Made in 1948, about 1938. Well, fashions hadn't changed that much, and landlady Joyce Carey, with her wonderful lace collars, is still living in the basement in 1918. For me, that's part of the appeal of films of this era - spotting the Victorian furniture and decor. Look at the Jossers' elaborate overmantel - and what would those etchings be worth now? At the time, all this Victoriana was a marker for people who couldn't afford anything new, and lived with the furniture provided. Back to the plot - it helps to understand Norman Collins's books. They are all like this: the story of a large cast of characters without an obvious hero or heroine. I have a confession to make: I like Richard Attenborough. He was good at playing criminals, spivs and wide boys. We know he's really middle class, we know he's now titled - but is that a reason to call him "bland", or address him as "Dickie boy"? What's that all about? Myrna (Eleanor Summerfield) went on to a career on the small screen. I agree with other reviewers about the odd way the film ends. The palaver about the petition goes on for too long. I suppose Collins wanted to send up earnest agitators, as well as silly spiritualists. The spiritualists come over as more sympathetic.
Review of Dulcimer Street
