The Secret Garden
A young British girl born and reared in India loses her neglectful parents in an earthquake. She is returned to England to live at her uncle's castle. Her uncle is very distant due to the loss of his wife ten years before. Neglected once again, she begins exploring the estate and discovers a garden that has been locked and forgotten. Aided by one of the servants' boys, she begins restoring the garden, and eventually discovers some other secrets of the manor.
Critics Sentiment
Lord Craven returns and sees Colin walking in the garden
Earthquake kills Mary's parents and she departs for England
The score jumps significantly from Colin's discovery (7.4) to the garden restoration sequences (8.7), as critics found the visual magic and transformation themes most compelling.
Critics consistently praised this adaptation as a near-perfect translation of Burnett's novel, with particular acclaim for Holland's direction, the stunning cinematography, and the time-lapse garden sequences. The film builds steadily from Gothic mystery to magical transformation, with reviewers finding the emotional climax genuinely moving. While some noted the child performances as adequate rather than exceptional, most considered the overall production a classic family film with universal appeal.
Full cast
Kate Maberly
Mary Lennox
Heydon Prowse
Colin Craven
Andrew Knott
Dickon
Maggie Smith
Mrs. Medlock
Irène Jacob
Mary's Mother / Lilias Craven
Laura Crossley
Martha
John Lynch
Lord Archibald Craven
Walter Sparrow
Ben Weatherstaff
Valerie Hill
Cook
Andrea Pickering
Betty Butterworth
Peter Moreton
Will
Arthur Spreckley
John
Colin Bruce
Major Lennox
Parsan Singh
Ayah
Eileen Page
Grandmother at Dock
David Stoll
Grandfather at Dock
Tabatha Allen
Girl at Dock
Crew
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