We’re back to some semblance of normality with our next festive fifties flick The Holly and the Ivy from 1952. Directed by George More O’Ferrall this nicely plotted tale is a sympathetic look at the life of Martin (Ralph Richardson), an English reverend who bemoans how, because of his status, people never really act themselves around him. This includes his own offspring who are all headed home for Christmas where some secrets begin pouring out after a few too many festive drinks.
Devoted daughter Jenny (Celia Johnson) still lives at home, too scared to move out for fear of abandoning her widowed father, though her beau David (John Gregson) dearly wants to marry her and whisk her off to South America. It’s a struggle and her plight is only amplified when her siblings all come home, reminding her of what life could be like if she left.
Her sister Margaret (Margaret Leighton) is glamorous, fun-loving and a bit of a lush. She hasn’t been home for years and harbours a devastating secret born from the ashes of WWII. Brother Michael (Denhom Elliott) is a soldier and a bit of a rascal, on leave from his barracks for the holidays. Michael also feels some resentment towards dad, so after he sneaks off to the pub with Margaret for a few sherberts the boozy truth seeps out.
It’s an intimate film with great character work from an established band of solid actors. Just like those seemingly innocuous Christmas day family conversations we’ve all had, there’s a lot of seemingly innocent chatter but with true feelings bubbling dangerously close to the surface. Richardson ends up owning the film, thanks to a long, thought-provoking speech to his daughter indicating he’s a lot more battle-damaged and world-weary than anyone could have expected.
Despite the thoroughly English accents and stagey setting the whole thing feels very authentic, very true. As the family get reacquainted, blethering, teasing each other and quarrelling, I find myself missing my own family a lot and wishing the festive season was already upon us - even though it’s only May.
For better or worse, Christmas is about family coming together and letting it all hang out - it’s the best time for a good knees-up and some brutally honest alcohol-fuelled conversation. Anyone watching this will likely recognise that tricky sensation of trying to hold your tongue and repress your true feelings when drunken family start flapping their gums a little too much.
Like all good family rammies, this one doesn’t take the easy way out. Issues are thrashed out messily, taking in concepts of faith, addiction and guilt. Interestingly, the film also tackles the concept of the expectations thrust upon a preacher’s family to be a good and decent extension of the church, whether they really wish to or not. Most children have enough problems trying to live up to their parents’ example without their dad being a reverend, so it’s no wonder these guys have some issues.
This one makes me think about how, for me, Christmas is invariably that awkward time when my mum will likely get drunk and ask me what the hell I’m doing with my life. It can be uncomfortable and feel like a lot of pressure but then I realise she’s only probing because she loves me and wants what’s best for me. The Holly and the Ivy is all about Christmas as the perfect time to stop, think and take stock of where you’re going and where you’ve been. It’s also a real good time to set records straight, be open and honest and have a few laughs with people you don’t see or talk to nearly enough. I enjoy this one a lot.
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