Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)It is a pity that so many people are misled into buying the 1993 version or the Hallmark version of this book. The former is valuable as a study of wooden acting and unbelievable dialogue. The Hallmark version (as usual) just throws the book away--they can do it better. The 1949 version also "improves" on the book by turning it into a suspense-thriller in the first half and has all the characteristics of '40s movies--phony characters, phony dialogue and big stars.
This movie is for people who loved the book; and except for extremely minor flaws which most people will not notice, this movie brings the whole book to life perfectly. Nothing is left out. Sarah Hollis Andrews gives a stunning performance for one so young. None of the California accents of the Hallmark version or the East European characters of the 1993 version. This is Yorkshire and this is Francis Hodgson Burnett, not Agnieszka Holland.
There has been an abridged version on the market for years, cut to make it a full-length movie (100 minutes). This present version is twice that length. Even if you have the abridged version, buy this one and see what a difference those cuts make. The characters are even more sympathetic and more real, and there is time to deal more with all the other characters (the nurse, Dr. Craven, Mr. Craven, etc.) and more time for Mary Lennox and more interaction between Mary and Collin and Dickon.
In short, this movie is a treasure and every child above the age of 8 deserves to see this version. If you are a diehard and want to see the other versions, fine, or if you've already been suckered into buying them. But get this version. You'll never watch those other versions again. And your kids will have an experience to carry with them the rest of their lives.
Click Here to see more reviews about: The Secret Garden (1975) (1984)
Sarah Hollis Andrews stars as Mary Lennox, a lonely and spoiled girl who is sent to live with her uncle in the wake of her parents' death. In his dark and foreboding manor, her life is transformed by unexpected friendships and a surprising, hidden fantasy world. Impeccably mounted, with a literate script and superb performances, this magnificent BBC production is among the most acclaimed adaptations of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic children’s novel that has captivated generations of readers.
Click here for more information about The Secret Garden (1975) (1984)
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