MovieChat Forums > Under the Greenwood Tree (2006) Discussion > I kept waiting....

I kept waiting....

posted 17 years ago by bf2-1
3 replies | jump to latest

...for something awful to happen, as it usually does in Masterpiece Theater presentations. You know, for Dick to die in a tragic accident or Fancy to screw one of the other locals, or for Mr. Maybold to go off the deep end and kill somebody. I hadn't read this book (Hardy is not one of my favorite authors), so I didn't know what to expect. The movie was well-done and the characters charming and sympathetic, but at the end I felt...I don't know...a little disappointed, I suppose. I thought there would be more drama to Fancy finally deciding that she could marry for love. Although that last kiss in the hayfield was a hottie.

[–] OhmsLaw 17 years ago

I know what you mean. I thought she would wind up with that ugly Shiner,marrying him because she thought he was the one who rescued her father from the leghold trap. Did I miss something,did Dick or anyone ever tell her who actually saved him?
I thought the ending sad,with the parsons riding away while the wedding festivities were going on. Did I see Shiner setting his muttonchops cap for the girl who wanted the groom?

[–] rowan_red 17 years ago

I loved it! I came home, very tired, from work, and by chance switched on PBS, needing to relax. So I got to cuddle under a blanket and watch this lovely story!

Yes, Dick's sister mentioned to Fancy how lucky her father was that Dick came along and saved him. Fancy replied, "You mean Mr. Shiner ..." When she discovered the truth, she ran home and confronted her father for keeping from her that Dick had saved his life. (Of course, first she found Dick gathering river scallops, and ended up making out with him in the river!) And then they talked about the choices they both made, how her father and mother married for love.

I'm not sure if Shinar got together with the girl who loved Dick (Ann Roebucks was her name.). That would have been very nice. Poor girl! Losing Dick Dewy must be the worst. Falling for the wealthiest man in town would be some consolation!

[–] rizdek 10 years ago

Well, I know what you mean, but in this case, it is exactly that there is nothing too traumatic that draws me back to re-watch it again and again. It's relaxing and the story builds smoothly to a happy ending...for everyone. What's better than that? A happy ever after for everyone. Fantasy? Yep.

I actually see it as an object lesson...a parable. Fancy is offered...wealth, situation, glamor, "the world," but she chooses simple true love instead.