VANDERGRIFT'S VIDEOS: THE SECRET
GARDEN
THE SECRET GARDEN The Best of
the BBC Playhouse Video Color 1988, 107 mins.
COMMENTS:
Written by Frances Hodgson Burnett,
this famous children's story concerns Mary Lennox, a recently-orphaned little
girl who's sent to live in her uncle's oppressive house on the Yorkshire moors.
Still mourning the death of his wife, the bitter man often leaves Mary in the
servants' care. At first spoiled and unruly, the child begins to change when she
discovers her dead aunt's secret garden. She also discovers her young cousin,
who has become bedridden because he believes he's deformed, and through their
experiences in the garden both children bring life back to the gloomy estate as
they find new strength in themselves. Brought to the screen with charm and sensitivity
in a first-rate BBC production, this timeless tale will weave its spell around
everyone in the family.
AWARDS
Winner of the Red Ribbon Award, American
Film & Video Festival, 1991.
REVIEWS AND CRITIQUES
"The beautiful photography,
which captures the essence of Victorian England, and the excellent acting make
this an outstanding video."
From: Landers Film & Videos Review. Vol. 3, No. 1 Fall 1991, p. 24.
THE SECRET GARDEN Warner Brothers, 1993, color, 102 mins.
COMMENTS:
Based on the Frances H. Burnett novel,
this is a different telling of the story directed by Agnieszka Holland. Mary Lennox
is played by Kate Maberly and Maggie Smith portrays the housekeeper.
REVIEWS AND CRITIQUES
For a review by Eric Walker visit this
site.
For a review by Linda Lopez McAlister visit this
site.
RELATED BOOKS
Burnett, Frances Hodgson. The Secret
Garden. New York: Stokes, 1911.
Burnett, Frances Hodgson. A Little Princess. New York: Scribner, 1905.
Paterson, Katherine. Bridge to Terabithia. New York: Crowell, 1977.
Spyri, Johanna. Heidi. New York: Putnam, 1945.
Return
to Vandergrift's Videos Page
Kay E. Vandergrift <kvander@scils.rutgers.edu;
Created February 29, 1996