The Wolves of Willoughby Chase (1989)

Director:

Stuart Orme

Writers:

Joan Aiken (book), William M. Akers (screenplay)

Stars:

Stephanie Beacham, Mel Smith, Emily Hudson

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Stephanie Beacham	...	Letitia Slighcarp
Mel Smith	...	Mr. Grimshaw
Emily Hudson	...	Bonnie
Aleks Darowska	...	Sylvia
Geraldine James	...	Gertrude Brisket
Richard O'Brien	...	James
Jane Horrocks	...	Pattern
Lynton Dearden	...	Simon
Jonathan Coy	...	Lord Willoughby
Eleanor David	...	Lady Willoughby
Gillian Hanna	...	Mrs. Shubunkin
Dilys Hamlett	...	Aunt Jane
Abbie Dabner	...	Rupert
Jirí Lábus	...	Dr. Morne
Rebecca Callard	...	Emma

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

evil governess | wolf | victorian era | based on novel | independent film

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Family | Fantasy

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 December 1989 (UK)

Also Known As:

La strega di Willoughby Chase

Filming Locations:

Czech Republic

Company Credits

Production Co:

Atlantic Entertainment Group, Zenith Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color (Rankcolor)

Did You Know?

Connections

Followed by Blackhearts in Battersea (1995)

User Reviews

Let's be fair...

Alright, we'll be honest - the film isn't perfect. BUT it does have more redeeming features than a lot of modern crap that's hyped and huge (naming no names Mission Impossible 2 and 3!). Amongst these redeeming features is the stunning scenery. The luscious snow that we know was created by good ol' mother nature and not CGI - *cough*LotR**cough*. The beautiful house in which the girls live give the film a definite sense of period realism and creates the claustrophobia that makes the film scarier. Then there's the quite frankly marvellous Stephanie Beaucham. Whether her character is gorgeous or grotesque Beaucham always manages to camp it up wonderfully and seems to be having a truly good time chewing up all of the scenery. Her subtle nuances and facial ticks create so much humour for an older audience and she has all of the best lines. We also need to bare in mind that this film was made some seventeen years ago, meaning that yes, it probably has dated a little, but that doesn't mean that it can't be entertainment along the lines of 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' for a new generation. Deaths aside.