Inspired by though not really based on a slim book of letters, with a script based on the stage version, 84 Charing Cross Road made an equally slim film.
It quietly makes used book stores & love of old books into a type of romantic heroism. Those of us who have spent long hours scouring grubby dark dusty stores operated by curmudgeony weirdos know that this Romantic version isn't quite accurate, but it's nevertheless nice to see ourselves reflected in this idealising mirror.
A superior antidote to the endless parade of action films, Anne Bancroft is the New York book collector represented as dreamy, talented, & of stunning beauty. Dapper Anthony Hopkins represents honest, traditional, reserved & wise booksellers.
They turn in very sentimental performances but it's sincere & memorable. Anyone old enough to remember when Charing Cross Road really was a center of antiquarian bookishness will not complain that such easily lamented businesses should be so sentimentalized.
copyright © by Paghat the Ratgirl
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