Sing a song of 70-somethings

Song for Marion (PG)
Running time 93 minutes
Rating:***
The latest thing – in British films anyway – seems to be that everybody, whether they like it or not, has to open their mouth and give it large with some tune or other.
At Christmas time, there was Nativity 2, with choirs of youngsters competing for a prize. Last month, there was Quartet, with assorted vocal has-beens played by Billy Connelly, Maggie Smith and Tom Courtenay, and now we have Song for Marion.
Well to the fore of Marion’s choir is that icon of 1960s bad boy dash and devilry, Terence Stamp (Far From the Madding Crowd, Modesty Blaise), ably assisted by that great actress not widely known for her singing ability, Vanessa Redgrave.
Despite his age (74), Stamp is not half bad in the warbling stakes and, it must be said, neither is Ms Redgrave, both of whom would give Russell Crowe a run for his money when it comes to a little descant.
Song for Marion revolves around elderly couple Arthur (Stamp) and Marion (Redgrave). She is full of life, enjoyment, and loves singing with her friends in a local choir – aptly named the OAPZ. He is grumpy, scruffy, and loves smoking and drinking with his equally scruffy mates down the pub.
Despite this, they are a well-suited and devoted couple, which is fine until Marion gets sick and her place in the choir, run by attractive volunteer music teacher Elizabeth (played by Gemma Arterton – Hansel and Gretel, Quantum of Solace) is under threat.
Elizabeth enters them in a choir competition and despite the snobby attitudes of competition organisers, they get through to the finals. However, when the time comes, Marion is unable to sing with them and Arthur is finally persuaded to take her place in the choir.
It’s a nice little tale, reflecting the current popularity of choir singing, but also reflecting a typically British style of film that teeters on the acceptable edge of mawkish sentimentality.
The main characters are ably assisted by polished back-up performances, mainly from former cast members of Dinnerladies, plus a solid appearance by Christopher Eccleston (best known to some for being Dr Who).
Song for Marion is never going to set the world on fire as a film, but it has some memorable moments – especially involving elderly people doing things that embarrass youngsters – such as enjoying themselves or talking about sex.
Director Paul Andrew Williams keeps all the awkward oldies in line as much as he can, ensuring that the film at least ended with everyone on time. And, for people of a certain age, it’s perfectly good fun.