User Reviews

The picturesque Gloucestershire countryside of the early 1970s is shown to good effect in this unusual love story, based on one of the works of H E Bates. Carol White, at the peak of her powers before her life tragically disintegrated, displays her talent and versatility as the titular character. Dulcima Gaskain is a member of a sparse and not very wealthy rural community, the eldest daughter of a poor farming couple who work her round the clock and show her no respect, let alone affection.

The ever-reliable John Mills is Mr Parker, a neighbouring farmer of mature years who has neglected himself and his property in the years since he became a widower. When he literally crashes into Dulcima's life one day whilst drink driving, the good-natured girl sees him back into his home safely out of concern and is appalled at the conditions in which he is living. But she is also surprised to find that he has a wad of money stashed in the lining of his hat, so senses an opportunity to make some cash for herself, something she is unable to do at home.

Parker is rather confused and disorientated by having his clothes washed, his home tidied up and his meals cooked for him by this pretty young girl, but quickly grows to appreciate it. Naturally he is also drawn to her physically, especially as she plays up to this, but Dulcima initially keeps him at bay by pretending she has a boyfriend knocking around called Albert - in fact, just a handsome male she saw in a photo in a magazine.

However, as Dulcima discovers that Parker has lots of money hidden around his house, her dreams become bigger. Although she's not prepared to outright steal from Parker, she's not above persuading him to throw as much of his cash at her as she can, through a combination of hard work and deception, so becomes his live-in housekeeper and is soon treating him to 'extra' parts of her personal service to him - as long as he's prepared to add it to the bill, of course. Parker has no idea she knows about his wealth, and also remains ignorant that 'Albert' does not really exist.

As Dulcima makes more money from him, she lavishes it on finer clothes and hairstyles for herself, but at the same time she isn't properly noting how Parker himself is paying more attention to his own appearance. Her involvement in his life has increased the widower's sense of self-worth and his miserly ways have given way to generosity not just towards her but to others.

Complicating the situation is the arrival on the scene of a neighbouring gamekeeper, a handsome young man who bears a passing resemblance to the 'Albert' from the magazine. Dulcima is naturally attracted to him and, as she becomes increasingly glamorous, so too is he attracted to her. Even so, she's happy to tell him a few fibs too while she juggles her position between the two men in her life.

Of course, the continual deceptions and the playing fast and loose with other people's emotions will mean that there will ultimately have to be a heavy price to pay. And although the film is very watchable throughout, it is the shocking climax that will make it memorable for most viewers. It is a climax that would certainly not be expected from the opening sequences which are very light and comedic in tone; rather cleverly, the whole feel of this film mirrors the main character's scheme, and what starts out as a bit of a lark gradually morphs into something altogether more serious as, rather too late, Dulcima herself realises the true effect of her actions...

Overall, a very good character piece. It doesn't quite have enough incident or intensity throughout to make it a truly great film, but even so, there's not much one could fault it with.

The film started off in light, even comedic mode, but gradually degenerated into a much darker vein. This is due to the questionable morality of the eponymous character. It was never going to end well.

The rural setting and lifestyle suggested an earlier time but I guess it was set in the mid-late1960s.

Excellent performances from the three main characters.

This film was shown on T.v. when I was a young girl early 70's I think.Although i was young I could tell this film was a real classic. I raved about it to my friends none of whom had seen it on T.V.I think they thought I was obsessed, I was.At the time I lived in the country in a beautiful village, Hartington in Derbyshire. I think the film had such a profound effect on me because I could imagine the film's story really happening.This film has always been my favourite, when discussing movies I have said how wonderful I think it is and have been amazed that no one had heard of it. John Mills is one of my favourite actors and it was probably this film that drew my attention to any film he was in. I have recently acquired a lap top so the first thing I did was to search for Dulcima. How pleased I was to find it through Google and will be purchasing a DVD as soon as possible, like now. Its been a long time coming, but as they say things come to those who wait, so looking forward to putting it in the DVD to watch a truly amazing film and to being transformed back in time to those wonderful days of my youth. Thankyou so much to all involved.

Top-billed Carol White makes a very unlikely match with John Mills, then re-inventing himself as a character actor following 'The Family Way' and 'Ryan's Daughter'.

