The Holly and the Ivy

Soft, gentle drama is a precursor to the contemporary 'home for the holidays' genre, featuring its extended family with more than a few skeletons. Given more weight than it probably deserves thanks to fine performances, especially Richardson's warmth as head of the household, and typically solid work from Leighton as the most brittle family member. Intriguing post-WWII subtext also distinguishes proceedings, with each character revealing a degree of traumatisation from the events lived through.

A Reverend, Ralph Richardson all dolled-up, and his family tries to digest what they experienced during the war. Mostly subdued drama of family affairs, where things have been bottled up and cause a lot of drunken frustration. Fairly effective and all that, but not too remarkable.

Nice postwar family drama with multiple deep characters. I'll need to rewatch to keep up with all that's going on. Poor priest who has to inject into every conversation his reason for joining. Fav scene: contrast between the sisters sitting together at the table.