A charming movie
Let me first say that this movie is not for everyone. While I found it to be warm, witty, and delightful, there really isn't much action here and some people would undoubtedly be bored or find it less than compelling. The movie is the true story of an unlikely 20-year correspondence and friendship between a New York would-be writer and a British bookseller, as told through their letters to one another. In a way, this is a love story between two people who share a passion for English literature and who find that they have more in common than first meets the eye. The writer is Helene Hanff, played in the movie by Anne Bancroft; her correspondent is Frank Doel, played by Anthony Hopkins, manager of Marks & Co, a bookseller at 84 Charing Cross Road. Helene's letters are outspoken and unconventional, as she freely shares details of her life and her decided opinions of the books she has requested. At first, Doel's letters in return are more formal and businesslike and she knows him only as FPD. Eventually, he warms to this unlikely correspondent and shares information in return about his own personal life and life in the small bookshop in which he works. We also find out more details about what it was like to live in post-war England, with strict rationing and with so many items either extremely expensive or simply unavailable. Helene is appalled when she learns of this from the British boyfriend of a friend of hers and she learns from that boyfriend about a Scandinavian company that will ship packages to England. Deciding to repay the bookstore that has given her so much value with the books that are feeding her intellectual curiosity, she starts sending regular care packages to the bookstore staff, care of her correspondent Frank Doel. The other members of the staff are touched by Helene's generosity and amused by the letters that Frank shares with them so they correspond in return and a few of these letters make their way into the book and the movie, including such notable items as tips on how to make a proper Yorkshire Pudding! The correspondence continues off and on for 20 years, with Helene detailing her struggles to make a living as a writer of television scripts, children's history books, and the like, as well as sharing her love for the literature that the bookshop is providing, and with Frank talking about the staff, about his wife and two daughters, and about his buying trips for the bookstore to replenish their shelves. Helene discusses several times visiting London but something always gets in the way: a large dentist bill, a new apartment, furniture, and so on, and the opportunity keeps passing her by. The correspondence continues until Helene receives a reply to her last letter from another member of the firm informing her that Frank Doel has recently passed away. Sadly, in the 20 years that they corresponded, Helene never made it to London and the two correspondents never met. The performances in this gem of a movie are amazing, with the two lead actors absolutely perfect in their roles and with strong performances from the various supporting actors, including Judi Dench in the role of Frank Doel's wife. The movie is at times hilarious, at times thought-provoking, and always heartwarming. I have to confess I teared up just a bit at the end. I've watched the movie several times since I first saw it many years ago and each time it's like revisiting old friends. I hope you'll find these friends as fascinating and enjoyable as I do. Read more