It's very prettily photographed in Gloucestershire by Tony Imi but so parodic (Mills's rival in love is even a gamekeeper) that some reviewers have even mistaken it for a comedy; although it certainly doesn't end like one!

This wonderful film captures a time gone by when county life in rural England had hardly changed since the Second World War. John Mills, plays Mr Parker, a drunken farmer, living on his own in total squalor. His farm though, is stuffed full of his money. It's hidden in every conceivable place, under the floorboards, inside the toilet cistern and even in the lining of his Trilby hat. Dulcima, a twenty something year old, played by Carol White, lives on an adjacent farm and is down trodden by her brute of a father, played by Bernard Lee. She is expected to do everything in the house while he sits happily on his backside complaining about her all the time. Longing to escape this drudgery, she dreams of meeting and falling in love with a handsome stranger, who will sweep her of her feet and take her away from it all.

By chance one day, Mr Parker is returning home in his beat up old Land Rover from a trip to the pub. Drunk as a lord, he clips the baby's pram that Dulcima had just been pushing. Intent on giving him a good piece of her mind she strides up to the farm to confront him. Unfortunately she finds he's crashed out in a drunken stupor on the floor. Seeing the state he's in and the farm, she decides to straighten both out and immediately begins by cleaning the kitchen, much to the bewilderment of Mr Parker when he finally sobers up. The relationship between them, then begins to grow, with very amusing consequences as she tries to get him to part with some of his money while he tries to get her to bed.

John Mills made, at roughly the same time 'The Family Way' which was a huge success. It also stared his daughter Hayley Mills along with Hywel Bennett. Another very fine film of John's in indeed.

Carol White made two excellent hard hitting social films for TV in the late 60's, 'Poor Cow' and 'Cathy Come Home', both available on DVD, showing what a superb young actress she was at the time. Sadly she died in 1991 from a liver disease.

Dulcima is a very delightful film that to my knowledge has only been screened once on British TV. I have a fading copy on Betamax, but would love to have a crisp clean copy of it on DVD. I live in hope!

I'd just like to add here that since I posted this review Frank Nesbitt the Director contacted me thanking me for my comments regarding his film and also kindly sent me a DVD copy of 'Dulcima' for which I will be forever grateful.

I recall seeing this movie by chance on TV many years ago and have been hoping that one day it will be shown again, or at least available to hire or purchase. Without repeating the plot or the other useful comments already posted, I'll just say that this film left a lasting impression on me. I wouldn't call it a comedy, it was much more than that; although there were some amusing scenes, I remember it primarily as a portrayal of off-the-beaten-track country life with ultimately a tangle of emotions and a tragic, moving ending. John Mill's portrayal of the lonely farmer, whose state went from sober to legless and soft to nasty, was excellent. Yet I submit that the star of the film was Carol White, whose moving performance as the simple and comely country girl confirmed her talents that had first come to public notice in Cathy Come Home.

This film title was long forgotten until i recently spent time reminiscing with an old school friend, we had both attended Minchinhampton school in the late 60's and had watched in awe as the film crews and stars strutted their stuff, in particular John Mills, later to become Sir John Mills, I remember well, the morning i was walking to school and had to stop and wait until a scene had been shot at the rear of the crown inn, as he passed me the great man patted me on the head.

I have recently managed to find a copy on DVD, watching it i was catapulted back to a time of innocent childhood, Mills's character, Parker, could of been based on one of many eccentrics that have lived in and around the Stroud Valleys.

The country side has not changed a great deal but the peacefulness has, watching you realise the impact the motor car has had on the area, in particular to Minchinhampton, i remember the village streets before they became clogged with cars, a time when nearly everyone travelled ON the green Bristol omnibus.

Times change i know, but at least with gorgeous films like this the memories live on.

Dulcima," based on a story by H. E. Bates, is a new English film about pastoral passions of the sort that I associate with D. H. Lawrence, perhaps because the story's catalytic agent is a dopey gamekeeper who doesn't look as if he'd spent much time outside.

