The Magic Garden (1951)

In a black township in South Africa, a stolen treasure chest passes from hand to hand until it is finally returned to its original owner.

Director:

Donald Swanson

Writers:

James Ambrose Brown (story), C.M. Pennington-Richards (screenplay)

Stars:

Tommy Machaka, Harriet Qubeka, David Mukwanazi

Nominated for 2 BAFTA Film Awards.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Tommy Machaka	...	The Thief
Harriet Qubeka	...	Mrs. Sakabona
David Mukwanazi	...	Lucas Ranku (as David Mnkwanazi)
Dolly Rathebe	...	Lili Shabalala
Victor Cwayi	...	John, Lili's beau (as Victor Cwai)
Grinsell Nongauza	...	Mr. Shabalala (as Grinsell Nogauza)
Lucas Khosa	...	Isaac Wela
Linda Madikisa	...	Mrs. Wela
Jonathan Mzamo	...	Priest
George Mabuza	...	Mr. Letuli, the troubled parishioner
Joseph Motuba	...	Nicolas, store clerk
Cornelius Moghare	...	Policeman
Samuel Alcock	...	Policeman
Stanley Khali	...	Mrs. Sakabona's neighbor
Willard Cele	...	Pennywhistle player

Storyline

In a black township in South Africa, a stolen treasure chest passes from hand to hand until it is finally returned to its original owner.

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Plot Keywords:

south africa | penny whistle | musician | flute | african | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Music

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User Reviews

A mother finds money in the garden - and it changes life for a string of unfortunates.

This must be an excellent movie -- after all, I've been thinking of it from time to time over 50 years! I saw it when it was first released in the 50's and it's stuck in my memory. A gentle, wistful tale of life in a black township, with the hero a small-time thief who plays a penny whistle. I looked for it on line when search engines were less efficient and databases smaller. Now I've found it. I'm eager to see it again.

The cast are non-professionals, but the pacing and visuals are certainly of high quality. High point: When the local police lift a garbage can lid and see the thief inside, one looks at the other and says, "Man, the housing shortage is worse than I thought." Dumb, but endearing. Especially since they carefully put the lid back on, and go on their way.

It sits in my memory beside the original Theodore Bikel "Little Kidnappers." A keeper.

Details

Country:

South Africa

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 February 1952 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Magic Garden

Filming Locations:

Johannesburg, South Africa

Company Credits

Production Co:

Swan Film Productions Ltd.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

63 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1