The Secret Garden (1975)
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Movie Reviews of The Secret Garden (1975)
Movie Review: Full-Length PBS Version of Burnett's "The Secret Garden"
Summary: 5 Stars
Having read "The Secret Garden" as a child, I watched the PBS version in the 1970's, and was totally entertained by all of the episodes. I owned a video tape of the theatrical version of this production. The theatrical version was good, but left out rich details of the story. With this DVD, the complete series is available to those who remember watching it on television, and for those who wish to see a version closer to the book.
You get more background on Susan Sowerby, and you see her close relationship with Mrs. Medlock. There is also more interaction among Mary Lennox, her cousin Colin Craven, Dickon Sowerby, and Martha Sowerby. There is more of the book in this release.
It also presents the story as it was shown on television -- opening and closing credits, theme music. The color of the production then, especially the outdoors scenes was very muted, but some of the indoor scenes have gained more color. The muted color palette doesn't diminish the production, but gives it the feel of watching illustrations from a book. It is totally enjoyable. Highly recommended.
Movie Review: The best ever
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Movie Review: THE BEST VERSION OF ALL!!
Summary: 5 Stars
The oft-filmed Frances Hodgson Burnett novel The Secret Garden was restaged for BBC television in 1975 Sarah Hollis Andrews stars as the insufferable brat who is yanked from her home in India and sent to live with her emotionless uncle. She is humbled by her equally headstrong crippled cousin, and humanized by the gardener's son, who entreats her into his special fantasy world. As Andrews is taught the values of humility and generosity by "the secret garden," she simultaneously warms her uncle's cold heart. Not quite as elaborate as the famous 1949 MGM version, nor as accomplished as the 1993 Agnezia Holland-directed remake, this 1975 Secret Garden nonetheless has a charm of its own.
This was first shown here in the USA on PBS in 1976 on the PBS series ONCE UPON A CLASSIC that was hosted by Bill Bixby. I remember watching SECRET GARDEN for the 7 weeks it was shown on this series.
Watching this on DVD brought tears to my eyes because its such a wonderful version and, it brings me back 29 years ago when I first saw this.
Movie Review: An excellent version
Summary: 5 Stars
For the person who asked, this is NOT the version where the kids appear at the end as adults. That is the 1980's version starring Gennie James. It's a very good version, too, although not quite as true to the book. I think this version has the best "Colin" and probably the best "Mary Lennox". I confess to liking the "Dickon" on the 1940's version best, though. I have all of the versions that I've ever heard of and I really think this one is the best although I have to say that I kind of like seeing Mary and Colin as adults, even though that was NOT in the book. I noticed that version didn't have them as cousins either; probably because they ended up married to each other and first cousins marrying is not as widely accepted in America. Anyway, if you want the truest to the book and with the most authentic accents and scenery, this is your best bet. And it's a great story.Movie Review: My Review
Summary: 5 Stars
I got to see about three and a bit of the seven episodes when this series aired on ABC (our national TV and radio broadcaster in Australia) back in 1980 when I was 10 years old. Just from these bits I saw, I always wanted to see the episodes and bits I missed back then. I always felt this was the finest bit of children's TV programming I've ever seen on TV. Nothing since has ever come close to this. I't s a pity now children don't see things like this now. They now get dumb downed stuff that comes from multi-national corporations which is linked to junk food ads and constant merchandising.
I am so glad that the BBC decided to offer all seven episodes put back to back of this series after all these years. It was long overdue!