A Month in the Country, Part 1: Trauma and Recovery - Young Colin Firth, Kenneth Branagh, Natasha Richardson

A traumatised young soldier, Tom Birkin (Colin Firth) returns to Yorkshire after a shattering experience in the trenches of the First World War, which left him with a stutter and terrible nightmares. In the village of Oxgodby, he meets another veteran, also shell-shocked, James Moon (Kenneth Branagh), an archaeologist. Tom has been commissioned to uncover a mediaeval wall painting of the Last Judgement, whilst James is working on uncovering a mysterious grave, although he hopes to discover the lost church. I have divided the slides of the film into three parts. Part 1 looks at Tom and James burgeoning friendship, and their work. The escape to the idyllic countryside is cathartic and the month in the country helps both men begin to heal their psychological wounds. In this first part, Tom sees the beautiful Alice Keach (Natasha Richardson), wife of the unsympathetic vicar, played by Patrick Malahide, who I havent featured! The film was shot during the summer of 1986 and featured an original score by Howard Blake. This score has been much admired, and lots written about it. The film, though, has been neglected since its 1987 cinema release and it was only in 2004 that an original 35 mm film print was discovered due to the intervention of a fan of the film, Ken Watkins. He had help from Friends of Firth and Kenneth Branaghs fan club. (Hilary Whitney "How I found Branagh's lost movie" in The Daily Telegraph, 21/02/2005) It is directed by Pat OConnor, after the Booker nominated novel by J.L. Carr, a truly delightful read. It is Colins first major leading role, and I think he is absolutely exquisite in it! I cried so much making these, but I do hope you will all enjoy the slides! The music is A Sigh by Crowded House. I dedicate this first part to my friend, Caroline, who has supported me through thick and thin and is the best art history teacher! It is also for Ann-Marie and Ian, whose pleas for tolerance in religion, and whose brave stances against war and torture have long inspired me. Crowded House A sigh From the deepest well You can tell a lot Without saying a thing The truth Between us, my friend This longing... A sigh For loneliness to end No changing The story now A sigh From the emptiest part It's a tender place A sigh Is more than I can bear This show is not fooling anyone But it's all for you But I think your mind is made up