Little Boy Lost (1978)

The True story of Stephen Walls, a young Australian farm boy, whose disappearance galvanized a continent into action. Taught to be wary of strangers, the boy cannot know that the boisterous... See full summary »

Director:

Terry Bourke

Writers:

Terry Bourke (screenplay), John Powell (story),

Stars:

John Hargreaves, Tony Barry, Lorna Lesley

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Hargreaves	...	Jacko Walls
Tony Barry	...	Const. O'Day
Lorna Lesley	...	Dorrie Walls
James Elliott	...	Harry Tickle
Nathan Dawes	...	Stephen Walls
John Jarratt	...	Vic Tanner
Les Foxcroft	...	Grumps
Robert Quilter	...	Roy Grills
Don Crosby	...	Cyril Grills
John Nash	...	Wally Westley
Brian Anderson	...	Sgt. Fred Mason
Redmond Phillips	...	Canon Pritchard
Bernadette Hughson	...	Aunty Pat
Ray Marshall	...	Hotel Keeper
Julie Dawson	...	Ruth Tanner

Storyline

The True story of Stephen Walls, a young Australian farm boy, whose disappearance galvanized a continent into action. Taught to be wary of strangers, the boy cannot know that the boisterous hordes of volunteers are his saviors and not his enemies. After four tense days, hopes wanes. At last, a group of searchers spot the young Stephen, and its members are able to convice him that they want to help him reach home and family.

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Plot Keywords:

boy | australia | lost child | sergeant | independent film | 

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Taglines:

For four days and three nights a nation prayed and waited . . .

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 November 1978 (Australia)

Also Known As:

Pieni poika kadoksissa

Filming Locations:

Armidale, New South Wales, Australia

Box Office

Budget:

$395,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

John Powell Productions and Others Limited, Summit (International) Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The world premiere for this film was held in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia which is in the same region where the little boy got lost in 1960 and where also this movie was filmed.

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Soundtracks

"Little Boy Lost"
Written by John Ashcroft (as Johnny Ashcroft) and Tony Withers
Vocals: John Ashcroft (as Johnny Ashcroft) and Gay Kayler

User Reviews

As good as a true story can be!

Because this is a true story, it lacks the action that many people desire in a movie, but it is a very good story! This is the flip side of the message we tell our children "Don't talk to strangers". In this case, a young boy should, as they are the ones trying to rescue him!

This movie may seem a bit too long, but just watch and listen to see and hear, just as the little boy did, the strangers (rescuers) and maybe you can understand his confusion. The emotion is great! I promise, that in the end (if you like a good tear jerker), it will pay off!!!