The story takes place before WWI, when a newly-orphaned girl is shipped from her home in India to her rich uncle’s estate in England. She’s a rude, ill-tempered child, but her uncle has his own Issues; he’s an anti-social widower unable to come to terms with his wife’s death a decade earlier.
As the girl tries to Make the Best of Things, she discovers two surprises hidden on the estate: (1) A secret, derelict garden, and (2) her cousin, a boy with poor health and a fierce temper. (The temperament seems to run in the family.)
This is great material for a movie, and Hollywood has adapted the novel to the screen at least five times, with the earliest version in 1919. After all, it’s a story about heartbreaking loss, and how one might sort through grief to make a different life.
Naturally, a garden is the perfect metaphor. This garden, when first discovered, is overgrown and in disrepair. The girl, together with her cousin and a new friend, decides to tend the garden and help it produce new life.
The only film version of The Secret Garden we’ve seen is the one released in 1949, starring Margaret O’Brien, Herbert Marshall, and a young Dean Stockwell. It’s become a favourite, and it was one of the last films reviewed by a classic movie blogger we admired very much: Patricia Nolan-Hall, a.k.a. Caftan Woman.
Paddy passed away two months ago, and it is a huge loss for the classic film community. There was no bigger champion of classic film bloggers; she took the time to read and comment on dozens of blogs each week, in addition to writing her own lively, witty reviews.
When she reviewed the 1949 version of The Secret Garden, Paddy made special note of producer Clarence Brown’s films. “I find in the best of Clarence Brown’s work,” she wrote, “a particular empathy for the outsider especially as represented by the lonely, isolated world of children.”
She had that kind of insight, and she was tremendously encouraging. On a personal note, it took us (yours truly) a long time to find our footing as a film blogger, but Paddy was a terrific cheerleader. She called us out when we needed it, but she also bolstered our confidence and was never patronizing.
Paddy was like a gardener to many in the classic film community. She planted seeds and watered, she propped up sagging plants, and she added extra nutrients to the soil.
The Secret Garden is a well-crafted movie. Twelve year-old O’Brien stars as Mary, and she carries the film effortlessly. Marshall, the reclusive uncle, gives a powerful performance as a man cratered by pain. And Stockwell is both annoying and charming as a bed-ridden boy who’s also something of a con artist.
The cinematography feels fresh. For example, watch the scene where O’Brien meets Marshall for the first time. She never appears on screen; her lines are delivered off camera. We see only Marshall, and, as he studies the girl, he exudes disappointment, then resignation.
“You’ll be alone,” he says bluntly. “You’ll find my being away no great loss to you. I’m not amusing. I keep to myself. I have my books. I drink.”
As for Stockwell’s character, Paddy wrote, “Mary has finally met someone who matches her, fault for fault. These cousins are holy terrors who must raise themselves out of the depths of their despair. In an outburst for the ages, Mary breaks Colin down: ‘I was worse the day I was born than you are this minute!'”
We hope you get the chance to see the 1949 version of The Secret Garden. We also hope you’ll treat yourself by visiting Paddy’s wonderful blog HERE.
Our deepest condolences to Paddy’s family.
This post is part of THE CAFTAN WOMAN Blogathon, Honoring Patricia Nolan-Hall, hosted by Another Old Movie Blog and Lady Eve’s Reel Life.
The Secret Garden: starring Margaret O’Brien, Herbert Marshall, Dean Stockwell. Directed by Fred M. Wilcox. Written by Robert Ardrey. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1949, B&W, 92 mins.
I also agree that this is a lovely tribute to Caftan Woman. Thank you. I always visited, and still do, her website to see what she had to write. My condolences to her family. By the way, that’s Herbert Marshall with Margaret O’Brien and not James Mason.
Hi, I’ve read the book and I’ve seen many movies from The Secret Garden (and even a Japanese Cartoon i think), it’s such a fascinating story it just begs to become a movie; but I never saw this one, thank you!
