An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving

I first saw this film when it aired on the Hallmark channel last Autumn. This story by Louisa May Alcott was unfamiliar to me. It seems that it first appeared together with a set of other short stories and was entitled An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving and Other Stories published in 1882.


Matilda Bassett seals a letter addressed to her grandmother.

The story centers around the Bassett family who live "up among the New Hampshire hills" on a farm. We meet Mary Basset and her three children just after the death of her husband when they are just making ends meet. Young Miss Matilda Bassett "Tilly" is our story teller is very good at embellishing the facts.


Younger children Prudence and Solomon Bassett.

Mrs. Bassett is an independent woman who is trying to support her family with her skills nursing those in need but her patients are often poor and enable to pay. Though the Bassetts have just enough Mrs. Bassett is having a hard time making ends meet so Tilly fearing the worst takes it upon herself to write to her estranged grandmother.


Grandmother and Tilly on their shopping spree.

Intrigued by this letter signed by her daughter Mary, rich socialite Isabella makes an unexpected visit to the Bassett family. Her daughter is very loathe to even let her enter the house but she has to stay somewhere while her broken carriage is being repaired. Isabella soon gains the affections of her three grandchildren and delights in using the money, that her daughter so despises, to buy needed items for her family and new friends. With her influence Tilly attends her first ball in high style and the family's pantry is stocked full of good things for Thanksgiving dinner.


Tilly and her mother Mary at the Hopkins ball.

While her mother enjoys the grandchildren Mary Bassett is busy nursing a neighboring family who are suffering with scarlet fever and she herself is overcome by the sickness. Tilly and her grandmother learn how much they really have to be thankful for just when they are in danger of loosing it all.


Tilly talking to her dear friend Gad.

In the midst of all her troubles Tilly also becomes reacquainted with her childhood friend Gideon who has just come back from college. It is "Gad" who helps Tilly as she makes decisions that will change her future and future of her family.


The family around an old fashioned Thanksgiving table.

I really enjoy this film, it is not quite like Little Women but reminds me of that story in many ways. Tilly reminds me of Jo March in some ways, a fanciful writer who is quick to feel and act, often being very selfish and childish. I love the costumes and the settings the acting is fairly good and it is a sweet story of family, forgiveness and being thankful for what you have. A good family movie and I highly recommend it!

I found the trailer here if you'd like to take a look and also the original Alcott writing can be found here. I look forward to reading the story soon!

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms." - Psalm 95:2

As we head into Thanksgiving I reflect on the many things that I am thankful for. This year in particular I am thankful for my family, my comfortable home, plenty of delicious food on the table, access to spiritual guidance and most particularly my salvation and continued growth in the Lord Jesus Christ.




"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." - Psalm 100:4

In past years my family and I have spent Thanksgiving Day with family but since the passing of dad's mother and then mom's mother this year it has been more difficult. The day is quite dreaded most years by both of my parents, we are thankful but any holiday is difficult without family near. Last year we spent the day with some dear friends and I had to work in the late afternoon. I am thankful that this year I do not have to work and to make it an extra special day for us we are going on a little family trip from Maine to Massachusetts.




In past years we've been to Colonial Williamsburg but this year my family and I are headed to Old Sturbridge Village, a historic village filled with buildings from the 1700's and early 1800's. Each house, shop, store, and meetinghouse stocked with period furniture and folks re-enacting life in the 19th-century. There will be many things to see and do while we're there and I can't wait! Among the things we'll enjoy is Thanksgiving dinner at the Oliver Wight Tavern, A New England Wedding, Shooting Match and a Stagecoach Ride. Depend upon it there will be many pictures taken and lots of fun had!



So what are your Thanksgiving traditions? How are you planning on spending Thanksgiving this year? What are you most thankful for?

I also hope to soon watch and review Louisa May Alcott's An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving which should be just the ticket for getting me into the spirit of the holiday.




I want to leave you with lyrics from a song that is not really old-fashioned but which I think suit the occasion. Click here if you'd like to hear the song sung by the rich voice of Josh Groban, one of my favorite singers. I pray you have a very blessed Thanksgiving Day with your loved ones and keep praising the Lord for all He's done!

Somedays we forget
To look around us
Somedays we can't see
The joy that surrounds us
So caught up inside ourselves
We take when we should give.

