The Secret Garden (1987) (TV)

User Rating:

6.9/10   

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 | Uncle | Cholera | 19th Century | Orphan

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:

Netherlands:100 min | USA: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:

Nurse Boggs: I'm Master Colin's nurse.
Mary: Then I feel sorry for you!

Movie Connections:

Version of The Secret Garden (1993)

Excellent Family Entertainment!

This is the BEST movie version of the classic story. The one complaint I have with most book-to-movie adaptations is how they totally change the story. This one, however, is true to the story. The 1993 version may have more polish, but this version has more soul. It has become a "keeper" in our family's video library. As my children have grown up and moved out, they make sure I buy them a copy. It was no surprise when this movie won the Emmy for "Outstanding Children's Program" in 1988. Gennie James' portrayal of Mary Lennox is excellent, and her transformation is totally believable. For the most part, the supporting cast is excellent. Michael Hordern (Ben Weatherstaff), one of the best character actors of all time, was the perfect choice for this role. His scenes with Gennie and Irina Brook (adult Mary) were flawless. Barret Oliver (Dickon) gives a wonderful performance, which was typical of this young actor. The only exception would be Jadrien Steele's portrayal of Colin Craven. His acting is almost as stiff as his legs are supposed to be. If you have children, you want this movie.