84 Charing Cross Road (1987) - Anthony Hopkins recites Yeats (with lyrics)

Film about two friends (Anthony Hopkins & Anne Bancroft) who had never met, based on Helene Hanff's book. For the true booklovers. Lyrics:
He Wishes For The Cloths Of Heaven, William Butler Yeats
"Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half-light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams."

[@iangalbraith1993]

In an ideal world, we’d have an audiobook of Yeats read by Anthony. Now that would be heaven

[@funfor1life]

Exactly! That would be my first ebook purchase... This short passage was so touching and meditative. Can't imagine what kind of hypnotic and introspective experience a full book reading of Mr. Yeats by Mr. Hopkins would be.

[@esc6786]

AI can do that.....

[@isabelsilveira5031]

​@@esc6786Não, não pode!

[@alesbica]

I love how he reads one of the poems from his own distant relative, William Yeats. How appropriate and how beautiful.

[@ndmillar1]

Great factoid thank you!

[@mikeyates7931]

Do you mean that Anthony Hopkins is related to William Butler Yeats ? Because I am too , so , if that's the case , I'm also related to Anthony Hopkins !

[@hobbestheimaginary4205]

@@mikeyates7931 your name is Toby

[@mikeyates7931]

@@hobbestheimaginary4205 kunta - kunta kintay

[@ts-eu6mp]

I used to tell my children that I would actually marry Anthony Hopkins! No joke-just the facts. Though I was married-and would even say it to my hubby-he understood that! I mean, really, if that can be true then what small, insignificant, heretofore unknown, except at home, fact! A "few" (ahem) years older than I, it mattered not on whit! What a marvelous person and what a thrill to watch and hear as such a versatile actor-one who inhabits the role and not the other way around. I'm saying what o many already know. Thank, Sir Anthony Hopkins for sharing your love of acting with us all. Kindest Regards, Teresa Spencer. (Williams). :)

[@kelsoamistad9145]

Anthony Hopkins voice is so heavenly. I could really easily distinguish his beautiful voice.

[@shahbazsheikh3545]

"But I, being poor, have only my dreams."

[@jamesdrynan]

A sweet and gentle film of friendship and unrequited love. My favorite scene is when Frank, ( Hopkins, ) reads a letter to his dying friend. After he says, " Mustn't grumble, " Hopkins expression just devastates me. As he folds the letter and reaches for his hat, the words unsaid are plainly written on his face.

[@hansvanniekerk768]

Mel Brooks bought the rights ot 84 Charing Cross Road for (his wife) Anne Bancroft's birthday ! How sweet of this funny man. Did nobody notice the sublime MUSIC for the scene 0.30-0.40. min. Starting with the stealthy view of Frank, sparkling with anticipation - and a few seconds later when the American lady discovers being seen - they exchange smiles and the music expands and releases the tension. Marvellous !' Music by George Fenton.

[@gila1959]

One of my loved loved movies ever..warm humorous relationship gentle touching performance of Bancroft and Hopkins. How I miss these kind of movies...

[@dsmith8937]

... and this scene, it tears at me.

[@Serai3]

The most beautiful poem I know, read by the most beautiful voice.

[@thomascreeley867]

I nearly recited the poem at my wedding (first encountering it here in this clip, actually) but ultimately decided it was a day, of all days, that required just my own words. It's a lovely poem and Hopkins is an extraordinary actor.

[@vasudhakota972]

I saw this clip and decided i should read the book first. I finished reading it in one hour. What a treat it is to all book lovers! It contains decent correspondence between people of good taste before the social network sites came into existence. A must read for all classic readers.

[@susancorgi]

Accidentally found and watched it on netflix. So sad in the end but love this film so much 🥺

[@stemack1975]

This has to be one of my favourire poems I memorized this many years back And each time I come back to it I find more love for it.. Jules Guides reminded me again Abientot

[@ts-eu6mp]

And to put incredible Anne Bancroft with him is genius! How marvelous! TS

[@nicoledeloncrais5940]

This movie is seriously delicious and delightful. It’s crafted so thoughtfully and creativity especially considering the book 📚 was entirely letters and notes 📝. Brilliant.

[@graytonw5238]

I watched this movie many years ago on VHS and decided to watch it again last night. Great movie, great acting and great actors. I know this scene is supposed to focus on Hopkins' reciting Yeats, but the thing that drew my attention here was the customer. I kept wondering where I had seen her (at first I thought, "Wait, is that Helen Mirren??"). Then I watched the credits and saw Connie Booth and realized that was her. Wow, Connie Booth of the old Fawlty Towers, John Cleese's former wife! Seems like she just disappeared from acting many years ago, too bad.

