The film is adapted from a play and at times it is very evident and like most plays it doesn't transfer well to film.
The story is a simple one about a family who adhere to strict rules laid down by their strict father played by James Mason and when one rebels over an uneaten herring it causes consternation amongst the rest of the family.
James Mason gives a good performance but the film is set in the late sixties and the play the mid fifties and references to hunger marches of the 1930s date it very badly and I feel they miscast the mother as she looks far too young to play that part.
A decent watch but could and should have been much better with good writing and casting.
The story is a simple one about a family who adhere to strict rules laid down by their strict father played by James Mason and when one rebels over an uneaten herring it causes consternation amongst the rest of the family.
James Mason gives a good performance but the film is set in the late sixties and the play the mid fifties and references to hunger marches of the 1930s date it very badly and I feel they miscast the mother as she looks far too young to play that part.
A decent watch but could and should have been much better with good writing and casting.