THE KIDNAPPERS
UK, 1954, 93 minutes, Black and white.
Duncan Mc Crae, Adrienne Corri, Jean Anderson, Theodore Bikel and John Whiting and Vincent Winters as the boys.
Directed by Philip Leacock.
The Kidnappers must be one of the most delightful films ever made. It is difficult to say why it succeeds so well whereas others do not. Audiences are generally enraptured by the children, their simplicity, faces, accents and delightful behaviour, especially that of Vincent Winters as the younger Davy. The plot is quite simple - again there may be an appeal and human interest in this, the quiet Nova Scotia frontier in 1904, the hostility of Scottish and Dutch with memories of the Boer War, the harsh puritanism of the Scottish settlers' household. Whatever the reasons, plot, beautiful black and white photography, dialogue, acting - they all combine to form a marvellously entertaining and moving film.
1. A pleasing film - for the family?
2. Why has it become a classic?
3. What appealed about Harry and Davey?
4. What was the reason for the antagonism between Scottish Canadians and Dutch Canadians? Why was 'Boer' such a dirty name when spoken by the Scottish?
5. Was James Mackenzie a good man? What were his main virtues? What were his main failings?
6. How had the puritanical Presbyterianism of Mackenzie affected his judgment on people, his way of life, his attitude towards his work and possessions?
7. What was the role of Mrs Mackenzie in the household? What was her role in the film?
8. Why was Kirstie frustrated? What could she have done in her situation? Why did she love the doctor?
9. What kind of man was the Doctor? Why didn't he respond to Kirsty's offer of love? Why did he change his mind?
10. Comment on the school-house sequence as a reflection of the Reformed Church's attitude towards life, education and religion?
11. Why did James Mackenzie refuse the boys a dog? Why did they kidnap the baby?
12. How did the prejudice issue come to a head in the court scene?
13. What made James Mackenzie change his attitude? What was the significance of his selling his boots and walking barefoot through the town? What was the significance of his sending away for the dog?
