A Month in the Country *** (1987, Colin Firth, Kenneth Branagh, Natasha Richardson, Patrick Malahide, Tony Haygarth, Richard Vernon, Jim Carter) – Classic Movie Review 8702

Director Pat O’Connor’s 1987 British drama A Month in the Country is a subtle film version of J L Carr’s novel, made with TV in mind but promoted to a cinema release.

The tale is about two World War One veterans who meet in the summer of 1920 in a distant Yorkshire churchyard. War-haunted Tom Birkin (Colin Firth) is uncovering a medieval wall painting, while battle hero James Moon (Kenneth Branagh) is excavating. Tom (Firth) falls for Alice Keach (Natasha Richardson), the wife of vicar the Reverend Keach (Patrick Malahide), while James (Branagh) falls for Tom (Firth).

A Month in the Country is a showcase for fine performances from both men. O’Connor keeps the pace a tiny bit too sedate, but adapter Simon Gray’s waspish sense of humour and the strong acting of the good cast keep it bubbling along.

Also in the cast are Tony Haygarth, Richard Vernon, Jim Carter, Ken Kitson and John Atkinsons.

A Month in the Country is directed by Pat O’Connor, runs 96 minutes, is made by Channel Four Films, Euston Films and PfH Ltd, is released by Columbia-Cannon-Warner (1987) (UK) and Orion Classics (1988) (US), written by Simon Gray, based on J L Carr’s novel, shot by Kenneth MacMillan, produced by Kenith Trodd, scored by Howard Blake and designed by Leo Austin.

© Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 8702

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