A Warm December (1973)

Absolutely Fantastic

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

The first must-see film of the year.

It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny

This is one of my absolutely favorite movies. I try to watch it every time I find out it is coming on television. A genuine inspiration to me because I was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia when I was 9 years old. The doctor told my mother that I would never live to be 18 years old. When I was 17, I became severely ill and was unable to walk for a long time. I bless the Lord because I am still alive and an avid Advocate for Sickle Cell Warriors. I am trying to get more awareness of this movie that was filmed when people did not consider those of us who suffer daily with such severe pain. The Writer: Lawrence Roman is to be commended. There must be a story behind this. I preached a sermon one time: "Behind Every Glory, There Is a Story!" Still hanging on at 70. Sidney Poitier was the first Movie Star I saw in "Lilies of the Field!" I do wish I could have met him, because he made such an impact on my life.Bishop Ann Elmore Ambers January 17, 2018

Logging on to the IMDb to rate this movie, I was surprised to find that I'd previously rated it some years ago, giving it a perhaps-harsh 4/10. That's the beauty of this later Poitier endeavour... it's so forgettable you can see it more than once and each time it's like the first.That's not to say that the languid pace and TV movie direction by Poitier (far more effective in front of the camera than behind it, sadly) make this a film without merit. In its layered depiction of black people on the screen, Poitier's second England movie may not be the equal of the first, but has plenty of things to say... even if it does say those things in a relaxed, heavily reflective manner.The real problem with the film is that as a love story with a tragic twist it's incredibly staid, almost sterile. Chemistry is not flowing from the screen here, even for the relatively passive time in which it was made. And such a stiff depiction of romance is only expounded by the presence of Yvette Curtis as Poitier's daughter. While okay at general lines, she's unable to emote, and scenes where she's supposedly concerned over whether Catherine lives or dies see her looking like she's wondering to have jam or just butter on her morning toast.Six years before this Poitier was the biggest box office star in the world, having had three huge hits in 1967. After this it's directing and co-starring with Bill Cosby in three so-so comedies and appearing in a Michael Caine thriller, then acting retirement. Such a drastic change in his standing is remarkable.Despite Poitier's much later return from retirement (and later, sad decline into TV movie actor... what a waste) A Warm December marks one of his final last gasps as a major force. As a Sidney Poitier work then it's probably not even in the top 15 of his films that you should make a point of seeing. But, if you've got an afternoon when you're not too busy, A Warm December will help to pass the time quite pleasantly... if not so memorably.

Thanks to the TV1 Network, I had the opportunity to see this fantastic film. I absolutely loved it! It was a quaint and refreshing break from the norm. It is one that I would love to add to my collection so that I might share this gem with friends and family. In the 70's when the film was released, I was merely a twinkle in my parents eyes but oh how I have come to love and appreciate Sydney Poitier as an outstanding actor. I've had the privilege of experiencing, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "A Raisin in the Sun," and "Uptown Saturday Night." I look forward to delving into the treasure of Sydney Poitier classics. Thank you for a great film. It was wonderful to watch a beautiful romance unfold.

Had this been Doris Day and Rock Hudson...this movie would have won an Academy Award as best picture. It was one of the first movies of this type to display minorities of color as people and not stereotypes.The outstanding performances by all of the actors in this movie and should be emulated by all movies of this type. If anyone has any information on Esther Anderson; please contact me.If anyone has any information on Yvette Curtis; please contact me.Good Writing,excellent performances, and insightful dialogs make this a movie that should be in all collections.This is movie making at its best.