Adventure in the Hopfields

Mandy Miller demonstrates that her captivating performance as 'Mandy' was no flash in the pan in what is easily the most delightful and accomplished Children's Film Foundation presentation - directed by an up-and coming John Guillermin - I've so far seen. (I wonder what changes were made to the revised edition of 1972 the credits on the print on Talking Pictures declare it to be?)

Beautifully shot by Ken Talbot in Kent in what was obviously a glorious summer in 1953 (when 45/- was an eye-watering sum to pay for a ceramic dog) with a lively score by an uncredited Ronald Binge. Obviously young Jenny doesn't go to her local pictures often enough or she would have seen Harold Lang play spivs often enough to have given him a wide berth; but he's here playing a good guy and for a CFF production there's an unusual absence of out-and-out villains, even young tearaway Melvyn Hayes coming through in the end. The amazing cast also ranges from a young Dandy Nichols and Edward Judd to an even younger Jane Asher.

I saw this film at the Whitbread Hopfarm in Kent a few years back. What an excellent piece of nostalgia and a perfectly delightful film. Reminded me of Saturday morning pictures 6d admission. The story is of a the London families who spent their "annual holiday" at the Hopfields. way that they would stretch out money (even a gift of a china dog) and the subsequent adventure that the children have at a windmill. Mandy Miller ( yes her of Mandy fame) played an excellent part - was probably one of her first parts. Could the owner of this film PLEASE consider releasing it for purchase on DVD. He was so enthusiastic that people should see it when he showed it and today's technology gives him the perfect opportunity to pass on this piece of history. I would give this 10/10 but the picture quality is a little grainy (but nevertheless well restored and acceptable)

Watched this in the mid to late sixties on German TV and was always trying to find a copy. Is there anybody out there who has one and would be willing to make a copy for me? I'm looking for this one for more than 40 years. This would be a dream come true! My e-mail address is waldenpond88@hotmail.com.

The British Children's Film Foundation (CFF) produced lots of very good and very thrilling movies for kids in the fifties and until the mid sixties. Everything that has been made after 1966 is unfortunately not nearly as good as the early black & white films.

Rank Screen Services and Rayant Pictures were among the movie production companies who made movies for CFF.

The CFF has been founded by Mary Field.

This film was on the German channel Pro7 in the summer of 1989. Unfortunately I missed recording it. I hope somebody was smarter than me, recorded it and later transfered it to DVD.

Totally agree with the review that said they hope this film comes out on DVD. Or better still,how about an entire BoxSet collection of Mandy Miller's films. Extra's could include the many TV appearances she made including The Avengers,The Third Man,Juke Box Jury and The Saint. Great that she has been married to an architect for 54 years as I write in 2019 and has 3 children(not sure about grandkids). In 2017,she did a special interview for the 65th Anniversary edition DVD of 'Mandy'.

Just saw this movie on Talking Pictures on UK TV. Brilliant copy and good film.