THE SECRET GARDEN (Theatrical Release USA 1993)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

The Secret Garden seems slow and boring. Children may enjoy the film, but adults will want to choose something else to do. This remake of the original story fails to catch the heart. This failure seems to come from the casting choice of Kate Maberly. She does not seem to be comfortable with the script and does not have the necessary soft look in the eyes that shows sincerity in the more emotion pulling scenes where it is necessary to execute ‘let me help you’ or ‘I am sorry’. She doesn’t look sorry nor does she look like she really intends to help. She cannot pull off the look of innocent wonder. Her supporting cast, however, is quite good. The Secret Garden was first published as a book in 1911 and first made into a film in 1919. Since then it has been remade and reinterpreted in 1949, 1975, 1987, 1991, 1993, 1994, and 2013. This 1993 version is good on every level except in the casting choice for the leading character.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Young Mary Lennox (Kate Maberly) lives a spoiled life in an Indian mansion where she was born. While she survives an Indian earthquake, her parents do not and she is transferred to her Uncle’s mansion in Britain. She finds a secret garden on the estate and gradually finds herself and later is able to help others through the garden.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Agneiszka Hollard for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Francis Ford Coppola for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Colin Craven (Heydon Prowse), Dickon (Andrew Knott), Mrs. Medlock (Maggie Smith), Martha (Laura Crossley), Lord Archibald Craven (John Lynch), Ben Weatherstaff (Walter Sparrow), Mary’s Mother/Lilias Craven (Irène Jacob), and Government Official (Frank Baker).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The story is sweet and especially well suited for a child.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers