The short animations, which were first screened in 1975, were an appointment for my generation, especially because their low-end presentation wonderfully captured the absolute essence of the books, which were fun, great. and gloriously anarchic but also unexpectedly poignant.
Michael Bond himself was given the cameo role “Kindly Gentleman” in Paddington’s first film, starring Hugh Bonneville and Nicole Kidman, but sadly died in 2017 at the age of 91, so he was never able to enjoy the chapter anymore. surreal story of his adorable creation.
But this weekend the nation, the world and possibly Aunt Lucy, the rest of the world witnessed the scrupulously polite, albeit overly accident-prone, spectacle bear of the deepest, darkest Peru taking the tea with the queen.
The cynics (after all, this is Britain) quickly pointed out that, as an illegal immigrant, here in 2022 Paddington would be deported immediately to Rwanda by Priti Patel, although I have a hunch that one of his stern looks would more quickly release the Home Secretary. of what you can say “I’m not a criminal, I’m a bear.”
In raising the curtain for Party at the Palace, Paddington was a CGI avatar added later, but His Majesty was the real deal showing great courage acting in the empty space. Her smile was so genuine, her eyes so bright, but there was no doubt that there must have been a much-loved substitute in the front seat. A grandson perhaps. Or better yet, a horse.
Either way, the queen was radiant, illuminating the screen, playing with genuine taste, and allowing her subjects a small glimpse of private evil beyond public gravity.
Michael Bond spoke fondly of his character: “I wouldn’t mind being him, he’s never downed or deflated. It has the ingenuity of a child and the sophistication of an adult, “he once explained before adding,” There’s something so straightforward about Paddington. I don’t want to disappoint him. “
I think we can all agree that in light of his selfless reign of 70 years, and of course the jam sandwich in his purse, His Majesty also elicits the same response in many of us.