Film Review: Reviewed By David Parkinson; 5 out of 5

Directed by Lionel Jeffries, this adaptation of E Nesbit's much-loved novel is simply the finest children's film ever made in this country. Told with quiet intelligence and wry humour, the story follows three Edwardian siblings as they relocate to Yorkshire with their mother (Dinah Sheridan), following their father's wrongful arrest for treason. The narrative is essentially episodic. But the set pieces are equally memorable - whether it's the prevention of a train wreck, the rescue of a schoolboy trapped in a tunnel, or the collection of birthday gifts for the proud but kindly stationmaster (winningly played by Bernard Cribbins). Sally Thomsett and Gary Warren are laudably spirited as Phyllis and Peter, but it's Jenny Agutter's magnificent performance as Bobbie that stands out. It perfectly balances a child's passion for adventure with a growing sense of responsibility as she comes to understand her family's predicament.

Plot Summary

Classic period drama based on the novel by E Nesbit, starring Jenny Agutter, Sally Thomsett and Gary Warren. When a government official is arrested on suspicion of treason, his wife and three children are forced to leave their London home and move to a small cottage in Yorkshire. While their mother fights for her husband's release, the children have marvellous adventures.