are fortunate indeed to have this exquisite version to enjoy year after year.
An earlier version of Child's Christmas in Wales
snsnews23 December 2007
This is not so much a comment/feedback on this particular adaptation than a footnote/question about an earlier version that seems to have vanished. I'm referring to 26 minute short of "A Child's Christmas in Wales" made in 1962/63 by Marvin Lichtner. Thomas' story was READ by Thomas himself; instead of being acted out or animated, the story was illustrated by beautiful, haunting black & white still photos (presumably by Lichtner himself) depicting the action of the story. The film also features a score of Welsh harp music. Can anyone confirm if Lichtner was indeed the director of the film, who distributed it originally, and where the film can be found on VHS/DVD for purchase?
A Holiday Tradition
agwaurora11 November 2005
During a season when we are treated to wonderful Christmas stories this one stands out. You don't have to be British to appreciate this first rate rendition of a famous story. It has been a regular feature on public TV for many seasons. If you have limited yourself to the customary holiday stories like "A Christmas Carol", "Miracle on 34th Street, "The Bishop's Wife" etc... add this to your collection.
I guarantee you will put it in your DVD player every year... perhaps throughout the year!
This has been my favorite Christmas story for years. Thanks to Denholm Elliott, the magnificent young boy who played Young Geraint and to author Dylan Thomas. And many thanks for the release of the DVD!
I guarantee you will put it in your DVD player every year... perhaps throughout the year!
This has been my favorite Christmas story for years. Thanks to Denholm Elliott, the magnificent young boy who played Young Geraint and to author Dylan Thomas. And many thanks for the release of the DVD!
A wonderful Christmas delight with heart
Norton-922 October 2007
On this, the 20th anniversary of this wonderful production, I hope that more people will have the opportunity to experience it for the first time. I tend to think of it as a reassuring antidote to the constant ills of everyday life. In a time when many new Christmas specials seem to have a somewhat cynical slant, the wonderful "A Child's Christmas in Wales" is something which is most welcome. Denholm Elliot is wonderful in his role as Old Geraint who shares his Christmas memories of his Welsh childhood with his grandson Thomas. A beautiful production which is well acted and directed, it has an ending which will bring a sentimental tear to your eye. It's one of the best.
Charming Christmas Classic
vox-sane10 November 2004
Dylan Thomas' poem broken up and submitted in pieces for family consumption, "A Child's Christmas in Wales" is actually quite charming. The visual images, combined with Denholm Elliott's superb reading of the poem, is a rich experience. When Thomas (and Elliott) get carried away with words the experience is even better as it all seems to be spiraling out of control.
Beautiful visuals. Plenty of humor. Concepts that relate to adults and children. Anyone who had a family Christmas with uncles and aunts has an immediate connection with the program. You don't have to be Welsh to understand the uncle who tells the same jokes every year or the aunt who sings the same songs.
This is a show families can watch together. The children may wonder what the dickens (no pun) Dylan Thomas is going on about, the antics of the malevolent children will probably carry them safely through.
Beautiful visuals. Plenty of humor. Concepts that relate to adults and children. Anyone who had a family Christmas with uncles and aunts has an immediate connection with the program. You don't have to be Welsh to understand the uncle who tells the same jokes every year or the aunt who sings the same songs.
This is a show families can watch together. The children may wonder what the dickens (no pun) Dylan Thomas is going on about, the antics of the malevolent children will probably carry them safely through.
A Child's Christmas in Wales in Christmas
JP1044723 December 2005
Warning: Spoilers
There is only one thing to say about this film, it is Christmas. I have owned this film for six years and it has become a Christmas tradition to watch it several times as Christmas gets nearer every day. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day I make certain I watch this film, you don't have to be from Britain for this film to put you in the mood for Christmas. The late and great Denholm Elliot was simply amazing as Old Geraint; his words as he narrates takes the reader back to a Christmas in Wales that wasn't over commercialized. So many Christmas films today are laced with commercialism and this film being an exception makes it a Christmas gem. Any person can watch this and be swept into a truly wonderful Christmas. Denholm Elliots narration of the Dylan Thomas poem brings the story to life and allows the audience to be taken back to a time where Christmas was a magical time of year and where family represented the true meaning of Christmas. A Child's Christmas in Wales is a gift for viewers and the authentic settings in Wales contribute to making this film a Christmas film that is the best by far. Such a shame this film is no longer on television and what a relief it has finally been released on DVD. By far the best performance of the late Denholm Elliot's career, he makes this film and the story come alive. The uncles sleeping around the fire after Christmas dinner, the walking along the snow covered shore, the White Christmas in Wales, and all the way up to the singing carols in front of a darkened house. A Child's Christmas in Wales is Christmas.
