The Snow Goose

A rare & hauntingly beautiful story

This is not the normal classic film I’ve been writing about, but I was sitting in my living room at a lull in the day and spotted this very thin, small book on the bookshelf. Right away I knew this would be my next posting.

I was 12 years old when I first saw this Hallmark Hall of Fame TV movie. I fell in love with this film, had a pre-teen crush on Richard Harris and began my collection of snow geese! I'm certain that my love of the charming villages along the English seaside came from this short story. To this day, I don’t think I’ve seen a movie that touched me as deeply and personally as this one. For me, this story is hauntingly beautiful. A dear friend of our family gifted me a first edition book by Paul Gallico in the early 1990’s which I have cherished and will cherish forever.

My first edition of The Snow Goose

Patrick Garland's award-winning adaptation of Paul Gallico's novel, The Snow Goose, is set against the striking backdrop of the Essex salt marshes during the early years of World War II. The story begins by introducing Philip Rhayader (Richard Harris), a hunched back recluse, shunned by society and living on the Essex’s Great Marsh in an abandoned lighthouse. He has a love of nature and paints the wildfowl that dwell along the marsh. While out walking he discovers Frith (Jenny Agutter), a shy and innocent orphan girl cradling a Canadian snow goose that was shot and injured by game hunters.

Together, Philip and Frith take the goose back to the lighthouse and tend to the bird’s injuries. Despite hearing warnings from villagers about “the odd man in the lighthouse”, Frith visits Philip daily and they develop a deep friendship. After a long winter spent nursing the goose back to health, the bird migrates north which leaves Frith heartbroken. Without seeing each other since the goose left, Philip falls back into a lonely life.

Philip and Frith tending to the bird’s injuries

Meanwhile, the Germans have invaded Poland and are now at war. Philip tries to enlist with the Local Observer Corps but is rejected. Now, three years have passed, and Frith and the snow goose return to visit Philip, and his loneliness seems to be lifted. But he soon learns that the British Expeditionary Force are trapped on the beach at Dunkirk, so he takes this opportunity prove himself good in the eyes of those who have shunned him. This absorbing tale takes an unexpected turn when Philip selflessly sacrifices himself to British soldiers in the Dunkirk battle, adding a twist that will tug at your heartstrings.

Frith, Philip and the snow goose reunited

Philip pleading with the Local Observer Corps to let him help

The Snow Goose explores the unique bond between birds and humanity. If you’re like me, you will be deeply moved by the captivating beauty in this story. The movie was filmed on the peaceful Blackwater in Essex, at the sea wall near Osea Island.

River Blackwater and the Essex salt marshes

DETAILS:
Directed by: Patrick Garland
Released: November 15, 1971
Production Company: British Broadcasting Company (BBC)
Writing Credits: Paul Gallico - (short story "The Snow Goose", published in 1940 by the Saturday Evening Post)
Paul Gallico – screenplay

Cast:

• Richard Harris as Philip Rhayader

• Jenny Agutter as Fritha

• Graham Crowden as the recruiting officer

• Julian Somers as Jim

• Freda Bamford as the postmistress

• Noel Johnson as the naval captain

• Gary Watson as the narrator

• William Marlowe as a soldier

Awards:

• 1972 - Golden Globe - Best Movie Made for TV - Winner

• 1972 - Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Single Program - Drama or Comedy - Nominated

• 1972 - Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role - Nominated

• 1972 - Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in Drama - Winner

The 1971 Hallmark Hall of Fame television production of The Snow Goose is considered "lost" to the public because no VHS or DVD copies exist. I would love to hear from anyone who has seen this movie and know your thoughts so please feel free to comment.

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The Flicks & Forks food choice:

I can assure you that it’s NOT roast goose!

Easy Crab Cakes & Dip

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup (55g) mayonnaise

• 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

• 1 small rib celery, minced (about ¼ cup minced)

• 1 pound (452g) fresh lump crab meat

• ½ cup (40g) panko breadcrumbs

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a large bowl, combine the eggs, mayo, mustard, worcestershire, Old Bay, and celery. Add crab meat and bread crumbs. Gently fold in just until combined. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Form chilled meat into small patties. Melt a little butter in the skillet and fry patties for 3-5 minutes on each side or just until golden. Serve immediately with fresh lemon and desired sauce.

NOTES

1. Can omit the celery.

2. If you prefer to bake: Preheat the oven to 450℉. Grease a baking sheet with butter. Place formed patties on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes.

Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup tartar sauce

• 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning, more or less depending on preference

• 1/2 of a small lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon

Instructions

• In a small bowl, whisk together the tartar sauce, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and worcestershire sauce.

• Serve immediately with crab cakes or store in a glass jar for later.

Enjoy!
…Jill