Mr Harvey Lights a Candle (2005) (TV)

User Rating:

7.7/10   

Director:

Susanna White

Writer:

Rhidian Brook (writer)

Release Date:

26 March 2005 (UK)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

A teacher comes to terms with his past during a school trip to Salisbury Cathedral. |

Plot Keywords:

Character Name In Title

Cast

Daniel Bliss	...	Phil Rogers
Timothy Spall	...	Malcolm Harvey
Natalie Press	...	Helen Taylor
Ben Miles	...	Jonathan Cole
David Bradley	...	Archie
Jade Ewen	...	Donna
Celia Imrie	...	Miss Davies
Mario Powell	...	Eliot
Tendayi Jembere	...	Sid Williams
George Thompson	...	George
Steven Webb	...	Dave Miller
Joshua Malin	...	Mo
Troy Glasgow	...	Maurice
Shereil Willis	...	Martha
Kay Lyon	...	Sandra

Runtime:

85 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Argentina:13

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Movie Connections:

Features Time Crisis 3 (2003) (VG)

Deep heart drama

This tender beautifully crafted production delved deep down bitter sweet into my being. The irreverent pupils, the life embittered bus driver and the teachers personalities present a subliminal debate as the story unveils. The adult characters all seem familiar, my teachers, my bus driver, each one of their opinions so plausible and well known. When a key incident happens on the bus we are sent on a circuit of viewpoints. All the time the babble of teenage energy is only just kept under control by the organisers of the trip. Mr Harvey is experiencing much pain throughout . He reminds me of war damaged teachers I did not understand when I was an irreverent pupil.

Rhidian Brook and the producers deserve much acclaim for this well shaped British film. The acting unblemished, the scenes appropriate, it should be widely available yet does not seem to have been given the right opportunity.