Bridge to Terabithia (TV 1985)

Jess Aarons and new girl Leslie Burke create a world of their own and call it Terabithia and pretend to be the king and queen. They return to their magical kingdom every day after school.

Director:

Eric Till

Writers:

Katherine Paterson (novel), Nancy Sackett

Stars:

Annette O'Toole, Julian Coutts, Julie Beaulieu

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Annette O'Toole	...	Miss Edmunds
Julian Coutts	...	Jesse Oliver Aarons Jr.
Julie Beaulieu	...	Leslie Burke
Gloria Carlin	...	Mrs. Aarons
Tom Heaton	...	Jesse Oliver Aarons Sr.
Peter Dvorsky	...	Mr. Bill Burke
Darlene Bradley	...	Mrs. Judy Burke
Sharon Holownia	...	Brenda Aarons
Jennifer Matichuk	...	May Belle Aarons
Tyler Popp	...	Gary Fulcher
Bridget Ryan	...	Janice Avery
Asaph Fipke	...	Earle Watson
Paul McGaffey	...	Mr. Turner
Cathy Wenschlag	...	Puppy Girl
Anthony Mandler	...	Puppy Boy

Storyline

Jess Aarons and new girl Leslie Burke create a world of their own and call it Terabithia and pretend to be the king and queen. They return to their magical kingdom every day after school.

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Plot Keywords:

girl | school | drawing | puppy | bereavement | 

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Genres:

Drama | Family | Fantasy

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Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 February 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

Puente a Terabitia

Filming Locations:

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

David Paterson, who was the real-life inspiration for the character of Jess Aarons, the son of Katherine Paterson (author of the original book), and producer and screenwriter for the remake Bridge to Terabithia, referred to this version as being "like the crazy cousin that nobody talks about" and went on to say that "no one on our side was either involved with it or happy with the final product".

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Goofs

When Mr. Aarons is trying to console a distraught Jess, he calls him "Hex" at one point (in both DVD versions).

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Quotes

[first lines]
Jesse Oliver Aarons, Jr.: On your mark. Get set. Go!

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Connections

Referenced in The Simpsons: Penny-Wiseguys (2012)

User Reviews

excellent

Excellent kid's movie about two best friends who make up an imiginary world to help them with their problems. When tragedy strikes one the other must come to terms with what has happened and what the future holds. Good acting, direction and good score as well. Highly recommended. Short movie but excellent.