This version of Laurie Lee's childhood memoir includes the author, reading in later life the words from the book. The screenplay is written by John Mortimer and shows a deeper understanding of what Laurie wrote as an adult, looking back. John's characterisation of the soldier who's hiding in the wood near their cottage contains a level of understanding that will have eluded the children when he visited the cottage kitchen for some breakfast. But in this scene Laurie's mother betrays her hopes that her absent husband will truly return to her some day. In this version, directed by Charles Beeson, the family is rich in complexity. Laurie would go on to write a lyric prose-poetic novel which - like George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' - even a child can understand and enjoy.
Laurie's elder brother Jack went on to direct films such as 'A Town Like Alice' and another with Dirk Bogarde. These children of the Slad Valley gave back to us all a rich and insightful version of mankind, rooted in their childhood home.
I'm 67 years old now and am able to see my own life in a warmer, softer light than I originally experienced it, thanks to Laurie and Jack.
Laurie's elder brother Jack went on to direct films such as 'A Town Like Alice' and another with Dirk Bogarde. These children of the Slad Valley gave back to us all a rich and insightful version of mankind, rooted in their childhood home.
I'm 67 years old now and am able to see my own life in a warmer, softer light than I originally experienced it, thanks to Laurie and Jack.