Turtle Diary *** (1985, Glenda Jackson, Ben Kingsley, Richard Johnson) – Classic Movie Review 9993

Director John Irvin’s 1985 Turtle Diary stars Glenda Jackson and Ben Kingsley as children’s book writer Neaera Duncan (Jackson) and bachelor bookseller William Snow (Kingsley), who decide to free two of the sea turtles from London Zoo into the ocean and, in doing so, free themselves.

This amusing, tasty little fairy tale is based on the novel by Russell Hoban. Both the playing and the writing are nimble and sprightly, and the production is exemplary.

Harold Pinter comes up with a talky, but touching screenplay from Russell Hoban’s novel and he also appears in a cameo as a customer in the bookshop. Turtle Diary is produced by the actor Richard Johnson, who also plays Jackson’s neighbour.

Also in the attractive cast are Michael Gambon, Rosemary Leach, Eleanor Bron, Harriet Walter, Nigel Hawthorne, Michael Aldridge, Jeroen Krabbé, Tony Melody, Gary Olsen and Peter Capaldi.

Turtle Diary is directed by John Irvin, runs 97 minutes, is made by United British Artists, Britannic and British Lion Film Corporation, is released by Rank Film Distributors (1985) (UK) and The Samuel Goldwyn Company (1986) (US), is written by Harold Pinter, based on the novel by Russell Hoban, is shot in Technicolor by Peter Hannan, is produced by Richard Johnson, is scored by Geoffrey Burgon, and is designed by Leo Austin.

It is shot at London Zoo, Regent’s Park, London, England.

It was released by CBS/Fox Video (1986) (UK).

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 9993

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