![]() We know there are many families like us who would be happy to pay £15 or so for a new version to play for the next 20 years. PLEASE! someone, pass this request on to the studio and get it issued on DVD. We made a recording when this film was shown on TV sometime in the early 80s, since when it has been played at least twice a year for the last 20 years and both sound and vision have now deteriorated to a point where it is almost unwatchable. So, why on earth can't the studio issue this film on VHS or DVD! Considering the absolute rubbish that is now available even on DVD there must surely be a market for an excellent seasonal "family" film like this. Overall, in our family's top 20 or even top 10 fims. The pace of the film is also excellent, events happen and characters develop with interesting detail but without over emphasis or very drawn out scenes. Not only an excellent leading cast, Alec Guinness superb as the curmudgeony earl and Ricky Schroeder believably charming as the American boy thrust into the world of the English nobility, the minor characters are also exceptional: Eric Porter as the earl's steward and Patrick Stewart as the head coachman both particularly memorable. This is one of those rare films that truly brings a novel to life, and it shouldn't be missed. If you ever run across a copy of the film in any form don't hesitate to snap it up. This is not hard to find but is in Region 2 format, so regular US DVD players won't play it. The transfer is excellent and the film is uncut. ![]() This is a fine family film which is especially wonderful to watch at Christmas unfortunately it hasn't been out on VHS since 1980 and hasn't been released in the US on DVD, but has been released in an Italian edition with the English soundtrack and Italian menu options. The landscape is lush and beautiful, and the enormous estate that Lord Fauntleroy will inherit is magnificent, adding much to the atmosphere. The English countryside and architecture also have their own role to play here. The rest of the supporting players are excellent, especially Colin Blakely as the opinionated Mr. Guinness is superb as the bitter and self-absorbed grandfather. His beautiful blond hair, in the requisite pageboy required for a Victorian Lord Fauntleroy, frames his angelic face and visually sets him on a plane above every other actor, even Alec Guinness. ![]() Schroeder was the ultimate child actor no other I could think of would have done this role justice as he is perfect for the part. Ricky brings his brash but honest Yankee personality into this staid atmosphere and shakes up his grandfather's long-held prejudices against the Colonies and his own family and tenants. Filmed in England with virtually no other American in it than Ricky Schroeder, it has the proper Victorian feel to it. Little Lord Fauntleroy is one of their best, filled with charm and energy and superior performances all around. Long ago, CBS used to make excellent adaptations of classic novels, before reality TV poisoned the sensibilities of the viewing public. ![]()
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