A Treasure
ikizoo26 January 2020
Too often classic literature is less than faithful to the original in its translation to the screen. This rendition of Child's Christmas not only is true to the spirit of Thomas' masterpiece, it enriches and deepens it. A must watch for our family and yours that will echo through the season...again and again.
So pleased to find this again!
philpotts2424 December 2019
I have just watched this again, for the first time in very many years. Thank Heavens for YouTube - my VHS tape gathered dust for far too long!
Denholm Elliot is superb - indeed, every member of the cast is excellent. The production values are at the top of their game. Pure evocative joy, which was a perfect way to spend Christmas Eve - 32 years to the day it was released.
I hadn't realised how popular this is - a Christmas tradition in Canada! Wonderful 🙏
Denholm Elliot is superb - indeed, every member of the cast is excellent. The production values are at the top of their game. Pure evocative joy, which was a perfect way to spend Christmas Eve - 32 years to the day it was released.
I hadn't realised how popular this is - a Christmas tradition in Canada! Wonderful 🙏
Has Echo's of "A Christmas Story"
Christmas-Reviewer26 March 2017
I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 400 Christmas MOVIES.
BEWARE OF BOGUS REVIEWS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW. WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. I HAVE NO AGENDA! I AM HONEST!
A CHILD'S Christmas IN WALES takes you on a lyrical journey back to the magic and marvel of boyhood where no two moments were ever alike and life was embraced with belief instead of doubt. On this special Christmas Eve, Old Geraint shares these heartwarming memories with his dearly loved grandson, Thomas. In one evening he does more than recall his cherished youth . . . he relives it.
This is a very charming family film. It celebrates not only Christmas but the memories we cherish about the holiday.
The cast is perfect. For a television special (It runs under an hour) it has more heart and soul than bigger budget theatrical films. This little movie seems to be cut from the same cloth that "A Christmas Story" came from. What is nice about this film is that it celebrates traditions that carry down from one generation to another. Children might not like this but adults with children will love this.
This is well worth buying. Buy it and watch it with you extended family the next time you are all together.
BEWARE OF BOGUS REVIEWS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW. WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. I HAVE NO AGENDA! I AM HONEST!
A CHILD'S Christmas IN WALES takes you on a lyrical journey back to the magic and marvel of boyhood where no two moments were ever alike and life was embraced with belief instead of doubt. On this special Christmas Eve, Old Geraint shares these heartwarming memories with his dearly loved grandson, Thomas. In one evening he does more than recall his cherished youth . . . he relives it.
This is a very charming family film. It celebrates not only Christmas but the memories we cherish about the holiday.
The cast is perfect. For a television special (It runs under an hour) it has more heart and soul than bigger budget theatrical films. This little movie seems to be cut from the same cloth that "A Christmas Story" came from. What is nice about this film is that it celebrates traditions that carry down from one generation to another. Children might not like this but adults with children will love this.
This is well worth buying. Buy it and watch it with you extended family the next time you are all together.
A Christmas Classic
raccles28 December 2019
Absolutely magical!
TheDome8110 December 2021
I read the poem aloud every Christmas Eve and have been doing so for years. It's a Christmas tradition Then, several years ago I discovered this magical movie on CBC. What a beautiful version of the story. Denholm Elliot, who I think as the perfect embodiment of Sherlock Holmes, does an amazing job as a grandfather recounting the story of Christmases past of his childhood. Just so well done. Once you watch this, you'll return to it every year.
British Christmas Classic
northernpine5 December 2020
A Christmas Viewing Tradition
dfwmiles11 February 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I have enjoyed this film rendition of Dylan Thomas's poem ever since I first saw it on TV back in the 80's. I look forward to viewing as much as I do my other favourite, A Christmas Carol with Alistaire Sim. It gives you an idea of what a traditional Christmas was like back in early 1900's England. Reminds me of the Christmas's I had when I was growing up. Not much different, the big family get-together, the uncles, granddad and dad falling asleep in the rec-room after the big dinner. Mom, grandma and my aunts clearing the table and doing the dishes. Showing everyone your gifts and playing with your cousins. Makes me long for the simpler days. I've been viewing a copy I made off TV up till about 2 years ago when I found a used video tape on eBay. Then last year it was released on DVD which is a vast improvement from the used rental copy. A real great Christmas movie for all ages. If you can find a copy, buy it as soon as you can. They are as scarce and hen's teeth. The video tape is even scarcer.
An earlier Version of Child's Christmas in Wales - Marvin Lichtner 1962
llinos_wms9 November 2009
As snsnews, this isn't so much a comment/feedback on this particular adaptation but a question about an earlier version.
The 26 minute short photo montage of "A Child's Christmas in Wales" made in 1961/62 by Marvin Lichtner is beautiful. snsnews - I can confirm that Marvin Lichtner was indeed the director. I do not know anything about Lichtner, but would really like to know a bit about him if anyone can help me please get in touch.
Pennsylvania State University distributed it originally, and they still own a copy, as well as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York - but I do not know where the film can be found on VHS/DVD for purchase I'm afraid? Does anybody know who owns the copyright to this film?
The 26 minute short photo montage of "A Child's Christmas in Wales" made in 1961/62 by Marvin Lichtner is beautiful. snsnews - I can confirm that Marvin Lichtner was indeed the director. I do not know anything about Lichtner, but would really like to know a bit about him if anyone can help me please get in touch.
Pennsylvania State University distributed it originally, and they still own a copy, as well as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York - but I do not know where the film can be found on VHS/DVD for purchase I'm afraid? Does anybody know who owns the copyright to this film?
We Treasure This Film
n_waltonhouse10 January 2023
This film is my husband's and my Christmas favorite. Like most of the commentators, we've see it every year since the late 80s and delight in our experience of it. I love the story, the values, the language, the creative production. I am deeply moved by it every time we view it. I remember certain lines and recite them with Old Geraint (Denholm Elliott) who speaks with such wisdom and warmth. I remember certain scenes and enjoy them again. I remember the humor and laugh once more. I remember how my own childhood mirrors that of the child. Our world would be better off if we celebrated Christmas and life with the simplicity and grace told in this story and shown in this film.
A child's Christmas in Wales ( ANIMATED )
mandothing23 August 2009
A Child's Christmas in Wales was also a British animated feature film produced by BNW and Sandman Animation Studio in 2008. The very glossy production, that went on to win the BAFTA award for best animated feature and has instantly become a Christmas replacement for the Snowman at Christmas times.
The movie very cleverly weaves between live action sequence and animated sequences. It has everything in it for all the family at Christmas time. A turkey sandwich in one hand, glass of wine in the other and Achild's Christmas in wales on the television......what more could you be asking for.
It is a wonderful production and very faithful to the books. A must see !
The movie very cleverly weaves between live action sequence and animated sequences. It has everything in it for all the family at Christmas time. A turkey sandwich in one hand, glass of wine in the other and Achild's Christmas in wales on the television......what more could you be asking for.
It is a wonderful production and very faithful to the books. A must see !
Perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas
HotToastyRag11 December 2023
In this perfect Christmas television special that's sadly only an hour long, the audience gets to experience the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a child at the start of the 1900s. It's a charming tale with beautifully unique and descriptive language. Nowhere else will you find a story that describes the "dumb, numb thunderstorm" and "wool-white, bell-tongued ball of holidays" during the "never to be forgotten day at the end of the unremembered year". It's pure poetry, but only when you hear Denholm Elliot telling his tale to his young, adorable grandson and vicariously the audience. Denholm, who had no children of his own, gives a wonderful performance as the grandfather. His delivery of the holiday story is distinctive, with imitable hilarity and touching moments.
