I hesitate to call this a 'gentle comedy' because it seems almost patronising. I would not wish to be so about this interesting, quirky and very English film. No doubt some will say me that because there are only straight white people in it, it shouldn't even be accorded viewing time, but for those of us who appreciate films that focus on humanity, community and all its peculiarities, This slice of mid-century English village life is peopled with characters (including the architecture of the village) that I recognise from my own youth. Before we were exposed to the larger world and the worst of it, so unremittingly, and without balance. So many wonderful English character actors who bring flavour to a few lines. One thing to note is the beautifully vivid technicolour which gives real vibrancy to the location filming, heightening the greens as it does. There are people like this all over the world still, people who help their communities, who have local passions and quarrels but who live within a framework of respect and trust. We just don't make films (or TV) about them anymore. Sigh.