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be.
And on this day we hope for
What we still can't see.
It's up to us to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for.

-lyrics from Thankful as sung by Josh Groban on his album Noel


Mood:

Thankful

The Old Curiosity Shop (2007)

I've been wanting to watch this film since this past spring when I missed watching it when it aired on Masterpiece Theatre. An adaptation of Dicken's tale by the same name the story was first serialized in his weekly serial Master Humphrey's Clock.


Nell Trent and her Grandfather fleeing into the country.

The story centers around 14-year-old Nell Trent an orphan who lives with her grandfather the owner of The Old Curiosity Shop. Nell's grandfather has a very serious gambling addiction and is heavily in debt to the evil Mr. Quilp. When Nell's grandfather signs over possession of his shop to Mr. Quilp Nell knows that they will never be free until they leave. In the early morning Nell and her grandfather flee to the country and try to make their fortune as "beggars". Though Nell finds work her old grandfather foolishly gambles away their few savings. Persued by Mr. Quilp and also by a mysterious stranger the granddaughter and grandfather continue on the run until there is nowhere left to turn.


Little Nell follows Mr. Quilp through a debtors prison.

When it was first serialized The Old Curiosity Shop was widely followed and it was said when the final installment was released Dickens fans were reported to storm the piers of New York City, shouting to arriving sailors for news of the fate of sick Little Nell's. The story was printed in novel form in 1841. As a Dickens' novel it has not continued in popularity. I found the story from the film not quite as complex as Dickens' other novels and there are several inconsistencies or loose ends left over from the newspaper printing.


Zoë Wanamaker as the eccentric wax museum owner Mrs. Jarley.

There are several delightful characters, the novel itself may be considered an Old Curiosity Shop stocked with interesting people. Like a secondhand store though, I find that most of what's inside is not worth much but here and there we do find a gem, or a character who only needs a little polishing to be good as new.


Nell Trent with her best friend Kit Nubbles in The Old Curiosity Shop.

The gem of the Shop is Little Nell herself who bravely does what she can to help her grandfather and tries to always be acting rightly. She stays bright and shinning throughout the film. Alongside her is her good friend Kit who does his best to help and protect Nell from Mr. Quilp's evil doings and her grandfather's often careless and self centered ways.


Lovely Sophie Vavasseur as Little Nell.

There is a fantastic cast of actors in this film some whom are easily recognized such as Derek Jacobi, Toby Jones, Zoë Wanamaker, Gina McKee, Anna Madeley and Adam Godley. Young actress Sophie Vavasseur though a bit older than 14 years is brilliant as Little Nell. Miss Vavassuer is not a stranger to period film having already appeared as Jane Lefroy in Becoming Jane, Anne Thorpe in Northanger Abbey, and her first film role was playing Pierce Brosnon's daughter in an interesting looking film called Evelyn.


Nell and Grandfather walk down a country lane.

Though by no means as brilliant as Little Dorrit, Our Mutual Friend or David Copperfield, this 90 mintue film is charming and I would recommend it to all fans of Dickens' adaptations or anyone who enjoys a more serious period drama. I will send this warning, watch it with a box of tissues because as others of his novels the characters do not all end happily. But all in all a good view!

Resting And Trusting

It's been a while since I've written about what is going on in my life. As I have mentioned before the past year I have been working at an assisted living facility for Alzheimer's residents. Yesterday was my last day of work at that facility. For many months I have known that it is the Lord's will for me to move on. I have so enjoyed my time with these lovely older people. I've learned so much, not just medically, but also in life experiences and wisdom from the lives of folks I've met.

The next question everyone asks is why? do you have another job? My answer is no, I do not have another job. One of the biggest reasons for not working is not having transportation through the snow this winter. Other spiritual and physical reasons have led up to this decision especially the need for spiritual re-grouping. So I will not be working this winter instead I will be getting physical rest and spiritual rejuvenation.

Working in a secular environment I was definitely feeling the need for separation as Paul mentions in Romans 12:1-2:
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."



