The Holly And The Ivy is the heart-warming tale set in post-war Britain. Ralph Richardson (Dr.Zhivago, Richard III) plays Reverend Martin Gregory, a recently widowed minister who is reunited with his family one Christmas. Martin is torn between his roles of Clergyman and father. His zeal for attending to his parishioners leads him to neglect the needs of his own family, until emotions boil over one Christmas. Adapted from the stage by director George More O’Ferrall (Angels One Five, The Heart of the Matter), The Holly And The Ivy is a charming and moving seasonal favourite, peaking with the family’s poignant reconciliation as they re-discover the true spirit of Christmas. This Christmas classic also stars Celia Johnson (Brief Encounter, The Captain’s Paradise), Margaret Leighton (The Winslow Boy, The Go-Between) and Denholm Elliott (A Room with a View).
Closely adapted from a well-made West End play by the largely forgotten playwright and novelist Wynyard Browne, this is a lovable, life-enhancing seasonal movie. Set at Christmas and about the meaning of Christmas, it preserves in amber the austere atmosphere of postwar Britain. – The Guardian
A warm, nostalgic Yuletide drama. – Turner Classic Movies
Literate and deftly played by the cast of fine performers. – New York Times
Starring Ralph Richardson, Denholm Elliott, John Gregson, William Hartnell, Robert Flemyng.
Note: At the time of this writing, this film doesn’t seem to be available for Region 1.