A Warm December (1973)

Really Surprised!

Fantastic!

As Good As It Gets

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

This is one of my absolutely favorite movies. I try to watch it every time I find out it is coming on television. A genuine inspiration to me because I was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia when I was 9 years old. The doctor told my mother that I would never live to be 18 years old. When I was 17, I became severely ill and was unable to walk for a long time. I bless the Lord because I am still alive and an avid Advocate for Sickle Cell Warriors. I am trying to get more awareness of this movie that was filmed when people did not consider those of us who suffer daily with such severe pain. The Writer: Lawrence Roman is to be commended. There must be a story behind this. I preached a sermon one time: "Behind Every Glory, There Is a Story!" Still hanging on at 70. Sidney Poitier was the first Movie Star I saw in "Lilies of the Field!" I do wish I could have met him, because he made such an impact on my life.Bishop Ann Elmore Ambers January 17, 2018

Logging on to the IMDb to rate this movie, I was surprised to find that I'd previously rated it some years ago, giving it a perhaps-harsh 4/10. That's the beauty of this later Poitier endeavour... it's so forgettable you can see it more than once and each time it's like the first.That's not to say that the languid pace and TV movie direction by Poitier (far more effective in front of the camera than behind it, sadly) make this a film without merit. In its layered depiction of black people on the screen, Poitier's second England movie may not be the equal of the first, but has plenty of things to say... even if it does say those things in a relaxed, heavily reflective manner.The real problem with the film is that as a love story with a tragic twist it's incredibly staid, almost sterile. Chemistry is not flowing from the screen here, even for the relatively passive time in which it was made. And such a stiff depiction of romance is only expounded by the presence of Yvette Curtis as Poitier's daughter. While okay at general lines, she's unable to emote, and scenes where she's supposedly concerned over whether Catherine lives or dies see her looking like she's wondering to have jam or just butter on her morning toast.Six years before this Poitier was the biggest box office star in the world, having had three huge hits in 1967. After this it's directing and co-starring with Bill Cosby in three so-so comedies and appearing in a Michael Caine thriller, then acting retirement. Such a drastic change in his standing is remarkable.Despite Poitier's much later return from retirement (and later, sad decline into TV movie actor... what a waste) A Warm December marks one of his final last gasps as a major force. As a Sidney Poitier work then it's probably not even in the top 15 of his films that you should make a point of seeing. But, if you've got an afternoon when you're not too busy, A Warm December will help to pass the time quite pleasantly... if not so memorably.

This is the type of film that critics probably hated because there is not an ounce of meanness in the film. And considering that this was 1973 when black movies such as "Cleopatra Jones" and "Shaft" were the norm, an old fashioned romantic drama like this, it probably didn't go well with audiences, either. Some critics may obviously compare this to "Love Story" and other tearjerkers popular at the time, but this one is quite different. Sidney Poitier plays a widowed doctor visiting London from Washington D.C. who finds himself entranced with a mysterious young woman (Ester Anderson) whom he keeps spotting around the city and saves from men obviously following her. It's obvious that she is someone special, and a la "Roman Holiday", it takes a while for him to find out just who she is. But once they finally do get together, the sparks fly between them, and his young daughter (Yvette Curtis) is crazy for her as well. They spend a lovely weekend away and all seems like they will live happily ever after. But destiny intervenes and leads to a conclusion heartbreaking for all three.There is an innocence of the three major characters in this film that instantly makes the viewer root for them. Poitier and Anderson may seem a bit far apart in age to be a matched team, but they share a lovely chemistry, complimented by young Ms. Curtis as one of the most well behaved young girls I've seen in real life and on screen. Too perfect may seem the right adjective to describe them, but believe it or not, it can exist, and there's not a drug pusher, hooker, or pimp, "Blacula" like monster in sight. The only reason why this might have gotten a PG rating was because a black-themed "G" film wouldn't sell, and an obvious liaison between the two lovers does take place. What also starts off seeming to be a possible spy adventure turns quickly, making this a surprising delight.

I recall this movie when it was originally released in 1973. I was a young child,and it was a welcomed relief from the "Blaxploitation" films of the era. This movie has been one of my favorites since I first saw it. It has periodically been shown on network t.v.through the years, so I have been able to see it from time to time prior to the release of the VHS tape. This is Sidney Poitier doing what he does best. Charming, intelligent and in a romantic lead. Ester Anderson was also very beautiful and quite delightful in her role. It is a shame that her life in the cinema was so short-lived. Yvette Curtis was also charming, and went on to her next memorable role in Claudine. It would be wonderful to know where these two actresses are now!