It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 1976 |
| Products | Film |
It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet—known in the United States as All Things Bright and Beautiful—is the 1976 follow-up to the 1975 movie All Creatures Great and Small. Although it shares its name with James Herriot’s second book, the film actually adapts his third and fourth novels, Let Sleeping Vets Lie and Vet in Harness, which were combined in the US edition under the title All Things Bright and Beautiful. This production is part of the larger franchise inspired by Herriot’s writings.
This British-American collaboration features John Alderton stepping into the role of James Herriot, replacing Simon Ward, while Colin Blakely assumes the character of Siegfried Farnon, succeeding Anthony Hopkins. Lisa Harrow reprises her role as Helen. The movie also marks the screen debut of Richard Griffiths portraying Sam. Directed by Eric Till with a script by Alan Plater, it was an official entry at the 10th Moscow International Film Festival.
Synopsis
The story picks up where All Creatures Great and Small left off, chronicling the lives of James, Helen, and Siegfried from 1938 through to the onset of World War II.
Main cast
- John Alderton as James Herriott
- Colin Blakely as Siegfried Farnon
- Lisa Harrow as Helen
- Bill Maynard as Hinchcliffe
- Paul Shelley as Richard
- Richard Pearson as Granville
- Rosemary Martin as Mrs Dalby
- Raymond Francis as Colonel Bosworth
- John Barrett as Crump
- Philip Stone as Jack
- Clifford Kershaw as Kendall
- Kevin Moreton as William
- Liz Smith as Mrs Dodds
- Leslie Sarony as Kirby
- Gwen Nelson as Mrs Kirby
Production
The film was announced in July 1975 as part of EMI’s plan to produce eleven films with a combined budget of £6 million. Simon Ward declined to reprise his role due to unchanged salary terms. Principal photography commenced in January 1976 under the working title All Things Bright and Beautiful.
According to Jim Wight, son of Alf Wight (James Herriot), John Alderton’s interpretation of James was more dynamic and infused with humor compared to previous portrayals. Meanwhile, Colin Blakely’s version of Siegfried was more restrained than Anthony Hopkins’ earlier depiction. Alf Wight requested a softened characterization of Siegfried to avoid offending Donald Herriot, resulting in a less eccentric presentation.
John Alderton was later approached to play Herriot in the television adaptation All Creatures Great and Small, but he declined the offer.
Reception
Herriot’s biographer regarded John Alderton as the finest actor to embody Alf, commending his charming and genuine performance. Colin Blakely’s portrayal of Siegfried was noted for its seriousness and professionalism rather than intensity.
The publication Filmink observed that while this film featured a stronger actor for Herriot than All Creatures Great and Small, it suffered from a weak storyline, beginning with Herriot already established in Yorkshire without introducing significant new elements.
Home media
The movie was made available on VHS during the 1990s but has yet to be released commercially on DVD in either the UK (region 2) or the US (region 1).
External links
- It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet on the British Film Institute website
- Official website of James Herriot