All Creatures Great and Small

All Creatures Great and Small is a 1975 British film (copyrighted in 1974), directed by Claude Whatham and starring Simon Ward and Anthony Hopkins as Yorkshire vets James Herriot and Siegfried Farnon. It is based on the first two James Herriot novels (actually written by veterinary surgeon Alf Wight): If Only They Could Talk (1970) and It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet (1972). The film was given the same title as the 1972 US compilation volume of these two novels. It is the first of a series of films and television series based on Herriot's work. A sequel was released in 1976, somewhat confusingly titled It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet, although it actually covers the two following novels, Let Sleeping Vets Lie and Vet in Harness. Premise In 1937, newly qualified vet James Herriot travels to Yorkshire for the post of assistant in Siegfried Farnon’s practice. He learns the facts of country life, but has to overcome the prejudices of the Darrowby locals who are sceptical of the novice vet's ability. In between cases, Herriot courts farmer’s daughter Helen Alderson. Main cast