Description: 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.
Amazon.com: Though there are several notable film adaptations of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic children’s story about an orphan girl and a bedridden boy, this 1975 BBC rendition is among the most acclaimed for its understated British elegance, superb performances, and faithful adherence to the book’s essence. Sarah Hollis Andrews plays Mary Lennox, a spoiled, neglected child living in 19th century India who is suddenly orphaned after an outbreak of cholera. She is sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven, in his estate on the Yorkshire moors of England. Thus begins Mary’s new life at Misselthwaite Manor, and soon, the rough edges of her contrary nature begin to soften through the kindness of house servants--especially Martha (Jacqueline Hoyle)--and the discovery of a beautiful, hidden garden. The manor contains another mystery, Craven’s allegedly crippled son, Colin, bedridden for years and as feisty as Mary. When the cousins finally meet, their cantankerous spirits clash before a friendship ensues, thanks to the magical touch of Dickon (Andrew Harrison). The same enchantment that turns a colorless garden into an infusion of brilliant hues works to make a boy walk and a family heal. This version (seven 30-minute episodes) is more kid-friendly than its 1993 counterpart (which took lavish dramatic license) and is so authentic to the original story that much of the script is verbatim from the book—a point literary purists will cheer--not to mention the deliciously flawless Yorkshire accents. (Ages 8 and older) --Lynn Gibson
Secret garden this was an excellent movie all the actors were superb. I found it to be so different from the recent movie and seemed more in keeping with the book
Secret Garden An excellent presentation. We liked it better than the Hallmark Hall of Fame version which would also be rated as excellent. We own both and our granddaughters (5 & 7) love them both. Thoroughly enjoyable for an adult.
Best version yet! This BBC version of Secret Garden is a gem. It sticks closely to the book, has characters that grow as they do in the book version, and warms the heart with the inner transformations.
Question on this version just a question - is this the version that ends with mary and Colin as adults?
The best ever I saw this version on a PBS series called 'Once Upon a Classic' back when I was in High School. The version of 'Heidi' was also excellent...I hope to see it available soon.
I read the book to my girls in the late 80's, having seen it on TV only the one time. Later, when the condensed video came to our local library, we watched it together and I realized that I'd gotten the pronunciation spot-on (except for the "th'"). That in itself speaks volumes for the wonderful impression this portrayal had on me. It remains in the heart and soul, not just the cognitive brain. By the way, the daughters were pleased.
Also, bravo to all involved in the film. While every other adaptation took the plot and wandered right off the page with it, this piece captured the flavor, spirit and joy of the book. It may be cliche but, "the book was better" applies perfectly to 1949, 1993, and any others out there in the ether.
A 1985 BBC version of 'A Little Princess' is out there somewhere, too. Please bring the full-length show to the market...I'll buy.
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