[@AGMundy]

84 Charing Road is a delightful film, a charming literary love story. This reading is lovely. The scene where Helene learns of the death of Frank is quite moving.

[@Quadromodo]

Nothing rings more true in my heart than that poem.

[@skymods777E]

Lovely cinema. It's one of my favorite movies.

[@HerAeolianHarp]

Beautiful and meaningful. A wonderful book. A gem of a film.

[@benreadspoetry7958]

Wonderfully read by Tony - but what else would you expect from such a masterful actor and voice?! I’ve read a couple of Yeats’s poems on my channel (including this) and ‘When You Are Old’ - do check them out if you have a moment!

[@LammaDogLover]

Thank you Anthony. I read this at a dear friend's funeral today and you trained me up for it.

[@supersized1399]

Best video on KZbin

[@groovygirl23]

I adore this movie.

[@austinforant4264]

Between Sir Anthony Hopkins or Sir Michael Caine I don't know who I could listen to more. Both have such calm soothing voices when reading poetry

[@normasouthwood3182]

@Austin Forant. Sir Michael recited "Abou Ben Adam" by I think Legh Hunt, in the film "Alfie." It was done most exquisitly.

[@secondcity11]

Whenever I visit London I like to visit the few bookshops now on Charing Cross Road, was there this week and purchased a lovely art book very reasonable. I think this film has influenced me probably for the rest of my life thinking about it...

[@darrylwynwilliams1760]

Absolutely Beautiful

[@mzhavisham6738]

Bless poetry with Yeats to bring me back to sanity in an insane world and read my Mr Hopkins is a bonus.

[@mariebear642]

He was my COVID buddy. I watched him when he was at home doing what ever he was doing.

[@jekorb]

I love this movie (and anything written by Helene Hanff) so much! Thanks for posting it....

[@highcasescriver]

Just Beautiful

[@iangalbraith1993]

Oh I could listen all day. Please continue 😂😍

[@lkctom2546]

I need more of Anthony Hopkins reading poetry 😂

[@walkabou5]

A wonderful film

[@MrKC23]

He wishes for the Cloths of Heaven Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths, Enwrought with golden and silver light, The blue and the dim and the dark cloths Of night and light and the half-light, I would spread the cloths under your feet: But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

[@jeremyreagan9085]

I must see this film. I as a rabid, book lover adore all films about literature.

[@SmittenKitten.]

Perhaps you mean you're a "rabid" book lover? ;)

[@jeremyreagan9085]

Yes "rabid" is the correct word.

[@vandanascimento6787]

Sempre um bom ator

[@i_hate_google_]

Hannibal Lecter is such a good actor

[@desdicado999]

silly comment

[@nicolesong6199]

So he is

[@AxmedBahjad]

HAD I the heavens' embroidered cloths, Enwrought with golden and silver light, The blue and the dim and the dark cloths Of night and light and the half-light, I would spread the cloths under your feet: But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams. William Butler Yeats

[@grapiken7766]

My goodness... That is truly awesome. It restores your faith in humanity

[@homolgus1]

Axmed Bahjad I once put those words on a valentines card the effect was stunning,they are so beautiful no one can really resist W B Yeats

[@grapiken7766]

robert kelly I take back my original comment though... After reading about W B Yeats. He treated women badly, especially his wife whom he used for her money and as a kind of housekeeper.

[@AxmedBahjad]

robert kelly Thanks for sharing your experience with me! I will have to put these words down on a postcard to a nice and lucky girl!

[@daviddalton9214]

Gra Piken : True. But bastards are common. Poets are rare. Sing with the words.

[@DiedrichKnickerbocker1783]

Just saw Equilibrium and it brought me here. Now onto Ulysses, I believe that is the poem M is reading in Skyfall. "Tread softly because you tread on my dreams."

[@eppiehemsley6556]

" Complain all you like but you won't change my Blue Ray ".

[@AcademyNS]

This is the film where I first met Anthony Hopkins, so when Silence of the Lambs came out later, I thought, why should I be afraid of Frank Doel?

[@caelegape114]

Gosto desses filmes antigos...

[@tiepolo100]

Beautiful 💕

[@CPedroso]

Er wünscht sich des Himmels Tuche, William Butler Yeats Hätt ich des Himmels gestickte Tuche, durchwirkt von silbern und goldenem Licht, die blauen und matten und dunklen Tuche von Tag und Nacht und Dämmerlicht, ich breitete dir sie unter die Füße: Doch bin ich arm, hab nur meine Träume, meine Träume legte ich dir unter die Füße, trifft sanft auf, du trittst auf meine Träume.

