CANDLESHOE

UK, 1977, 101 minutes, Colour.
David Niven, Helen Hayes, Jodie Foster, Leo Mc Kern.
Directed by Norman Tokar.

Candleshoe is an entertaining Disney film of the late '70s - reminiscent of the plot of Little Lord Fauntleroy. Directed by veteran Disney director Norman Tokar, with music by Ron Goodwin, the film boasts a strong cast led by David Niven, Helen Hayes and Jodie Foster.

The settings are the England of so many Hollywood fantasies, rich absentminded ladies, eccentric butlers who take on disguises, villains (like Leo McKern) and very English orphans. However, it all comes together to form an enjoyable family film.

1.Disney style family entertainment? British setting? Stars?

2.American and British locations, the estate, the railway line and trains? The Ron Goodwin score?

3.The title, British tone? For American audiences, worldwide audiences?

4.Leo McKern? as Harry, the type, his working with Clara, choosing Casey, interviews with her, the argument? Training her? His strong will, the trip, the insinuations and his control over her? The plan?

5.Jodie Foster as Casey, American tomboy style, the encounter with Harry, her foster parents, Clara, going to Britain, the training? The other orphans?

6.Helen Hayes as Lady St Edmond? Her type, background, wealth, poverty? Her reliance on Priory? The orphans and her help? Life at the estate, the style - the fairytale touch? Her interview with Casey, acceptance of her? The charity work?

7.David Niven as Priory, at work as a butler, his prim English style, the humour of his variety of disguises? Motivation for Lady St Edmond? His relationship with Casey, the orphans? The plan, clashing with Harry, help? The final battle?

8.The orphans - the group, individuals, their antagonism, with Casey, helping, working, the battle?

9.Casey and her pretence, her relating with Lady St Edmond, with Harry, the map, the clues? The search, her change? Standing up to Harry? Her helping Priory? The train, the battle? The happy ending?

10.Fairytale style and values?