With at least three months of free time on my hands I intend to do everything that I've been wanting to do the last year but haven't gotten to. Here's a short list:

• Completing BBNBI free online bible courses
• Practicing piano
• Becoming physically healthy and fit
• Driving practice in preparation for my license
• Continuing in homemaking skills - baking, cooking, sewing, crochet, cleaning
• Writing my novel (NaNoWriMo isn't gong too well for me)
• Correspondence with family and friends
• And of course more blogging!

This is only a short list of the things I'd like to do. I'd also like to go to every service at my church, rejoin the church choir and spend time getting reacquainted with my family. We'll start getting reacquainted when we take a trip for Thanksgiving to an old-fashioned place, Old Sturbridge Village! We leave Thanksgiving day and come back Saturday, I can't wait! :)



Though I will be looking for the Lord's leading all along come spring I will actively start looking for somewhere else to use the certifications I've received. I'd really like to care for elderly ladies in their homes and am praying toward that end. Who knows where the Lord will lead me next! I'm just so thankful that I can be a stay-at-home-daughter for right now and have no pressures to work. I am so blessed!

My dear friend Kyrstin was very sweet in her comments:
"What faith you have to follow God and leave your job without having a next one. I am excited to hear where God will lead next! You will definitely be kept in my prayers as you seek God for His will."

I'm not really sure I've thought of it this way but her comments do bring new perspective to my decision.

Hope your weekend is going well!

Mood:

Thirsty (for God's Word)

News Of A New Poirot Film!

Just a quickie to help spread the word about a new Agatha Christie adaptation from ITV/BBC. I'm so excited that filming has begun on a new Murder On The Orient Express starring who else but the talented and delightful David Suchet as Mr. Hercule Poirot!


The other cast little matter but they include Eileen Atkins, Hugh Bonneville, David Morrissey and Samuel West among other wonderful names!

“It's an honour to have such a wonderful international cast on board for this world famous murder mystery. Writer, Stewart Harcourt, has created an exquisite script. His attention to detail is impeccable.” - David Suchet

And if Mr. Suchet thinks so it must be true! I adore the audiobook of Orient Express read by David Suchet and can not wait until this film comes to a public television station near me! Yay! :)

David Copperfield 2000

David begins the tale of his life.

I just happened onto this delightful piece of period drama starring Hugh Dancy in the title role on YouTube the other day and had a wonderful time enjoying all 180 minutes of this film.
What I plan on doing in this review instead of telling the story I want to share some lovely screencaps and tell the differences between this adaptation and the BBC adaptation 1999, also my opinions on it. I also want to say that I've never read the book and know little about how this story relates to Dickens' personal life (though I've heard it's a bio of sorts).


Sally Field as Aunt Betsey Trotwood.

I was a little perplexed by the first scene which shows David Copperfield at some European villa upsetting a tea table on a gentleman and his companion. But it moves quickly to show David start to write the account of his life. The first character we meet with is his aunt Betsey Trotwood unsuccessfully portrayed by American actress Sally Field. She can in no way touch Dame Maggie Smith's stunning portrayal of the same character. Although dressed the part of an old spinster she does not succeed at being strict, gentle or comical and fails all together at the accent. David's mother is indeed little more than a child with round face and large eyes and does not present a remarkable appearance as Emila Fox did the BBC adaptation.



David at the sickbed of Mr. Barkis.

The two characters I do simply adore from David's childhood are Mr. Barkis and Peggoty, his "C.P. Barkis" wonderfully portrayed by Judy Cornwall. "Barkis is willing..." is probably my favorite quote from the entire film, so sweet and funny. The Barkis' love and devotion is one that did last a lifetime.
The actor filling the role of Young David is not a well known one (not like Daniel Radcliffe was well known in 1999) which heightens his charm. His scenes are not many but they are well done.


Evil Mr. Murstone so handsomely played by Anthony Andrews.

The wonderfully talented Anthony Andrews (who I adore as The Scarlet Pimpernel) is the evil Mr. Murdstone, David's stepfather. He is quite charming at first and you can see why young Mrs. Copperfield lets him into her life. The discipline scenes between him and David aren't quite as dark or life threatening as in the BBC adaptation. Also Mr. Murdstone reappears later in the movie as does his sister as Dora Spenlow's companion who tries to keep away David's attentions. Miss Murdstone is played by Eileen Atkins who is not very convincing in the role and I would have preferred to have seen her as David's aunt.


The jolly but unfourtunate Mr. & Mrs. Micawber.

American actor Michael Richards is Mr. Wilkins Micawber and Mrs. Micawber is Lesley Manville who can be seen in Cranford and North & South. I found their acting fine but not quite as comical or well done of that by Bob Hoskins and Imelda Staunton just the year before. Other minor characters are fairly well acted, I enjoyed Mr. Dick and David's teacher Mr. Creakle isn't as frightening as Ian McKellen's performance was.


Steerforth, Emily and David at Yarmouth.

All the scenes done at Yarmouth are well done and the actors excellent. The house boat they live is lovely as is the seaside. They do seem to leave out the fact of Ham's death. Steerforth's death is just told about and not much is seen of Emily and Mr. Peggotty after that. Her running away does make a bit more sense in this adaptation as does Barkis' death.


The horrible Mr. Uriah Heep.

Having just seen Hans Christian Andersen: My Life As A Fairytale and having heard the rumor that Charles Dickens wrote his character Uriah Heep to be like Mr. Andersen I was all excited to see who would be the it man. Frank MacCusker was not known to me before this adaptation but his portrayal of Uriah Heep is excellent, perfectly slimy and eel like. And he looks rather like the photos of Mr. Andersen. Just wonderful!


At a dinner party with friend Agnes.

Also having just seen My Life as a Fairytale and thinking of Hans Christian Andersen I was very surprised when I recognized the actress (Emily Hamilton) who lights up the screen as Anges Wickfield the "sister" who loves David tenderly. I enjoyed how her character was written to know what David was thinking of before he says it. She hits upon his love for Dora before he tells Agnes of it. Lovely!


Proposing to Miss Spenlow.

Dora Spenlow is portrayed by actress Julie Cox who I recognized from a few Agatha Christie adaptations and was lovely. I forgot how much I enjoyed the story of Dora, David and Agnes as they transition from one kind of love to another. There is a very lovely final proposal scene set in a garden with a tree swing. It's such a sweet tale.


Dora wasn't as silly as she seemed, she did know a thing or two!

Overall I can't really decide which adaptation of David Copperfield I like best but I have decided that it is one of my favorite Dickens tales. I enjoy that this adaptation also brings closure for the wrongs done by the Murdstones to David in his childhood and it is only after he has closure on his past that he can go ahead with his future. I only wish this film was available on DVD in the US, I could own both adaptations and watch them back to back! Highly recommend film! :)

The Barchester Chronicles

Another film adaptation of Anthony Trollope's novels and perhaps one of the sweetest. A BBC TV miniseries released in 1982, The Barchester Chronicles is actually based on two books: The Warden, and Barchester Towers. And may I say upfront that this film is definitely recommended!

Mr. Harding: I know that ultimately we are not supposed to understand, but I also know that we must try.

The first two episodes tell the story of young radical John Bold's legal case brought against The Warden of Hirams Hospital (a retirement home for old wool carters). This warden is Septimus Harding the most kind-hearted man in Barchester. Although Mr. Bold respects Mr. Harding and loves his daughter Eleanor, he also suspects that Mr. Harding is being overpaid through a misreading of the will of the hospital's benefactor. Mr. Harding is very willing to see it through Mr. Bold's eyes and even to give up his position at the hospital if need be.

Archdeacon Grantly: Sir Abraham specializes in fine legal quibbles.

Mr. Harding's son-in-law Archdeacon Grantly (Nigel Hawthorne) and his father the Bishop are very offended and decide to seek legal help from Sir Abraham Haphazard. A short legal skirmish ensues which ends in Mr. Bold seeing he was wrong and giving up the case but not before Mr. Harding has resigned his position at the hospital and several cutting words have been written in that all powerful London newspaper The Jupiter about Barchester clergyman.

Mrs. Proudie: The Bishop feels, and I agree with him...

Episodes three through seven are adapted from Barchester Towers and begin almost three years after the first two episodes. Eleanor is not the widow Mrs. Bold living with her baby son and her sister-in-law Miss Bold. While Mr. Harding in enjoying his small income as vicar of St. Cuthberts.
When the old Bishop dies a new Bishop is appointed and it is shortly clear that Mr. Proudie is just a puppet in the hands of his wife Mrs. Proudie (Geraldine McEwan), and his chaplain Mr. Obadiah Slope (Alan Rickman). Mrs. Proudie and Mr. Slope soon stir things up in Barchester with their high brow ideas of how things should be. Their first plan is to fill the position of Warden at Hirams Hospital, Mr. Slope offering the position to first Mr. Harding and then the aptly named Mr. Quiverfull with his wife and fourteen children.