A stingy old farmer named Mr. Parker (John Mills), a widower with an attic-full of crumpled banknotes, falls in love with his young housekeeper Dulcima (Carol White), who comes to work for him because she feels sorry for him, and then stays on because she fancies both him and his money. Dulcima is earthy, a bit avaricious and essentially good. She doesn't mind a roll in the hayloft with Mr. Parker, but when she falls in love with the gamekeeper (Stuart Wilson), she decides to move out. It is a really great film, not to be missed.

http://bobmeades-ivil.tripod.com/id13.html

Where to start only to say that I have tracked a copy of this film down and i was convinced it was filmed in Devon or somerset where I work & live only to see it is in fact made in Gloucestershire. Brings back Happy memories of the 70's for me and what an Idyllic place England was then. This movie i believe was only shown Once on TV in the Mid seventies and surly deserves to be shown again. It is just such a simple story but it encompasses all the simple things in life that make us smile. I would love to hear from anyone who knows when exactly it was shown on TV ie; 1975 or 76. I hope all of you fans get a copy soon. Anyway finally a lovely Movie and big thanks to Carol White and John Mills and the Director not forgetting the producer.

Enchanting in the way it accurately depicts the Gloucestershire countryside, towns and villages (Minchinhampton, Tetbury, etc.) 50 or so years ago. Enchanting too in the acting by all involved - the much missed Dudley Foster giving a compelling cameo as Symes and even Kristin Hatfield delights as the assistant in the dress shop. Johnny Douglas's score and recurring theme is just right for the characters and the locations.

Yet disturbing in its climax which comes as a shock but which captures the counterpoint between rural charm and human frailty. An underrated gem from Frank Nesbitt.

I saw this film 20 years ago on with my friends. It is a wonderful film we still talk about it today with great fondness. This comedy starring John Mills is a credit to both the actors and the extremely talented Director Frank Nesbitt. We always wished to see this film again but although we all remembered this film in great detail as it is such a memorable film, the characters especially, John Mills who played Mr Parker we could not remember the title of the film. After all this time I am so happy I have finally found out the title. Dulcima is one of these masterpieces you should not miss. I will now find this film on D.V.D and I cannot wait to see the delight on my friend faces when it starts to play

Interspersed with humour and comedic situation there is a darker aspect to how deceit and lust can end in tragedy, but for most part the light hearted aspect of this masterpiece will definitely elevate your mood. Never really a fan of John Mills, probably because I did'nt like his character in Ice Cold in Alex, but that was my problem for not realising just how brilliant an actor he really was. Here, in stark contrast, playing Mr Parker, is why he was truly Great !!! John Mills and Carol White worked so well together in this film, I only hope they enjoyed making it as much as I enjoyed watching it

This film is particularly dear to me as they knocked down our wall while they were making it! As compensation we got an invitation to go and see them filming nearby! The film is such quintessentially English that it really should be in everyone's film library for its scenes and great acting. It reminds you very much of Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee which also hails from the Cotswolds. Both John and Hayley Mills give a great performance, and the innocence of this post war era really comes over. I noticed a couple of comments about obtaining copies of the film and wonder if anyone could let me know where they have been able to get it?

Ridiculous low rating of 6.5 as of 2019, same people have bad taste. This humorous film starring the brilliant John Mills and Carol White is a charming but dark story of farmer who falls for a farmers daughter with ideas of her own, well acted and keeps you glued with interest, certainly worth a look, 1970's humour never to be seen again flourishes here.

this film was great ,it's quirky ,and john mills was great in this film.it shows what a man would do for lust,and a greedy woman.it has the full run of human emotions,and shows how far people will go for what they want in life.carol white was good in this,she was unhappy with this life ,then realised a way to help herself by manipulation and sexual teasing.the film was suggestive without being explicit.the film has a tragic ending-not unexpected,just not clear how it would end.i saw this on t.v a long time ago-and have been trying to get a copy for my self for home viewing-but unable to find one,can any one help me by letting me know where to buy a copy-DVD if poss?

Dulcimer, A Very underrated enjoyable film with Carol White (poor cow) & the forever excellent John Mills! With a few twists and turns funny & dramatic, give it a whirl.

Synopsis: Lonely, scruffy old farmer brings in an attractive young girl as a housekeeper. He develops a lust/ love desire for her - she sees a way of making some money.

