The setting may be 1896, but the plot and action are appealing to all ages. Add to this a fun set of characters and charming script, coupled with a superb job of color motion photography that looks as good as if it were filmed today, and you have a perpetual classic.
The story eventuates in a wonderful social redemption of a supposedly hopeless boy, though this is by no means done in a maudlin or polly-annish fashion. Rather, care is taken to have the boy go through all manner of personal and social struggles, and the only reason that propriety wins out over social failure is because older characters respect the little trouble-maker's spunk just enough, that he eventually emulates their higher social qualities. Then, these people all find within themselves a degree of improvement as well, for having been part of all this cycle.But I have never seen this done in a more realistic, and at the same time funny and entertaining, manner.
The story must have been at least partly garnered from the authors' personal experiences, because the real-life appeal is perfect.
Enjoyable also are the beautiful high-society homes, lush countryside, and classic private boarding school campus; the photography, color balance, cinematography are consistent and beautiful throughout. Despite the affluent setting, the characters are real and likable, and face everyday situations with everyday humanity, just like the rest of us.
The main character, Dean Stockwell, is brilliant in his performance. Though only 13 or 14 at the time, his acting skill is as fine as any of the great actors through the decades. This professionalism, partly inherited from his superbly skilled actor-parents, propelled him to an enviable lifetime of roles.
Watch for Darryl Hickman as the character "Tough" McCarty. Darryl is a vastly accomplished actor of movies and TV, and is the elder brother of actor Dwayne Hickman, (remembered best for his TV role of "Dobie Gillis."
The story eventuates in a wonderful social redemption of a supposedly hopeless boy, though this is by no means done in a maudlin or polly-annish fashion. Rather, care is taken to have the boy go through all manner of personal and social struggles, and the only reason that propriety wins out over social failure is because older characters respect the little trouble-maker's spunk just enough, that he eventually emulates their higher social qualities. Then, these people all find within themselves a degree of improvement as well, for having been part of all this cycle.But I have never seen this done in a more realistic, and at the same time funny and entertaining, manner.
The story must have been at least partly garnered from the authors' personal experiences, because the real-life appeal is perfect.
Enjoyable also are the beautiful high-society homes, lush countryside, and classic private boarding school campus; the photography, color balance, cinematography are consistent and beautiful throughout. Despite the affluent setting, the characters are real and likable, and face everyday situations with everyday humanity, just like the rest of us.
The main character, Dean Stockwell, is brilliant in his performance. Though only 13 or 14 at the time, his acting skill is as fine as any of the great actors through the decades. This professionalism, partly inherited from his superbly skilled actor-parents, propelled him to an enviable lifetime of roles.
Watch for Darryl Hickman as the character "Tough" McCarty. Darryl is a vastly accomplished actor of movies and TV, and is the elder brother of actor Dwayne Hickman, (remembered best for his TV role of "Dobie Gillis."