Miss Bold: Obadiah Slope!?!
Eleanor: Poor man!
Miss Bold: Well, I suppose his name isn't his fault.
Eleanor: The gossip is he changed it. Apparently he was born Obadiah Slop!

A clever young man, Mr. Slope slithers his way through Barchester making friends and enemies wherever he goes. He is so oily that no one can contain him, even Mrs. Proudie who starts out as his cohort and ends as his enemy. As he looks to advance his position from chaplain to dean he also seeks a rich woman to marry. Eleanor is first on his list together with crippled but sassy Signora Madeline Neroni, daughter of clergyman Mr. Stanhope.




Mr. Harding: My dear, I have listened to the word of Obadiah Slope. More importantly I have listened to the music of his soul, and I found the melody somewhat tasteless.

The Stanhopes and their three grown children arrive in Barchester after a sojourn of 12 years in Italy. The young people soon make a stir with their outspoken ideas and comical but knowing ways. They don't mind planning people's lives and talking about them behind their backs but also to their faces.

Throughout the remainder of the series Eleanor is pursued by two men, persistent Mr. Slope and whimsical painter Bertie Stanhope, who is encouraged by his sisters. But unfortunately for them her heart has already been claimed by a gentle and somewhat shy young clergyman. A wonderful garden party is held at which Eleanor is proposed to by both Slope and Stanhope succesively. It is so funny to see Mr. Slope's pride wounded whe he is refused! Unlike other Trollope novels the story ends happily for everyone except the undeserving Mr. Slope.

Mr. Harding: The other reason that I make music is to celebrate the certainty of the Lord. Since there is no other way that I can understand the contradictions and confusions that surround me.
Eleanor: Do I really confuse you, Father?
Mr. Harding: Yes, my dear. Tenderly and lovingly, you confuse me.
The one problem I had in watching this miniseries was that I did not at first understand the titles and positions of clergyman in the church of England. Rewatching it has helped me to catch the power and income that comes with each position. It is quite full of scripture, virtues, church music and even a sermon or two. I really enjoyed the simple stories and watching them intertwine, in that way Barchester reminds me of Cranford, but concerned in clerical troubles instead of domestic ones. The characters in Barchester are very well drawn and extremely well acted by talented British actors most of whom will be familiar to you if you've seen BBC dramas before. There is much humor in the film, even the "villainous" characters are quite comical but real to life. The relationships are true, my favorites being that of Mr. Harding and his children and also that of Archdeacon Grantly and his wife Susan. My favorite character and perhaps the heart of the story is Mr. Septimus Harding, who cannot fail of being loved by all who know him.

Archdeacon Grantly: I know you'll all forgive me if my main topic is my father-in-law, who during recent months has given us as much cause for anxiety as any ten other people I can think of.
Mr. Harding: I hope you'll forgive the anxieties when you hear my new anthem.
Archdeacon Grantly: On the contrary, no man has ever given less cause for forgiveness then Septimus Harding. He is not a hero, not a man that is widely talked about, not a man who should be toasted at public dinners, not a man who should be spoken of with conventional absurdity as "the perfect divine". He's simply a good man, without guile, believing humbly in the religion he has striven to teach, and guided by the precepts he has striven to learn. My friends, I give you our Mr. Harding.

My Life As A Fairytale: Hans Christian Andersen

Synopsis: A fictionalized account of the young life of Hans Christian Andersen, a young man with a penchant for storytelling but struggles to find his place in the world and gain the affection of the woman he adores. Interspersed throughout are brief interludes of the stories that will make Hans famous (The Nightingale, The Little Mermaid and The Snow Queen to name a few), which are intertwined with the events that surround his own life.


My family and I happened upon this little gem by chance the other night using our free movies from Video On Demand. Knowing little beyond that it was a Hallmark movie and about Hans Christian Andersen, we started in to watch and enjoyed every moment of this two and a half hour film. The credits at the beginning made me giggle as I saw names of period actors flash across the screen: Geraldine James, Alison Steadman, Edward Fox, Hugh Bonneville.


