Watch Spring and Port Wine

Spring and Port Wine is a family drama film released in 1970, directed by Peter Hammond and starring James Mason, Diana Coupland, and Hannah Gordon. The film, based on the play of the same name by Bill Naughton, tells the story of a British family living in the northern town of Bolton in the early 1970s. The film opens with the Crompton family gathered around the dinner table for Sunday lunch. Rafe Crompton, played by James Mason, is the head of the house and the patriarch of the family. He is a hard-working man who expects his children to follow in his footsteps and work in his fish and chips shop. His wife, Daisy, played by Diana Coupland, is a loving mother who wants the best for her children but is often caught in the middle of her husband's unyielding expectations and her children's desires to follow their own paths.

The eldest daughter, Hilda, played by Susan George, is a rebellious teenager who dreams of leaving Bolton and making it big in London. Her younger brother, Wilfred, played by Rodney Bewes, is a student who seems to be the only one interested in his father's business. Their youngest sister, Florence, played by Hannah Gordon, is a quiet and reserved girl who spends most of her time studying.

The film's title, Spring and Port Wine, refers to a meal that Rafe insists on serving to his family every Sunday without fail. It consists of boiled cod and a bottle of port, a meal that Rafe believes is the perfect symbol of the family's strength and unity. However, as the film progresses, it becomes clear that the meal is becoming a source of tension within the family. Florence, in particular, is struggling with the meal, finding it difficult to stomach the fish and port.

As the days go by, tension builds within the family. Rafe becomes increasingly frustrated with Hilda's rebelliousness and Wilfred's lack of interest in the business. Daisy is struggling to maintain a peaceful home, while Florence is grappling with her own desires and fears.

Throughout the film, the tension within the family comes to a head in a series of explosive arguments and emotional outbursts. Ultimately, it is Florence who takes matters into her own hands, confronting her father about the meal and what it represents.

Spring and Port Wine is a poignant and touching film that explores the themes of family, tradition, and the power of communication. The film showcases strong performances from its cast, particularly from James Mason in the role of Rafe Crompton, a man who is determined to maintain control over his family and their future.

The film's strong sense of time and place is also worth mentioning. The film beautifully captures a working-class northern town in the early 1970s, with all its grit and determination. The characters are complex and well-drawn, and the film doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of family life.

Overall, Spring and Port Wine is a thoughtful and engaging film that shines a light on the tensions that exist within families and the power of communication to bring people closer together. It is a film that has stood the test of time, and its themes are just as relevant today as they were when it was released over 50 years ago.