84 Charing Cross Road is a book of the correspondence between Helene Hanff of New York City and Frank Doel of London. Frank worked for a bookshop in London and the address was 84 Charing Cross Road. Helene Hanff had seen an ad in the Saturday Review of Literature that listed the bookshop of Marks & Co in London as specializing in out of print books. Helene first wrote to the bookshop in October 1949 and kept writing letters to the same bookshop for twenty years. At first, she addressed her letters to "Gentlemen" but after noticing that the same man always answered her letters, she asked if she could know who she was addressing, rather than to just know him by his initials..FFD. Frank Doel did reply to her and the letters are so funny and so well written. It is quite obvious that Helene Hanff is a straight-talking Yankee from NYC and Frank Doel is the proper English gentleman! She not only wrote letters but also, sent wonderful packages of food which were very well received since England was still under strict rationing at the time. Of course, I have my own reasons to love a book about the letters between an American woman and an Englishman. (Read my profile. Reader, I married him. Sorry, I always wanted to say that.) Helene was never able to meet Frank, which was very sad, but she did make it to England and met Frank's wife and children and was able to tour the London that she had always dreamed of seeing. Helene Hanff wrote about it in her book, The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street.
I love both of these books, and I must tell you that the movie made of 84 Charing Cross Road is also excellent! Perfectly cast, Anne Bancroft plays Helene Hanff and Anthony Hopkins plays Frank Doel and they are wonderful! The role of Frank's wife, Nora, is played by Judi Dench and although she only has a very small role, there is one scene where she says almost nothing, but all the emotion is just on her face and is a very moving scene. I found a clip of the movie and I hope you will have time to watch it...when Helene Hanff talks about William Blake seeing a prophet as a child, it just makes me laugh, I am sorry, but it does!
Also, in the movie Frank goes to a seaside town in England with his wife and children and of course, it rains. (Hey, I didn't say it, that is what they say in the movie!) What was exciting to me was that, even though it was not credited in the film, the seaside town was Eastbourne in England! (I have written about Eastbourne before, if you want to go back and see my posts!) Therefore, whenever I am there I have to go and stand in the same place where Anthony Hopkins and Judi Dench once stood, which is just behind the Bandstand on the seafront in Eastbourne. It is possible that it could have been the next column over where the actors posed, but it is close enough for me. Watch the movie and you will recognize this spot!
And the book has the title like this: 84, Charing Cross Road, so that is why I have titled my post in that way. Are you supposed to put a comma after the number in an address, is that the proper way to do it? I really don't know, but if Helene Hanff has it that way, then it shall have the comma. Please let me know if you have read these books and/or seen the movie. If not, what are you waiting for?
I've never heard of this book or movie before, but it sounds interesting. I am sad that Helene never did get to meet Frank after all those lovely correspondences they enjoyed together. Sometimes, certain things just aren't meant to happen.
Even though they never met, they enjoyed writing to each other so much, you can feel the warmth between them. The movie is just as good as the book, and I don't often say that!
So happy to share something that I think you will love! And I LOVE Anne Bancroft too, as you know, she was married to Mel Brooks...wouldn't you love to have known that couple? Funny! :-) Loved Anne Bancroft in Miracle Worker and she was Mary Magdalene in Jesus of Nazareth! And of course, she was also Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate!
Dear Audrey, I love her too! See my reply to the comment above! She was also in a very funny movie called Heartbreakers with Sigourney Weaver. It is rated R (I think, or PG13, not sure, don't let your kids see it) but it is very funny! I loved her in that, such a great actress, and so good.
I love both those books, and the movie as well. One of my favourite scenes from the film is at Frank's dinner table, where the family is eating a dreadfully dull war-time meal, and Frank (ever so politely) says something like "Delicious" or "Very nice indeed". So English!
Every time Anthony Perkins walked up or past the steps of St. MitF I would nudge my husband and say "I've been there!" :)
I remember that scene! So good! Veddy English! HA Now, I know you meant Anthony HOPKINS but hey, I do the same thing! HA HA(PSYCHO MOMENT! Now, St. Mitf...I had to ask Richard what you meant by that and he said St Martin In The Fields and of course, I know that too! It is right beside the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square...love those lions!xx
Well, i'll have to look those books up. As to movies, it's harder for me to find time to watch things. Reading i can do very fast indeed, but movies take as long as they take.
I know of both the book and the movie but have not indulged in either one. They've been on my "to read" and "to view" lists FOREVER. Time to get off my duff, isn't it?
Now, Jane, as you can see from my comments above, this book is very short, so you can read it very quickly. The book that I have, combines the two books in one volume and it is only 217 pages.
I've read the book a long time ago. It's excellent. As for the comma, I can tell you with full authority that the book title is correct, as an English book. But having taught my first third grade English class over here to use the comma, to my horror I discovered that in the States there is NO COMMA after the street number.
Richard told me that when he first began writing to me (in 1974!) that he put the comma after his street number, but since I didn't, he started leaving the comma off. Those Brits, so polite! :-)
Hello Kay: We are delighted that you have enjoyed 84, Charing Cross Road which, although now some years ago since we read it, we found hugely entertaining. Now we must see the film - missed for some reason.
Thanks, Sue! I wondered if anyone noticed! Of course I love Jane Eyre too. Did you know that book was found on Churchill's bedside table after he died.? Ah, Winston, what a great writer, turns out he was a great reader too!
Dear Tracey, You would love the books. Helene is so funny in her Yankee American way, and Frank in his dry English way, such a contrast and yet, they are very similar!
Dear Nan, Of course, you would, I knew you would! :-) And I am glad that you recognize the comma as being correct, Richard wasn't home when I typed my post, and my old computer won't allow me to look things up while I am typing my post...it is frustrating at times!
I have read both books and enjoyed them a lot. I had picked up the book because it mentioned Charing Cross Road. When I was studying near London I would often walk up and down Charing Cross road and check all the second-hand books stores. There were a lot more there than now. If I had a lot of time I’d take the Tune to Tottenham Road then walk down Charing Cross Road to Foyle’s “The World’s Largest Bookstore” well in shelf area anyhow – 30 miles of shelf area. I found so many good books there – and I still have them. I know I need to give many away, but it’s hard (I must have close to 3,000 books…)
Oh yes, I know Foyle's! That is the one that I went to after I saw "Whistle Down The Wind" hoping to find the book. I figured they must have it in such a huge store, but they did not! Charing Cross Road is so very busy now and it looks very much different when I first saw it in the 80's. Well, all of London, really! Thanks so much for your comment! Don't you think our leaves in North Georgia are spectacular right now? :-)
I've read the book and seen the film and loved both. I loved the book so much that I went on to read a couple of her other books too though they're not as good. Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins were just perfect in the roles.
Thanks for your comment, Julie! Casting is everything in a movie, I am so picky about it, I should be a director! HA! Wonderful to meet you here. I just looked at your blog and I loved your post about Guy Fawkes Night along with the info on Parched Peas...they look just like our pinto beans in Georgia, we have them with cornbread, so good!
Hey Henry! Richard said that they used to do it, that is what he was taught in schools. So, that makes me think, what you doing when you were supposed to be learning to put a comma after the street number in an address, out smoking behind the building? HA!!
You have me bang to rights. The smoking took place - with,amongst others, Pete Lewsey and Mick Tanner - behind the tuck shop or in the woods by the side of the mill pitch.Sadly, these places, like many others in this country, now lie under concrete.
The cool kids smoked menthol, the 'hard'ones puffed on No 6 and,from the age of 16, I smoked a pipe.
Dear Henry, You see, I knew you were out smoking! That's so funny. Now, if we could just get you (and Sarah!) to STOP smoking. Yes, that's right, that is me NAGGING at you across thousands of miles. I just talked about the word "mess" on my latest post. Check it out and let me know if you have ever heard of that word used in that way in England! Ask your Mom & Dad too! (And of course, I KNEW you would have inhaled!) :-)
I have converted to ecigs with just occasional puffs of 'normal' cigs when the others are charging.
Sair says she is giving up completely on New Year's Day. That is the same day that Obama solves the fiscal cliff problem and the Pope declares that he is a Protestant!
This is a movie I would definitely watch. I think Hopkins is a wonderful actor and I love the story line- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteYou would love this movie! Anthony Hopkins was brilliant in this role. Let me know when you see it. xx
DeleteI've never heard of this book or movie before, but it sounds interesting. I am sad that Helene never did get to meet Frank after all those lovely correspondences they enjoyed together. Sometimes, certain things just aren't meant to happen.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you! :)
Even though they never met, they enjoyed writing to each other so much, you can feel the warmth between them. The movie is just as good as the book, and I don't often say that!
DeleteIt sounds charming.
ReplyDeleteIt is! The book and the movie. The book is very slim but it is packed full of laughter and love.
DeleteI've heard of the book and movie but have never read or seen either. I will have to check them both out! Thanks for the clip...I love Anne Bancroft.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to share something that I think you will love!
DeleteAnd I LOVE Anne Bancroft too, as you know, she was married to Mel Brooks...wouldn't you love to have known that couple? Funny! :-)
Loved Anne Bancroft in Miracle Worker and she was Mary Magdalene in Jesus of Nazareth! And of course, she was also Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate!
You have definitely peeked my interest ~ going to have to check this out!!!! I love Anne Bancroft.
ReplyDeleteDear Audrey,
DeleteI love her too! See my reply to the comment above!
She was also in a very funny movie called Heartbreakers with Sigourney Weaver. It is rated R (I think, or PG13, not sure, don't let your kids see it) but it is very funny! I loved her in that, such a great actress, and so good.
I love both those books, and the movie as well. One of my favourite scenes from the film is at Frank's dinner table, where the family is eating a dreadfully dull war-time meal, and Frank (ever so politely) says something like "Delicious" or "Very nice indeed". So English!
ReplyDeleteEvery time Anthony Perkins walked up or past the steps of St. MitF I would nudge my husband and say "I've been there!" :)
I remember that scene! So good! Veddy English! HA
DeleteNow, I know you meant Anthony HOPKINS but hey, I do the same thing! HA HA(PSYCHO MOMENT!
Now, St. Mitf...I had to ask Richard what you meant by that and he said St Martin In The Fields and of course, I know that too! It is right beside the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square...love those lions!xx
Well, i'll have to look those books up. As to movies, it's harder for me to find time to watch things. Reading i can do very fast indeed, but movies take as long as they take.
ReplyDeleteThe book is very slim but very good. And you would love the movie, if you see it listed, please don't miss it!
DeleteI know of both the book and the movie but have not indulged in either one. They've been on my "to read" and "to view" lists FOREVER. Time to get off my duff, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThat is what I am here for, Debra, to get you off your DUFF! HA!
DeleteIf you read the book or see the movie, let me know! Both are wonderful.
They sound like wonderful books - I will have to put them on 'The List', which is growing by the year :D
ReplyDeleteNow, Jane, as you can see from my comments above, this book is very short, so you can read it very quickly. The book that I have, combines the two books in one volume and it is only 217 pages.
DeleteI've read the book a long time ago. It's excellent. As for the comma, I can tell you with full authority that the book title is correct, as an English book. But having taught my first third grade English class over here to use the comma, to my horror I discovered that in the States there is NO COMMA after the street number.
ReplyDeleteRichard told me that when he first began writing to me (in 1974!) that he put the comma after his street number, but since I didn't, he started leaving the comma off. Those Brits, so polite! :-)
Delete84, Charing Cross Road is perfect, Charing X would get through and most folks would not notice anyway!
ReplyDeleteHA! Careful, you are beginning to sound like a crochety old person, like me! :-)
DeleteHello Kay:
ReplyDeleteWe are delighted that you have enjoyed 84, Charing Cross Road which, although now some years ago since we read it, we found hugely entertaining. Now we must see the film - missed for some reason.
LOVE 84, Charing Cross Road, the book and the movie!
DeleteIf you see the film, think of me! You will love it! And YOU will recognize Eastbourne, of course!
Kay, I have not read the book, nor have I seen the movie so I will have to look both of them up.
ReplyDeleteLook forward to you telling me in the future how good they both are! So good, you will become Contented Kitty!
DeleteP.S. HOW did I miss your Jane Eyre reference? Congrats on working that one in. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue! I wondered if anyone noticed! Of course I love Jane Eyre too. Did you know that book was found on Churchill's bedside table after he died.? Ah, Winston, what a great writer, turns out he was a great reader too!
DeleteI haven't read the books, but I think I should after reading this post. However, I have seen the film, which I enjoyed very much.
ReplyDeleteDear Tracey,
DeleteYou would love the books. Helene is so funny in her Yankee American way, and Frank in his dry English way, such a contrast and yet, they are very similar!
I love both the books, and the movie! My quote book has quite a few of her words. And yes, the Brits do seem to feature those commas in addresses. :<)
ReplyDeleteDear Nan,
DeleteOf course, you would, I knew you would! :-)
And I am glad that you recognize the comma as being correct, Richard wasn't home when I typed my post, and my old computer won't allow me to look things up while I am typing my post...it is frustrating at times!
I have read both books and enjoyed them a lot. I had picked up the book because it mentioned Charing Cross Road. When I was studying near London I would often walk up and down Charing Cross road and check all the second-hand books stores. There were a lot more there than now. If I had a lot of time I’d take the Tune to Tottenham Road then walk down Charing Cross Road to Foyle’s “The World’s Largest Bookstore” well in shelf area anyhow – 30 miles of shelf area. I found so many good books there – and I still have them. I know I need to give many away, but it’s hard (I must have close to 3,000 books…)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I know Foyle's! That is the one that I went to after I saw "Whistle Down The Wind" hoping to find the book. I figured they must have it in such a huge store, but they did not!
DeleteCharing Cross Road is so very busy now and it looks very much different when I first saw it in the 80's. Well, all of London, really!
Thanks so much for your comment! Don't you think our leaves in North Georgia are spectacular right now? :-)
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI've read the book and seen the film and loved both. I loved the book so much that I went on to read a couple of her other books too though they're not as good. Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins were just perfect in the roles.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Julie! Casting is everything in a movie, I am so picky about it, I should be a director! HA!
DeleteWonderful to meet you here. I just looked at your blog and I loved your post about Guy Fawkes Night along with the info on Parched Peas...they look just like our pinto beans in Georgia, we have them with cornbread, so good!
Hi Kay,
DeleteThanks very much for visiting and becoming a follower. I'll have to look out for pinto beans and give them a try. x
Hi Kay
ReplyDeleteI am an atypical Brit. It never occurred to me that a comma would serve any purpose in such a place.
Kind Regards
Henry
Hey Henry!
DeleteRichard said that they used to do it, that is what he was taught in schools. So, that makes me think, what you doing when you were supposed to be learning to put a comma after the street number in an address, out smoking behind the building? HA!!
Hi Kay
ReplyDeleteYou have me bang to rights. The smoking took place - with,amongst others, Pete Lewsey and Mick Tanner - behind the tuck shop or in the woods by the side of the mill pitch.Sadly, these places, like many others in this country, now lie under concrete.
The cool kids smoked menthol, the 'hard'ones puffed on No 6 and,from the age of 16, I smoked a pipe.
And, unlike Bill, we did inhale.
Happy days.
Take care
Henry
Dear Henry,
ReplyDeleteYou see, I knew you were out smoking! That's so funny. Now, if we could just get you (and Sarah!) to STOP smoking. Yes, that's right, that is me NAGGING at you across thousands of miles.
I just talked about the word "mess" on my latest post. Check it out and let me know if you have ever heard of that word used in that way in England! Ask your Mom & Dad too!
(And of course, I KNEW you would have inhaled!) :-)
Hi Kay
DeleteI have converted to ecigs with just occasional puffs of 'normal' cigs when the others are charging.
Sair says she is giving up completely on New Year's Day. That is the same day that Obama solves the fiscal cliff problem and the Pope declares that he is a Protestant!
Take care
Henry