Starring newcomer actor Kieran Bew as Mr. Andersen the story follows the famous story teller from his base beginnings growing up with a cobbler father and laundress mother. When his father dies teen aged Hans Christian must make his own way in the world and sets out for Copenhagen with little but the clothes on his back.
Our hero soon meets up with Mr. Collin and his two grown children Edvard and Henrietta "Jette" who take him into their home and give him many opportunities to better himself.


Mr. Collin first brings Hans Christian to meet the crown prince who offers to send him to school for a trade. Hans Christian is very firm that he doesn't want to be a cobbler like his father. Through a series of silly events Hans Christian meets the crown princess and charms her with one of his stories and she gives him her ring in return.


Hans Christian is soon sent to school to become a gentleman and has to suffer the rudeness of a professor who belittles his abilities. Alison Steadman makes a brief appearance as a music teacher at the school who finds Hans Christian very attractive and later appears as the Little Mermaid's grandmother.


Hans Christian comes home to the Collins well educated and renews his acquaintance with the lovely young singer Jenny Lind. With Mr. Collin calling him "son" and Jette and Edvard promising to call him "brother" he feels loved and content. His admiration for Miss Lind grows as he shares some of his stories with her, even one named especially for her: The Nightingale.


When Miss Lind goes on a European singing tour Hans Christian follows her to Italy, France and England. Jette follows him for a while trying to show him that he doesn't just want to be his "little sister", but he is unfortunately blinded my his infatuation for Miss Lind. In England Hans Christian meets the great novelist Charles Dickens who he admires greatly. He spends much time staying with Mr. Dickens, "Mrs. Dickens and all the little Dickens", and there are ten children. By this time Hans Christian has a couple books for his fairytales in publication and is becoming quite popular. He writes a song for Miss Lind that tells of his love for her and he gets to watch her preform it before Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.


The Dickens family tires of Hans Christian after his five week stay and he heads home to Copenhagen following Miss Jenny Lind who is trying to kindly hint that his romantic attentions are not welcome. Finally Hans Christian proposes to Jenny and she has to refuse him, and he sees how foolish he has been. A gala is given in his honor by the royal family in Denmark and Miss Lind sings her Nightingale song for the last time as she has promised to marry her agent and will no longer preform on stage.


Jette is unfortunately absent at the gala as she has set sail for America hoping that a change of scenery will help her forget her love for Hans Christian. A very sad ending as the boat she is in catches fire and sinks, leaving no survivors. Mr. Collin tells Hans Christian how much Jette loved him and he finally sees too late that her love was always true. His fairytales live on as written proof of lost love and lessons learned.


I immediately looked us Mr. Andersen's bio on Wikipedia and found that this film stuck fairly close to his life story with few exceptions. It seems that Mr. Andersen came from the slums of Odense, but his father claimed to be related to the royal family. Mr. Andersen was crossed in love on all sides, no woman he loved returned his feelings (he did indeed propose to Jenny Lind). As far as Jette, Mr. Andersen is reported to have been in love with Louise Collin the youngest daughter of the family though she did not return his affections. He did meet and spend five weeks with Charles Dickens but Dickens' daughter stated of Mr. Andersen: "He was a bony bore, and stayed on and on." Dickens seemed to agree. Shortly after he got Andersen to leave he published David Copperfield which featured the the obsequious Uriah Heep, who is said to have been modeled on Andersen. Andersen himself greatly enjoyed the visit, and never understood why Dickens stopped answering his letters. He was a very confused man toward the end of his life, there's little knowledge of his faith but I did find this quote by him:

"Almighty God, thee only have I; thou steerest my fate, I must give myself up to thee! Give me a livelihood! Give me a bride! My blood wants love, as my heart does!"

A lovely film about the author's life, perhaps based on The Fairy Tale of My Life: An Autobiography but I'm not really sure about that, the title was at least. Beautiful costumes and settings, great acting, lovely fairytales woven throughout the film show how Hans Christian Andersen often used his stories to express his life and feelings. Mr. Andersen had a difficult life but rose to fame and left behind some of the best loved stories of all time.