All Creatures Great and Small (film)
| Company type | Motion picture |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Founder | Claude Whatham (director) |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Film adaptation of James Herriot's novels |
| Parent | FCB Productions, Talent Associates, EMI Films |
All Creatures Great and Small is a British motion picture from 1975 (with copyright dated 1974), directed by Claude Whatham and featuring Simon Ward alongside Anthony Hopkins portraying Yorkshire veterinarians James Herriot and Siegfried Farnon. The film adapts the initial novels written by James Herriot—the pen name of veterinarian Alf Wight—namely If Only They Could Talk (1970) and It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet (1972).
Sharing its name with the 1972 American compilation of these novels, the movie initiated the franchise encompassing multiple films and television adaptations inspired by Herriot's stories. Its 1976 follow-up, It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet, draws from the subsequent two books, Let Sleeping Vets Lie and Vet in Harness.
Premise
Set in 1937, the narrative follows James Herriot, a newly qualified veterinarian who joins Siegfried Farnon’s practice in Yorkshire. As he confronts rural obstacles and local skepticism, he hones his veterinary expertise while pursuing a romantic relationship with Helen Alderson, the daughter of a farmer.
Development
The success of All Creatures Great and Small as a bestseller in the United States—where over three million copies were sold through the Reader's Digest edition—prompted the acquisition of film rights.
Although produced for NBC's Hallmark Hall of Fame, the film saw theatrical distribution outside the United States. Production was overseen by Duane Bogie for FCB Productions and David Susskind representing Talent Associates.
Budget figures differ: one account estimates $1.2 million, nearly twice NBC’s contribution; another indicates a $1 million budget sourced from $650,000 by NBC, $250,000 from EMI as distributor, and an additional $100,000 raised privately.
Simon Ward was selected for the lead role. He admitted to initially not being familiar with Herriot’s works and found portraying a real individual challenging but maintained a close rapport with Alf Wight until his passing.
Shooting
Principal photography commenced in May 1974 in Malton, located in North Riding of Yorkshire, with supplementary studio filming in London. Due to financial limitations, certain scripted sequences were omitted.
Ward recalled particularly demanding scenes such as repeatedly performing a complex veterinary operation on a pregnant mare.
Music
The film’s incidental score was composed by Wilfred Josephs.
Alf Wight expressed a preference for filming within the Yorkshire Dales but commended both the production and its cast. Conversely, Donald Sinclair—the inspiration for Siegfried Farnon—disapproved of his depiction and threatened legal action. To settle this dispute, Wight reportedly provided Sinclair with a portion of his book royalties.
Release
Following clearance by British censors in September 1974, the movie premiered on 9 May 1975 at London's Studio Two cinema on Oxford Street.
Reception
According to The Monthly Film Bulletin, the film presents an "everyday story of country folk" heavily reliant on clichés, portraying James Herriot’s life with period charm that eventually becomes monotonous. While it praised Peter Suschitzky’s cinematography and highlighted Anthony Hopkins’ notable performance, it suggested that the film primarily appeals to enthusiasts of The Archers and children interested in animals.
David Robinson of The Times described the film as "wholesome and warmhearted" but somewhat superficial, although he acknowledged credible performances from both Hopkins and Simon Ward. The The New York Times praised it as "beautifully" executed. Meanwhile, Filmink characterized the movie as "charming" but noted that its reputation has been eclipsed by subsequent television adaptations.
Home media
The movie has been made available on DVD in both Region 2 PAL and Region 1 NTSC editions.
Sequel
Following the original, the 1976 sequel titled It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet was released, starring John Alderton as James and Colin Blakely portraying Siegfried, with Lisa Harrow returning as Helen. This continuation of the narrative was directed by Eric Till and written by Alan Plater.
Beginning in 1978, a television adaptation inspired by the book premiered, garnering high viewership in the UK and continuing its run until 1990.