In 1949, New Yorker Helene Hanff (Anne Bancroft) is on the hunt for rare books and contacts a bookseller (Anthony Hopkins) in London; it is the beginning of a long-lasting friendship expressed in letters. Not a film for all tastes, but perhaps romantics, Anglophiles and literary buffs. Inspired by real-life events and borrowing elements from both a book and a play, the story follows the 20-year correspondence between two people who never meet. Their lives are quiet, and they’re very different from one another. Ultimately a moving story, far from as dull as it may sound. Benefits from its cast, and the depiction of two cities exposed to the dramatic events of history.
1987-U.S. 97 min. Color.Ā Produced byĀ Geoffrey Helman.Ā Directed byĀ David Jones.Ā Screenplay:Ā Hugh Whitemore.Ā Book:Ā Helene Hanff.Ā Play:Ā James Roose-Evans.Ā Cast:Ā Anne Bancroft (Helene Hanff), Anthony Hopkins (Frank Doel), Judi Dench (Nora Doel), Jean De Baer, Maurice Denham, Eleanor Davidā¦ Mercedes Ruehl.
Trivia: Co-executive produced by Mel Brooks.
BAFTA: Best Actress (Bancroft).
