The Snow Goose (1971)

I remember reading this book in the second year (about 12 years old- 1976) at Secondary School and it was in a short story form.It was given to us a "Character study book" to be read class, each person reading a page. Its character analysis in the story line, of two joined by a common interest, is truly beautiful and touching, even for a 12 year old. If I remember rightly, in the book, Fritha becomes a recluse too taking on where Ryhadda left off. I am pleased to see that it is still available in its original format. I didn't realise until "wandering around" U-Tube that it had been turned in to a short serial, (I assume for TV) and apparently there is a longer film version.Don't miss it in the book-shop or Library, as it is in small copy; it may even be in the children's' section. A lovely read, even for grown ups. Search U-Tube yourselves to find the film and serialised versions.

It is indeed a shame that The Snow Goose is not available at this time on DVD or VHS. As many fans as this motion picture has, you'd think that whoever is responsible for its distribution would realize that making it available would be a good move both from the financial "for profit" perspective and from the perspective of making a fine piece of art available to old and new fans alike. Perhaps some day the right person(s) will take appropriate action to add this superb motion picture to films available to the public. In the meantime, I strongly encourage Snow Goose fans to obtain a copy of Paul Gallico's novel of the same name. I obtained my copy over the Internet some years ago. It's a fairly short novel but has all the power of the movie. In fact, you might consider buying more than one copy, since it's a book that makes a wonderful gift. Just as the movie is truly a timeless classic, so is the book. An endless debate could be which is better, the book or the movie since both are truly wonderful. Just as I wish I could see the movie again, I'm glad that at least I have a copy of the novel I can re-read every year or so.

I watched this heart breaking film as a callow youth and was enchanted by it. Since the film is so rare, read the book. (It's a novella and you can read it in an evening) The film was a BBC and Hallmark joint venture and was an acclaimed success. Therefore the BBC has never repeated it and Hallmark, who has the rights apparently, have never considered re-releasing it. Considering the rubbish around today this is a little mystifying. Richard Harris plays the hunchback, Phillip Ryader brilliantly. The young Jenny Agutter nicely underplays the part of the girl leaving as much unsaid as stated. These two damaged, shy people are thrown together in their common cause to look after a wounded snowgoose. Time passes and their relationship grows but events impinge on their world as Europe descends into war. How will these events affect them? Have the hankies ready....

Having been brought up just a few minutes from the Essex sea marshes, this film has always had a special poignancy for me.I first saw The Snow Goose during the Christmas holidays in 1971 and it has remained the most moving film I have ever been privileged enough to watch. Everything about the film is as near perfection as it is possible to get. Richard Harris gives a masterful performance as Philip Rhayader and the young and incredibly beautiful (then and now) Jenny Agutter matches him scene for scene with a maturity beyond her years. I have a lump in my throat every time I watch it and I watch it at least once a month.It is criminal that this film is not commercially available for generations yet unborn to revere as do all those who were fortunate enough to see it. If ever a film deserved a ten plus, this is it.Postscript: In October 2007, almost 36 years after first watching it, I had the most memorable moment of my film viewing career when I saw a perfect version of The Snow Goose at the BFI, London, while sitting next to my friend Jenny Agutter. Tears were running down my face at the end.