healsrus Reviews

Of Mice and Men (1981 TV Movie)

Often neglected version

[7/10 · 13 November 2006]

As someone who's taught Of Mice and Men for years, I have a real affection for this version. Robert Blake is an engaging George and Randy Quaid's Lennie utterly convincing. The conversation between George and Aunt Clara, although only alluded to in the text, is intriguing - and helpful to students. This version also retains the part (first used in the Burgess Meredith version) where George has Lennie lift the cart and then swings on the wheel: simple but effective -rather like Lennie, I suppose!

I'm not sure when I became aware of the one element that came to irritate me - but it certainly wasn't on first viewing: the soundtrack music is, I feel, overly sentimental.

The final scenes are inventively shot - as is Lennie! - and the audience is given a hint of George's lonely, empty future.

I'm searching for a copy (UK) to encourage some debate with students who are familiar with text and with the 1992 Sinise/Malkovitch version. Help welcomed!

Screen One: Alive and Kicking (1991) Season 3, Episode 7

Pre Cracker Robbie in a fine TV film

[9/10 · 30 October 2006]

I was fortunate enough to catch and record this when it was shown on TV and got to watch it several times in the company of approx 120 Year 11 pupils in post mock exam breathing space (at a time when Coursework was not condemned as cheating, and when pupils were encouraged to have opinions and express them!) This tough and discerning audience was impressed, too, by the quality of acting and writing. Coltrane's dismissive cruelty was tempered with real humanity for the addicted partner of Smudger and then for Henry's character. Henry was tough and convincing as the dealing Smudger and the opening rooftop chase of a rival was memorable TV. The messages were uncompromisingly clear but there was no preaching. Along with Coast to Coast, Alive and Kicking showed Lennie Henry's versatility, while Coltrane added a vicious humour that I hadn't noticed in his stand-up or Tutti Frutti or Danny Champion of the World. I am still chasing copies of Alive and Kicking and Coast to Coast