The short animations, which were first screened in 1975, were for watching a meeting for my generation, not least because their low-frequency performance perfectly captured the absolute essence of the books, which were fun, crunchy and glorious anarchic, but also unexpectedly touching.
Michael Bond himself received the episodic role of “Kind Gentleman” in the first film about Paddington, starring Hugh Bonneville and Nicole Kidman, but alas died in 2017 at the age of 91, so he never managed to enjoy the most surreal chapter in the history of his sympathetic creation.
But this weekend, the nation – the world and probably the Great Aunt Lucy – the rest of the world witnessed the extremely polite but overly vulnerable glasses of a bear from Deepest Darkest Peru drinking tea with the Queen.
Cynics (ultimately Britain) were quick to point out that as an illegal immigrant here in 2022, Paddington would be immediately deported to Rwanda by Priti Patel, although I have a hunch that one of his cruel looks will drive the interior minister away. faster than you can say, “I’m not a criminal, I’m a bear.
At the time of raising the curtains for the party at Paddington Palace, she was an avatar of CGI, added later, but Her Majesty was a very real deal, showing admirable audacity by acting in an empty space. Her smile was so authentic, but her eyes so gleaming, that there must be no doubt that there must have been a dear substitute in the chair opposite. Maybe a grandson. Or better yet, a horse.
Either way, the Queen shone, illuminated the screen, played with real pleasure, and playfully allowed her subjects to glimpse a small part of personal mischief beyond public burden.
Michael Bond speaks with great affection about his character: “I would not mind if he were – he was never overthrown or weakened. He has the naivete of a child and the sophistication of an adult, “he once explained before adding,” There is something so honest about Paddington. I don’t want to disappoint him. “
I think we can all agree that in light of her selfless 70 years of rule – and of course this marmalade sandwich in her handbag – Her Majesty is provoking the same response in many of us.
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