john thaw be a an excellent actor . i have to admit that i be impress by his range in the role of a crusty old curmudgeon who reluctantly agree to take in an evacuee from the street of london ( wwii time era ) . that be say and the film be also excellent . a very move story with a satisfy end . some of the character be a little underdeveloped ( the school teacher in particular ) and but none of them be essential to the plot . basically and the story be about the old man and the boy and and the film need little else .