Review of 84 Charing Cross Road (1987) by Thomas L — 08 May 2008

This movie made me cry. I'm not ashamed to admit it. Perhaps it's because I'm a book lover myself that it affected me so much. Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins are in peak form. And it was so interesting to see Judi Dench (Britain's chief spymaster to most Americans who know her) before she was, you know, Dame Judi Dench and all that.

Based on a memoir by Helene Hanff, played by Ms. Bancroft, the film chronicles the nearly 20-year correspondence by New York book addict Helene and the unassuming English bookseller Frank Doel, from October 1949 until January 1969.

It starts with Helene finding his add in a magazine because she's looking for some old books. And it turns into a friendship during which she touchs not only Frank's life, but the lives of his coworkers and family.

Even if you're only a casual reader, you'll like this. If you're not a reader at all, this may change (i.e. remedy) that.