Some literary masterpieces are successfully adapted to the movie screen, and some are not. Strangely, Frances Hodgson Burnett's "The Secret Garden", which seems so naturally suited for cinematic magic, falls into the latter category.
This one introduces "Mary Lennox" as an attractive adult woman, who recalls her life in Misselthwaite Manor, following the death of her parents. There, young Gennie James (as Mary) meets her young friends, Barret Oliver (as Dickon) and Jadrien Steele (as Colin). There are a couple of instances where the three young stars prove themselves capable: for example, the scene with Mr. Oliver examining brown twigs upon entering the garden, and the first scene played between Ms. James and Mr. Steele. Otherwise, the young performers are uneven and/or under-rehearsed. The adult performances are serviceable, at least; Michael Hordern (as Ben Weatherstaff) seems truest.
The setting is lovely. The ending, in which we are led to believe one of the novel's characters practically commits suicide (pay attention, he "knows") by marching off to war, should be in the "hall of fame" of wretched bastardizations. The other two children are handled only slightly less perversely. Beware.
** The Secret Garden (11/30/87) Alan Grint ~ Gennie James, Barret Oliver, Jadrien Steele, Michael Hordern
This one introduces "Mary Lennox" as an attractive adult woman, who recalls her life in Misselthwaite Manor, following the death of her parents. There, young Gennie James (as Mary) meets her young friends, Barret Oliver (as Dickon) and Jadrien Steele (as Colin). There are a couple of instances where the three young stars prove themselves capable: for example, the scene with Mr. Oliver examining brown twigs upon entering the garden, and the first scene played between Ms. James and Mr. Steele. Otherwise, the young performers are uneven and/or under-rehearsed. The adult performances are serviceable, at least; Michael Hordern (as Ben Weatherstaff) seems truest.
The setting is lovely. The ending, in which we are led to believe one of the novel's characters practically commits suicide (pay attention, he "knows") by marching off to war, should be in the "hall of fame" of wretched bastardizations. The other two children are handled only slightly less perversely. Beware.
** The Secret Garden (11/30/87) Alan Grint ~ Gennie James, Barret Oliver, Jadrien Steele, Michael Hordern