The Secret Garden (1975– )

In 19th-century India, little Mary Lennox is suddenly orphaned by cholera. Her only living relative is her crook-backed uncle, Archibald Craven, so Mary is sent to live at his estate on the... See full summary »

Stars:

Sarah Hollis Andrews, Hope Johnstone, William Marsh

2 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Sarah Hollis Andrews	...	Mary Lennox (7 episodes, 1975)
Hope Johnstone	...	Mrs. (Agnes) Medlock (7 episodes, 1975)
William Marsh	...	John (7 episodes, 1975)
Jennie Goossens	...	Nurse (6 episodes, 1975)
Jacqueline Hoyle	...	Martha (Sowerby) (6 episodes, 1975)
John Woodnutt	...	Mr. Archibald Craven (6 episodes, 1975)
Tom Harrison	...	Ben Weatherstaff (4 episodes, 1975)
David Patterson	...	Colin (Craven) (4 episodes, 1975)
Lorraine Peters	...	Mrs. (Susan) Sowerby (4 episodes, 1975)
Andrew Harrison	...	Dickon (4 episodes, 1975)
Richard Warner	...	Dr. Craven (4 episodes, 1975)
Basil Clarke	...	Pitcher (3 episodes, 1975)
Alison Lowndes	...	'Lizabeth Ellen (Sowerby) (3 episodes, 1975)

Storyline

In 19th-century India, little Mary Lennox is suddenly orphaned by cholera. Her only living relative is her crook-backed uncle, Archibald Craven, so Mary is sent to live at his estate on the Yorkshire moors. Rude and unpleasant, Mary gradually begins to change as she explores the manor and grows to know some of the servants, particularly her maid Martha, and Ben Weatherstaff the gardener. With the help of a robin, Mary discovers a secret garden. She also discovers a cousin she never knew she had, and begins to form plans that transform her cousin, the garden, and ultimately herself.

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Plot Keywords:

garden | 19th century | robin | estate | gardener | 

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Genres:

Drama | Family

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Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 January 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

A titkos kert

Filming Locations:

Allerton Castle, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

BBC Video, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (7 episodes)

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Following the common BBC practice at the time, shots on sound stages (including those of the "secret garden" itself) were made on videotape while exterior shots were made on film and converted to videotape. In the final video, those shots converted from film fail to be as crisp and clear as the shots made directly to videotape.

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Goofs

Stage lights are reflected in Mary's silver dinner tray.

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Crazy Credits

In the 1984 condensed version, the BBC Video clip runs forward in the opening credits and runs backwards in the ending credits.

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Connections

Version of ABC Weekend Specials: The Secret Garden (1994)

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Soundtracks

"The Watermill"
Written by Ronald Binge

User Reviews

Fabulous family entertainment for all ages

Very impressive production! A simple story brought to life with superb acting, complex and consistent characters, and a believable and entertaining storyline. There's no "good" or "bad" characters. All the people have their good and bad sides and these are allowed to interact with other personalities.

Don't expect a multi-million dollar production, but this charming story is presented with much professionalism by the entire cast. An entirely enjoyable presentation for the whole family.