The Secret Garden (1987) (TV)

Director:

Alan Grint

Writers:

Frances Hodgson Burnett (novel)
Blanche Hanalis (writer)

Release Date:

30 November 1987 (USA)

Genre:

Family | Drama

Plot:

When a spoiled English girl living in 19th century India loses both parents in a cholera epidemic, she...

Plot Keywords:

Mansion | Orphan | Uncle | Son | Friendship

Awards:

Won Primetime Emmy. Another 1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Gennie James	...	Mary Lennox
Barret Oliver	...	Dickon Sowerby
Jadrien Steele	...	Colin Craven
Michael Hordern	...	Ben Weatherstaff
Billie Whitelaw	...	Mrs. Medlock
Derek Jacobi	...	Archibald Craven
Lucy Gutteridge	...	Mrs. Lennox
Colin Firth	...	Adult Colin Craven
Julian Glover	...	Colonel McGraw
Cassie Stuart	...	Martha
Philip Locke	...	Pitcher
Karen Archer	...	Mrs. Crawford
Irina Brook	...	Adult Mary
David Waller	...	Dr. Craven
Pat Heywood	...	Mrs. Sowerby

Runtime:

USA:100 min | Netherlands:100 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Highclere Castle, Highclere, Hampshire, England, UK

Company:

Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions

Trivia:

Many of Highclere Castle's furnishings were used during filming and are arranged in the same manner throughout the house today.

Quotes:

Mrs. Lennox: I just have the most marvelous idea; after the governers ball why don't we go for a breakfast picnic along the river?
People at table: Oh yes, yes, I'd like that very much.
Mrs. Crawford: I don't think I should feel like a picnic after dancing all night.
Mrs. Lennox: Nonsense.
Mrs. Crawford: Besides, I shan't be going to the ball, Stephen has booked me a passage to Enlgand. He says there's some kind of plague in the provences.
Mrs. Lennox: Oh, there's always some kind of plague in the provences, Mrs. Crawford. I wouldn't let that stop me from going to the ball.
[rings servant bell vigorously and ominously no one responds]

Movie Connections:

Version of "ABC Weekend Specials: The Secret Garden (#15.1)" (1994)

Watch it with a child's perspective

I loved this film and while I hear and understand all the criticism, all I have to say is....It was a T.V. movie for God's sake! I don't expect for everything to be perfect. I was nine or ten years old when the movie came out so that keeps a place in my heart. I liked this much better than the '93 version because the characters were more ratable to me especially Mary. She was supposed to be bratty and unlikeable, yet childlike all the same. In the new one, I don't know, the girl was too mature sounding.

I loved Dickon's character and actually found his enhanced mystical portrayal very endearing and I actually liked the flaws the movie had. You need to see it from a child's perspective and with all the sophistication and refinement we always expect from movies we forget to appreciate the simplicity some entertainment has to offer and I feel that this movie is in that realm. Basically, I enjoy it for what it is and I love the scene adaptations being real and beautiful without having to digitally enhance it. I loved the acting and the character portrayals and even like the "cheesiness." Again, keep in mind that it is a T.V. movie. That considering, IMO, it's really pretty good.

I did object to the ending and the way Mary and Colin's romance was played out. All in all, take this movie for what it is and find value in that. Don't expect perfection, but if you sit back, look for the gems most likely you will find something to appreciate. Watch it with a child's perspective.