I've heard Dylan Thomas read his own classic holiday work, "A Child's Christmas in Wales," and it's quite different. As you would expect, it's simply the recounting of his childhood Christmas. There are no passages about the grandfather telling his history to his grandson, which, to me, make the story special. Without the grandfather telling the story, the wonderful line (which is not in Thomas's original prose) "Because it's Christmas now," makes no sense. In short, Jon Glascoe's and Peter Kreutzer's teleplay is far superior. It might sound like sacrilege for me to criticize Dylan Thomas, but watch this 1987 adaptation and see if you don't agree with me.
At the start, Denholm tells his grandson, "I can never remember whether it snowed for six days and six nights when I was twelve, or whether it snowed for twelve days and twelve nights when I was six." The stage has been set and the illusion is charming. There are no other children present in the entire movie, because in his mind, the aunties and uncles doted on him alone. There are lots of "always" and "never" because, to the remembering grandfather, Christmas is a collection of all the years of his childhood. And even as he realizes this, he recalls that when the older folks tried to tell him when he was younger that Christmases in their youth were superior, he didn't listen. It's absolutely perfect.
A Child's Christmas in Wales is one of my favorite movies to watch during the holidays. It's charming, heartwarming, nostalgic, and meaningful no matter what age you are. It sucks you into the early 1900s with unknown actors and actresses portraying the family. Full of love and respect, it represents the spirit of Christmas better than almost any other movie I watch during the season.
I've heard Dylan Thomas read his own classic holiday work, "A Child's Christmas in Wales," and it's quite different. As you would expect, it's simply the recounting of his childhood Christmas. There are no passages about the grandfather telling his history to his grandson, which, to me, make the story special. Without the grandfather telling the story, the wonderful line (which is not in Thomas's original prose) "Because it's Christmas now," makes no sense. In short, Jon Glascoe's and Peter Kreutzer's teleplay is far superior. It might sound like sacrilege for me to criticize Dylan Thomas, but watch this 1987 adaptation and see if you don't agree with me.
At the start, Denholm tells his grandson, "I can never remember whether it snowed for six days and six nights when I was twelve, or whether it snowed for twelve days and twelve nights when I was six." The stage has been set and the illusion is charming. There are no other children present in the entire movie, because in his mind, the aunties and uncles doted on him alone. There are lots of "always" and "never" because, to the remembering grandfather, Christmas is a collection of all the years of his childhood. And even as he realizes this, he recalls that when the older folks tried to tell him when he was younger that Christmases in their youth were superior, he didn't listen. It's absolutely perfect.
A Child's Christmas in Wales is one of my favorite movies to watch during the holidays. It's charming, heartwarming, nostalgic, and meaningful no matter what age you are. It sucks you into the early 1900s with unknown actors and actresses portraying the family. Full of love and respect, it represents the spirit of Christmas better than almost any other movie I watch during the season.
2008 classically animated version
bravenewworld-892-7978198 January 2014
I would like to add that in 2008 my company Brave New World Productions animated A Child's Christmas in Wales using traditional hand-drawn designs. I had always felt animation would be a wonderful medium with which to accompany Thomas's gloriously rich text. It allowed us to take the story into the realm of fantasy - dancing postmen, hippos appearing, mermaids --
The voice over was provided in English and Welsh by Matthew Rhys. The film contains two songs performed by Only Men Aloud.
The film was awarded a BAFTA in 2009 and nominated for a Kids-screen international award in 2010.
Commissioning Broadcaster S4C Distribution - Parthenon entertainment, now a apart of Sky. The film was made in Cardiff and the live action sequence was shot in Swansea.
The voice over was provided in English and Welsh by Matthew Rhys. The film contains two songs performed by Only Men Aloud.
The film was awarded a BAFTA in 2009 and nominated for a Kids-screen international award in 2010.
Commissioning Broadcaster S4C Distribution - Parthenon entertainment, now a apart of Sky. The film was made in Cardiff and the live action sequence was shot in Swansea.
See also
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