The Secret Garden [G]

When an earthquake in India claims the lives of her parents, Mary is sent to live in the cold English manor house owned by her uncle. Restricted to her own room and the grounds, Mary discovers a secret garden and with the help of a country boy named Dickon, and her spoilt and sickly cousin Colin, she proves that a little love can make a world of difference. 

I remember being completely enchanted by this film when I was a little girl and the effect is still the same today. Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden is a beautiful tale of friendship and love. It’s a lovely, lovely film. 

When an earthquake in India claims the lives of her neglecting parents, Mary is sent to live in the cold English manor house owned by her uncle. Upon arriving, Mary quickly realises that she will receive no love there either and she is restricted to her own room and the grounds. Whilst exploring the grounds on her own, Mary discovers a secret garden that had once belonged to her deceased aunt. With the help of a country boy named Dickon, and her spoilt and sickly cousin Colin, Mary discovers that she can turn this neglected garden into a world of beauty, love, and even magic. 

Well it has to be said that what makes this movie so memorable comes in two layers. As a child, the visual beauty of the garden, the friendship of the children, and the majestic, and sometimes haunting, music is what holds the appeal. As an adult, it’s the underlying messages about how love and friendship can bloom and strangle the weeds of grief and neglect. 

Essentially the film is about these three, orphaned children who have never felt like they have been wanted. When Mary discovers the garden, it appeals to her because it has been neglected for so long and, like her, is not wanted. And through love and nurturing, the garden flourishes and becomes a whole new world. It really is like magic, as the effect of the garden and Mary’s efforts change the attitudes of those stricken by grief around her. I hadn’t actually seen the film for some years and, watching it last night and understanding all the underlying messages, brought tears to my eyes. It really is one of the most enchanting films both visually and in story. 

Starring Kate Maberly, Hayden Prowse, Andrew Knott, Laura Crossley, John Lynch, Walter Sparrow, and Maggie Smith, The Secret Garden is a timeless classic filled with beautiful music, magnificent flora and fauna, drama, love, and really powerful messages. One of the few films from childhood that still has the same effect on me, I cannot stress how utterly enchanting this movie is!