This justly famous short story by Paul Gallico is surprisingly simple in its construction and densely emotional in its impact. There are familiar plot elements: ugly old man meets beautiful young girl, and they develop a close relationship. In some ways one is moved to think of Silas Marner–there are both rich and rigid qualities in their love, never consummated, sharply constrained.
The Snow Goose (1971, TV movie, 60 minutes) is a fascinating and authentic vision of Gallico’s story. Richard Harris earnestly portrays the artist, Philip Rhayader, who has life experience to share with the girl, Fritha (Jenny Agutter).
The eroticism of Rhayader’s relationship with Fritha is encompassing, reinforced repeatedly before the final scenes. It’s like the sensual heat of Girl With A Pearl Earring, deeply heartfelt and almost completely unexpressed. Vermeer painted his girl from life; Rhayader painted his girl from memory, a symbolic reflection of his restrained character and the repressed relationship.
The story line of Snow Goose is mostly mundane. It easily sustains a dramatic tension, although the Dunkirk evacuation scenes are almost disembodied, almost a charade.
Snow Goose is eminently poetic—the ending that every viewer can anticipate occurs with realistic sadness and realistic revelation. Fritha feels the words in her heart: “Philip, I love ‘ee”
The long-patient viewer is finally released to wordless exultation.
Request The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico
