Hand in Hand (1961)

A little Roman Catholic boy and a little Jewish girl become best friends despite the prejudice that surrounds them.

Director:

Philip Leacock

Writers:

Diana Morgan (screenplay), Leopold Atlas (based on a story by)

Stars:

Loretta Parry, Philip Needs, John Gregson

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Loretta Parry	...	Rachel Mathias
Philip Needs	...	Michael O'Malley
John Gregson	...	Father Timothy
Sybil Thorndike	...	Lady Caroline
Finlay Currie	...	Mr. Pritchard
Derek Sydney	...	Rabbi Benjamin
Miriam Karlin	...	Mrs. Mathias
Arnold Diamond	...	Mr. Mathias
Kathleen Byron	...	Mrs. O'Malley
Barry Keegan	...	Mr. O'Malley
Martin Lawrence	...	The Cantor
Barbara Hicks	...	Miss Roberts
Denis Gilmore	...	Tom (as Dennis Gilmore)
Peter Pike	...	Harry
Susan Reid	...	Priscilla

Storyline

In the town of Springfield, England, adolescents Michael O'Malley and Rachel Mathias strike up a friendship despite their less than friendly first meeting at school. That friendship becomes so strong that they spend whatever time they can together, Mike even forgoing playing his regular games with his old friends just so that Rachel won't feel left out. Their friendship is primarily based on reaching for somewhat collective dreams, those that seem to be at the top of the list being going to London to have tea with the Queen, and going big game hunting in Africa. They feel they are stronger as a pair than they are as individuals. Their respective parents support the friendship, which they may not have if it was ten years later and the friendship was a romantic one, their parents who would like their respective offspring to marry within their own religion, Mike's family who is Catholic, Rachel's being Jewish. The first test to their friendship is the possibility of Rachel's family ...

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Plot Keywords:

friend | jewish | catholic | oneness | anti semitism | 

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Taglines:

Here is Drama That Will Open Your Eyes and Awaken Your Heart!

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Genres:

Drama | Family

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English Latin Hebrew

Release Date:

7 April 1963 (UK)

Also Known As:

A Estrela e a Cruz

Filming Locations:

Associated British Elstree Studios, Elstree, Herts, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Associated British Picture Corporation (ABPC), Helen Winston Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

78 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although filmed in England in the summer of 1960 under the title "The Star and The Cross", it was for some reason kept on the shelf and not released in the UK until April 7th, 1963, by which time the title had been changed to "Hand in Hand (1961)" and it went out on release on the ABC circuit as the supporting film to the Tony Hancock comedy "The Punch and Judy Man (1963)".

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Goofs

When the children are on the river, the rope towing the rubber raft is visible at times.

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Quotes

Michael O'Malley: What's the matter?
Rachel Mathias: It's Hector.
Michael O'Malley: Has he run away?
Rachel Mathias: He's dead. I looked in his cage this morning and he wouldn't wake up. Mummy said it was old age.
Michael O'Malley: Poor old Hector.
Rachel Mathias: I wrapped him in my best hankie.
Michael O'Malley: We'll have a proper funeral.
Rachel Mathias: Let's.
Michael O'Malley: We'll bury him just outside the door. I'll be the priest.
Rachel Mathias: But, but he's a Jewish mouse. He's mine.
[...]

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Soundtracks

Ellens Gesang III, D. 839, Op. 52, No. 6
(uncredited)
Composed by Franz Schubert
Latin lyrics by P. Adam Storck
Performed by Philip Needs
[Michael sings the song at Hector's funeral]

User Reviews

The Best !!

I am 45 years old, and I have NEVER been able to get this film out of my mind! I was a child of 10 when I'd first watched it, on a Saturday morning..and I am thinking it was on a morning children's film festival. Like a previous comment stated, this film HAS AN IMPACT on those who view it. I would love to find it on video and enjoy it over and over again. I recall feeling touched- very moved, and for a child of that age, for a television film to do such a thing, I believe is pretty much a rare occurrence. All this time and for a movie to remain in my mind? You tell me how great it must be!! It was wonderful to have the experience of seeing interaction between 2 children of the opposite sex and opposed religions. I cannot believe I found this site, and info about the film that has stayed in my heart for 35 years. Amazing!!!