This is, of course, a lovely story. And all the better this time for the wonderful child actors here. Margaret O'Brien alternates in this film between overacting (particularly when having a tantrum) to playing it just right in other scenes, fairly typical for this youngster. But, overall she is effective as a little girl who has been having a rough time of it, but mellows through her adventures surrounding her new life in Great Britain. Dean Stockwell is another favorite of the era, and he is delightful here, as well. I wasn't a bit familiar with the young actor (Brian Roper) who played the local boy, but he is, perhaps, the best of the lot.
Of the adults in this film version, Goerge Zucco, as the modern doctor, has perhaps the most interesting role. Star Herbert Marshall's role is small (compared to his usual film presence), but key, and he is always a wonderful presence. Elsa Lanchester is a bit over the top here, so I'm not sure she deserves many kudos. I didn't even recognize the gardener -- Reginald Owen.
It's a shame that MGM didn't spend just a little more money to make this film all in color, particularly considering its date -- 1949. I think it could have been made in color, yet sterile and drab while outside the garden, and then the beautiful color while in the garden. Perhaps that's why in recent years this film has been nearly lost in the public's remembrances when more recent color versions have been so acclaimed.
The ending comes all too fast, and a few more scenes showing a happy family would have been quite sentimental and a far better ending.
Of the adults in this film version, Goerge Zucco, as the modern doctor, has perhaps the most interesting role. Star Herbert Marshall's role is small (compared to his usual film presence), but key, and he is always a wonderful presence. Elsa Lanchester is a bit over the top here, so I'm not sure she deserves many kudos. I didn't even recognize the gardener -- Reginald Owen.
It's a shame that MGM didn't spend just a little more money to make this film all in color, particularly considering its date -- 1949. I think it could have been made in color, yet sterile and drab while outside the garden, and then the beautiful color while in the garden. Perhaps that's why in recent years this film has been nearly lost in the public's remembrances when more recent color versions have been so acclaimed.
The ending comes all too fast, and a few more scenes showing a happy family would have been quite sentimental and a far better ending.