When people think of the late Sidney Poitier's work they usually think about To Sir, with Love (1967) or Guess Who's Coming To Dinner (1967). While these two films are some of the best from the 1960's, Poitier also made some important films in the 1970's. A Warm December (1973) is one of those films. It stars Poitier who also directs this film, as Dr. Matt Younger, a widow with a young daughter. The film begins with Dr. Younger and his daughter traveling to England for a month long vacation. Esther Anderson also costars as Catherine Oswandu who is the niece of an African Ambassador named George Oswandu. Catherine is England because she is involved in negotiations with the Soviet Union to build a vital hydroelectric project in her country. Catherine has an air of mystery around her that fascinates Dr. Younger and for a while they play a cat and mouse game with one another.
While Dr. Younger (Poitier) attempts to figure out the mysterious Catherine (Anderson), secrets are uncovered about Catherine that leads each of them to decide whether or not they should pursue their attraction to one another. This film has some Love Story (1970) elements to it but it is more of an unspoken or rather a delicately spoken reality to life and love that makes this film so special. There is an intelligence and grace about Catherine that even makes the viewer fall in love with her.
This film takes on the subject of love in a mature and adult manner that is drama free and completely refreshing to watch. There is so much kindness, respect, and admiration shared between the two main characters of Dr. Younger and Catherine that is so nice to see in a film. Poitier was a man who lived his life as gracefully as he could. I feel that this film really shines on his capacity to see life and love in a way that can remind us of the gifts that love can bring despite the final outcome. A Warm December (1973) is a beautiful film that reminds us that it doesn't matter how long we have loved someone, what matters is that we loved.
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