This is the latest version of the movie based on Rudyard Kipling's classic novel of a boy's coming-of-age. First version was the 1937 movie starring curly haired and blonde Freddie Bartholomew as Harvey, the rich brat. Second version was in 1977 with Johnny Doran. And this third version stars curly haired and dark Kenny Vardas as the best of the pouty and sullen boys.
Harvey is the son of a rich man, but much neglected and left to the care of hired help. On a transatlantic ship, he falls overboard thru a boyish prank gone bad. He is rescued by a fishing vessel, with a stern but kindly captain, his son and crew.
Forced to work for his keep, the bratty Harvey, played to perfection by Kenny Vardas comes to appreciate the value of work. And to learn how to love and be loved by the kindly folk who took him in.
Of all the three versions of this movie, this one best portrays the novel. It gives the real feeling of a boy going bad who is reformed through the power of love. And Vardas despite his youth plays both the insolent brat and loveable boy to perfection. A movie to see if you appreciate a good Kipling yarn, and they are good!
