Starring: Luke Treadway, Nina Wadia, Anna Wilson-Jones, Christina Tonteri-Young, Tim Lister, Stephen McCole, Celyn Jones, Phaldut Sharma, Poppy Roe, Sheena Bhatessa
Distributor: Rialto Films
Runtime: 92 mins. Reviewed in Dec 2020
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For many audiences, especially cat-lovers (and maybe even dog-lovers), the book and the film, A Streetcat Named Bob, based on the writings by James Bowen, another visit from Bob and James will be welcome. And, it is set in London at Christmas, not always full of good cheer, but, especially by the end, a happy time for all.
Once again, Luke Treadway is James Bowen, former drug-addict, clean, going through the process of cold turkey with the help of Bob. They now live in a flat in London, James going out with his guitar, busking in Covent Garden or selling The Big Issue at Angel Station. Bob, generally present, perched on James’ shoulders. And, it being Christmas, somebody kindly gives Bob a little Santa jacket and cap.
James encounters the Animal Welfare patrol harassing a young busker. James defends him, brings him home, despite his surliness, gives him a meal and tells him stories about Bob. Flashbacks and away we go.
The film is a reminder of life on the streets in London. Another sympathetic character is Bea (a touch of romantic interest) who works at a soup kitchen, in full preparations for hosting those in need at Christmas. There is some rough reality when the food kitchen is robbed. In the meantime, the villains of the piece turn out to be the animal welfare authorities, concerned about Bob’s well-being, suspicious of James, making all kinds of investigations, character references, talking about his history and reliability.
Another sympathetic character is Moody, a man with Indian background who runs the local store. He is a good listener for James, supplying sardines for Bob, able to help when Bob gets sick and needs a vet (and we have seen a sympathetic vet, Dr Becky, associated with the soup kitchen). With all the persecution, Moody goes on line, setting up a petition for signatures in favour of James and Bob. Which rather overwhelms the animal welfare people!
When word gets around to let people know where Bob is and they gather in crowds, bringing gifts, especially a woman who had been knocked down on the street and whom James had helped. She turns out to be a television chef (and, perhaps a touch gooey, on TV she shows the biscuits he has made in Bob’s shape and with the Santa clothes).
On the whole, a cheery show, full of feeling, and a glint of a tear in the eye at the end.
Peter Malone MSC
