47/25
Brilliant but emotionally guarded Caro Drake arrives at Oxford with the sole purpose of earning a doctorate, but through a stormy friendship with a charming young man, she begins to open up to mystery, vulnerability, and love.. Carolyn Webber, author of the book on which the film is based, was in attendance along with actor Rose Reed, who plays Caro Drake in the film, and other members of the production..
Christmas Eve in My Hometown, written by Stanley William Zabka and Donald Upton, performed by Eddie Fisher (1951 recording). I knew nothing about this film, I showed up, there was an intro from the writer of the book it is based on – Carolyn Webber, as well as the producer.
The intro goes on to say that this is a romantic movie, which it kind of is, but it actually gets into the main character – Caroline’s life from a child in America to her years in Oxford, England. Rose Reid is brilliant as Caroline, who struggles with her studies, a strange romance and if religious person, after meeting Kent Weber, played with appropriate conviction by Ruairi O’Connor.
Oxford looks really good, Ryan Whitaker’s direction is spot on, capturing the Oxford setting, along with the cast which includes stars Simon Callow, Jordan Alexandra, Emma Naomi, the very memorable Lourdes Faberes and the lovely Phyllis Logan, who is quite variable and starts off as very stiff but really is a driving force. But I don’t think I would want to study or work there.
