45/45

This film is based on a true story and its world premiere took place on Saturday, October 8, 2022, to a sold-out crowd at the Heartland International Film Festival in Indianapolis, IN

Tale

This film is based on a true story and its world premiere took place on Saturday, October 8, 2022, to a sold-out crowd at the Heartland International Film Festival in Indianapolis, IN. Carolyn Weber, author of the book on whose biographical novel the film is based, was in attendance, as were actress Rose Reid, who played Caro Drake in the film, and other members of the production.

Performed by Eddie Fisher (1951 recording)

Carolyn Weber, author of the book on whose biographical novel the film is based, was in attendance, as were actress Rose Reid, who played Caro Drake in the film, and other members of the production. « Christmas Eve in My Hometown » Written by Stanley William Zabka and Donald Upton.

Caro makes a few friends and, largely against her will, finds herself attracted to the charmingly enigmatic « Kent » (Ruairi O’Connor)

Caro Drake (Rose Reid) is a typically driven student who comes to Oxford University on a scholarship, determined to succeed, make her family proud and graduate with her PhD. She is quite shy and reserved by nature, but is not a timid wallflower – which is useful as her charismatic neighbour is Edward (Louis Landau) – and he is a bit of a Casanova.

What follows is the start of a love story set against the backdrop of the beautiful colleges of Oxford

He is an interesting character who lives his life according to some strict Christian principles that seem intent on ensuring that their relationship cannot really progress. There’s a useful series of scenes with the college dean (Phyllis Logan) that help to give us some flesh on the bones of this initially rather superficial individual; Simon Callow turns up to encourage some serious theoretical debate, and Mark Williams proves himself to be the honest, inspirational – and rather sarcastic – lecturer we desperately need at this stage of our education.

Not what I was expecting, and well worth watching

There’s actually quite a good level of on-screen chemistry between Reid and O’Connor, and although the film borders on the introspective at times, it’s quite an engaging observation of a true story about two people finding each other, their priorities and their path in life. PS: There’s a Q&A session that I’d strongly recommend you wait until after the film!