Pros: 1) Beautiful photography immersing you in the best or rural England: rolling landscape, green country buses, stone built villages. A great trip escapist trip for city dwellers. 2) Fantastic performances from John Mills (did he ever not do this?) and Celia White. 3) Engaging story that, although slow, keeps you just about interested

Cons: 1) This is really a short story dragged out to 90 mins. If you are happy to watch the scenery and absorb the mood then that's fine but there are some who, used to the constant sensual barrage that typifies so many recent films, might find this a bit slow 2) The shock ending isn't really necessary and doesn't feel like it belongs to the rest of the film

Unusual aspects: The film centres around Dulcima and we are expected to sympathise with her. However not only are her morals questionable but her ruthless exploitation of the old farmers loneliness suggest that she is not really a nice person at all. Meanwhile, the farmers totally understandable obsession with her is portrayed as being creepy. This is assuaged a little towards the end where we finally get a bit of pathos as we see his tragic wedding preparations in contrast to her desire to run off with her lover but in reality the pathos started much earlier and her duplicity and lack of empathy with him was always the root of the tragedy. One wonders how different this film would have been if our sympathies had been directed from the start to be with him rather than her.

H E Bates was a popular author with the makers of British films and television programmes in the 1970s. "Dulcima" from 1971 was followed by a film of "The Triple Echo" the following year, and by television serialisations of "Love for Lydia", "A Moment in Time" and "Fair Stood the Wind for France". Several episodes of the ITV drama series "Country Matters" from 1972-73 were also based upon Bates's stories.

Bates's novella "Dulcima" was written in 1953 and was probably set in Kent or Sussex; the film transfers the action to 1960s Gloucestershire. Dulcima Gaskain is a young woman from a working-class rural family who becomes housekeeper to a widowed middle-aged farmer named Mr Parker. He has plenty of money, but is a miserly, bad-tempered, drunken recluse, and lives in squalor until Dulcima starts to clean and tidy his house. Parker becomes besotted with the younger woman and the two become lovers; there is even talk of marriage. Dulcima invents a fictitious admirer, "Albert", to arouse Parker's jealousy, believing that this is the best way to keep him interested in her. Problems arise, however, when Dulcima falls in love with the gamekeeper from a neighbouring property, a young man of around her own age, and Parker identifies him with the supposed "Albert".

The title character Dulcima, as described by Bates, was rather plain, but here she is played by one of Britain's classic beauties of the era, Carol White. In the mid and late sixties she was hotly tipped as the next big star of the British cinema, although she never really achieved stardom, largely because of problems with drug and substance abuse. She is perhaps best remembered for her roles in three London-set social-realist films directed by Ken Loach, the Wednesday Plays "Up the Junction" and Cathy Come Home", and the feature film "Poor Cow" which won her the nickname "the Battersea Bardot". In "Dulcima" she showed that she could also do rural-based social realism, and gives one of her best performances. John Mills is equally good; he called the role of the eccentric curmudgeon Parker "a fabulous part, one of the best I've ever had".

I note that some reviewers describe this film as a "comedy". My first reaction was to wonder whether those reviewers had actually watched the film, or at least whether they had watched it all the way to its dramatic and tragic conclusion. My second reaction, however, was to concede that those reviewers might have had a point, or at least half a point, because "Dulcima" is essentially a tragicomedy. It is one of those stories- Moliere's "Tartuffe" is another- which could have either a happy or a tragic ending. In "Tartuffe" the movement of the play seems to be towards tragedy until a sudden deus ex machina ending restores the moral balance and all ends happily with the villain Tartuffe punished, the virtuous characters rewarded and the foolish Orgon made to see the error of his ways but not otherwise made to suffer.

Here the movement is in the other direction. The story of the mercenary Dulcima and the credulous Parker, who thinks himself smart but who is in reality her dupe, could easily have been played for laughs, and in some early scenes actually is. The mood darkens, however, with the introduction to the story of the gamekeeper, a rather innocent young man who does not realise the full truth of the situation he has blundered into. Bates's sudden ending, as shocking in the novella as it is here, brings us back to reality and makes us realise that in real life the infatuation of a foolish old man for a scheming young woman rarely ends happily for either party. I said earlier that both White and Mills give great performances. What makes them great is that both actors are able to bring out both the ridiculous side of their characters' behaviour, as well as its potentially dangerous side. 8/10.