[@DSAK55]

Heartbreaking

[@marianneritavanvliet4554]

I ove this series I am a Britain fan always

[@LeCommedieDellArte]

Lovely, really lovely !! :)

[@IvoAffonso]

"Tivesse eu os tecidos dos céus bordado, com luz dourada e prateada, O azul e o escuro De noite e luz e à meia-luz, Eu os espalharia sob teus pés: Mas , sendo pobre, tenho apenas meus sonhos; Eu estendi meus sonhos sob seus pés; Caminhe suavemente , você está caminhando sob meus sonhos. "

[@donjuancontreras5034]

Do you want love in your life? Then open your heart.

[@joantatham8623]

Don Juan Contreras h

[@donjuancontreras5034]

Hi Joan

[@mgenthbjpafa6413]

There is more to that relation than reading...

[@mohammed-fahad1985]

تمني أردية الجنة لو أنني ملكت أردية الجنة الموشاة، المحاكة ببريق الذهب والفضة، الأردية الزرقاء الداكنة والقاتمة المصنوعة من الليل والضوء و الضباب، لمددتها أسفل قدميك لكن، كوني فقيراً، لا أملك سوى أحلامي مددتها أسفل قدميك؛ فلتخطي برفق؛ إنك تخطين فوق أحلامي.

[@grapiken7766]

Why is this film not digitally restored and reissued on Blue Ray? Fools!

[@michelvanderlinden8363]

Because shitty action movies that are considered "blockbusters" take priority. I mean, why have this amazing movie on blueray when you could have Ghostbusters/TMNT/Transformers/etc on Blue Ray :/. *cries a little inside*

[@grapiken7766]

Michel van der Linden Yes. Godzilla stomping over cities gets instant priority. The same audience can eat their popcorn at the same time that way.

[@sophiabaldaracci5523]

Agree with the other replies. Marvel, Horror, Sci-Fi get made first....

[@clouddweller1195]

Quite a film.

[@johnniejukebox]

LOVE.x

[@mikeyates7931]

WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS would have been my great , great ,great , great uncle - Maud broke his heart

[@mistermuso2734]

This video really should have been trimmed to stop at 1:57. The lovely calm feeling after the reading of that poem was completely ruined by the horrific noise from the start of the next scene.

[@realguitarshredder]

0:38 to 0:39 anthony hopkins ears go up like a happy dogs lol..

[@clar5295]

No poem compares

[@joesoap81]

@alesbica I knew Hopkins Mother was Yeats but I didnt know they were relatives? Im writing this 4 miles from Yeats grave in Sligo btw.

[@niloh96]

@joesoap81 Well stranger,'He Wishes for the Clothes of Heaven',he is speaking directly to Maud Gonne in this poem,the woman he had his pathetic infatuation with for so many years.And tells her that if he had the sky and heavens above,he would lay them at her feet. Hopkins reads it pretty well,better than Yeats himself.

[@timtrek]

why is being in love pathetic?

[@VentraleStar]

Pathetic doesn't have to have exactly negative connotations. Just as pitiful.

[@chocknog5763]

@@timtrek It is when it is not reciprocated by the other person...

[@johnheart6890]

“Polly can not cope!!!”

[@binghamguevara6814]

There should have been a more dramatic tone shift on "But I being poor ..." -- notice the colon before it. A colon always clarifies the ambiguity of the sentence before it; and in this case, the clarification is that because he's so poor, he possesses no such embroidery, and nor needs to -- because the heavenly embroidery is her.

[@hamletholmes4468]

1:24

[@SAP_Drums]

1:24 is when he starts

[@pacencia1961]

Suberbo!

[@freqeist]

1:24 recital.

[@ospreybird]

:-)

[@eppiehemsley6556]

Isn't the lady Connie Booth?

[@nicolesong6199]

wow... i feel so sorry for him and Helene Hanff. Like............. were letters sent by boat or plane back in those days?

[@joshua2329]

She turned down a first edition of animal farm 🤣

[@austinforant4264]

0:04 he kinda looks like uncle Rudi from THE MAN FROM U*N*C*L*E, same suit, same haircut same glasses

[@arturodelarosa3813]

Señores, quisiera ver la película completa pero con subtítulos en español o si se puede en español. ¿Que debo hacer?

[@sametoyoutoo8509]

I wish they'd met in reality. Were they in love?

[@qetiogusliriope7436]

I assume you dream, Preston?

[@muhammadazneel]

nah, I think Sean Bean did it better in Equilibrium. My opinion though..

[@dusanbudisavljevic6938]

Agreed

[@dementare]

Only because the stakes were higher at that moment, and the context of that entire film... though... had it been Anthony Hopkins in that role... I think he'd have done it better.

[@shilloshillos]

This is not "shadowlands" is it?

[@jordanjenkins5948]

🔥 This is a wonderful movie 0:51 🔥💖🎬 👇 👇 👇 👇 👇💙