A 1990 remake of the 1953 classic, this sweetly effective film, set in 1903, centers on the effects of the Boer War. Two young Scottish boys, Harry and Davy MacKenzie (Leo Wheatley and Charles Miller), orphaned as a result of the war, have been sent to live with their grandfather. Charlton Heston plays embittered James MacKenzie, who lives on an isolated farm in Nova Scotia with his wife and daughter Kirsten (Leah Pinsent). He's the town grump, making his hatred for the Dutch--who he blames for the death of his only son--loud and clear. This doesn't sit particularly well with Kirsten, who secretly fancies the kindly Dr. Willem Hooft (Bruce Greenwood, affecting the best accent--a Dutch one--in the film). Hooft reciprocates, but the couple can't act on their feelings for fear of what rifle-toting MacKenzie will do. It's to this physically and emotionally remote environment the youngsters come. When MacKenzie denies their request for a puppy, they "rescue" a baby (who they call a "babby") to raise as their own. Naturally, complications arise.
Wheatley and Miller are darling. From the earliest scene, as they disembark, dressed in ruffles and kilts, they are simply delightful. They prove to be charming and unpretentious young actors as well. While none of the actors playing Scottish roles (including Oscar-winner Heston) quite get the accent right, this is a warm film that audiences both young and old can rally around, rooting for the very young--and well-intentioned--heroes. --N.F. Mendoza
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: The Little Kidnappers Comment: The remake with Charlton Heston is completely lacking in the charm the original movie had. It ruined a beautiful warm movie. Customer Rating: Summary: Aww, hey guys! Comment: Hey guys, omg you guys are all so sweet=) heh i`m Faith.. the Faith Bowyer [baby hooft] from the movie, i`m all grown up now [16] and i was just looking up stuff on my movie and i found this site! and you guys are so sweet for saying such nice things about my first movie!=).. i`ve never been in anything else, yet. I have audtioned though, unfortunately i just didn`t get the parts. It`s funny how i still get payed though, because they still play it on tv sometimes. And yes, i still live in LiL `ol N.S. if you haven`t been here, you have got to visit!=) It`s the greatest, yet weirdest feeling when i meet people that have seen the movie before, and didn`t know that i was in it, and the look on their face that i see when i tell them that i was the 'babby' as davy, and harry called me. I actually still have pictures that my mother got of me with Charleston Heston. Anyway i think that`s all i`m going to say, but thanks for the great comments people, and if you don`t already have this movie, than go out and buy it, or feel free to e-mail me too!=) sweet_chick70@hotmail.com thanx Love always, Faith B. Customer Rating: Summary: Great Family Viewing! Comment: I loved this movie and I don't even have children. It's so sweet. I wish more movies like this were made instead of the mindless trash put out. You must add this to your personal movie collection. Customer Rating: Summary: Clean family moive! Comment: This is a great family film. There is no violence, sex, or bad language. It is loosely based on a '50's movie of the same name. It tells the story of two young Scottish orphan boys who travel by themselves from the "Old country" to join their father's family in Nova Scotia. There they encounter their stern disciplinarian grandfather who has shut off himself from some of his neighbors. There is particularly no love lost between the grandfather and his Dutch neighbors. He blames the Dutch people for his son's death in the Boer War. A side plot is that this animosity is keeping apart the boy's aunt and her Dutch doctor suitor. The two boys change everything though when they find a young baby abandoned on the beach. Customer Rating: Summary: A decent and entertaining film for the whole family. Comment: I am always looking for films that are decent. This film fits in that catagory. The boys steal away your heart. Brave, strong, and with delightful personalities. From beginning to end you will be intrigued with the boys ability to survive. The other actors are top notch. They keep the film interesting. I am going to add this to my collection of decent and entertaining films.