A wonderful, metaphorical choice for our blogathon in memory of Paddy. I have seen other versions of The Secret Garden, but this version is the keeper. The fact that Margaret O’Brien and Dean Stockwell (RIP) were both gifted child actors and well-matched as the contentious cousins has a lot to do with the film’s lasting appeal.
A perfect choice –you’re so right, she was the best cheerleader. It was a joy to have her drop by your blog, to read her posts, and it’s been joyful celebrating her like this.
She did bring joy, didn’t she? And she never seemed to go stale with her comments. No matter how many blogs she visited, her observations were always fresh. She must have been fabulous at a dinner party.
As much as I like this version of The Secret Garden, I prefer the 1993 film with Maggie Smith. Still, both are lovely movies that reflect the quality of the Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel.
There have been remakes, but nothing beats this original film version, in my opinion. I remember seeing it as a child and longing for a secret garden of my own:-)
This is a special version, isn’t it? I love the cast, and the sets are superb, too.
I know what you mean when you talked about wanting a secret garden when you were a child. I read the book as a kid, and then I was on the Look-Out for any secret gardens lurking about…
You’ve written a wonderful tribute to our dear friend, Ruth. Your description of Paddy as a loving gardener is so true. I will be seeking out this adaptation – it sounds marvelous. Thank you.
My Secret Garden film growing up was the 1987 Hallmark adaptation with some notables: Derek Jacobi as Mr. Craven, Michael Hordern as Ben Weatherstaff and Colin Firth has a small part as well. There might be other famous folks, but that’s who I recognize. It’s underscored by a haunting Chopin nocturne which is one of my favorite pieces till this day. Nostalgia aside, I’m sure the MGM film will win a place in my heart, too.
This looks so good! It looks pretty faithful to the book, too. I really liked the way you related the movie to Paddy cultivating friendships with everyone–that was very cool.
Silver Screenings 
Lovely way of remembering Paddy, she was just as you say.
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She was, wasn’t she? A truly remarkable person.
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She was really lovely, I do miss her sweet comments and support. She really was one of a kind.
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Such a lovely tribute…
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Thanks! Paddy was a special person who gave a most valuable gift: her time.
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A wonderful tribute. And the film sounds delightfully complex and metaphorically interesting.
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I really like this film. It’s so well done, and not sickly-sweet like I was expecting when I first saw it.
As for Paddy, she was wonderful. She is greatly missed.
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What a lovely way to remember Paddy, and a fitting tribute as well.
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She was the Real Deal, wasn’t she? I want to be like her when I grow up.
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I also agree that this is a lovely tribute to Caftan Woman. Thank you. I always visited, and still do, her website to see what she had to write. My condolences to her family. By the way, that’s Herbert Marshall with Margaret O’Brien and not James Mason.
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Oh right! Duh. I’ll make that change right away.
I still drop by her site, too, to re-read posts. Thanks for visiting here.
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You’re welcome. I also want to mention how much I enjoy your site as well.
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Aww, thanks!
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Hi, I’ve read the book and I’ve seen many movies from The Secret Garden (and even a Japanese Cartoon i think), it’s such a fascinating story it just begs to become a movie; but I never saw this one, thank you!
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I keep meaning to see other versions of The Secret Garden, but I like this one so much, I keep returning to it.
You’re so right about this story begging ro be a movie. The story is timeless, isn’t it?
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You made my heart skip a beat when you compare Paddy to a gardener for us bloggers. A lovely post for a lovely lady.
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She gave so much time and care to us bloggers, didn’t she? I wish I’d written this post while she was still alive.
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You made me cry with the Paddy was like a gardener” part. All absolutely true. Beautifully written tribute.
On the movie…I have yet to see it. I love the cast though.
Aurora
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You have that same kind of insight that she had, Aurora. I’ve always admired you both.
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I only saw the SECRET GARDEN remake, but the story is a nice one. One day I’ll have to give the original a look too.
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It’s a memorable story, isn’t it? I read the book as a child & I’ve never forgotten it.
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Been too long since I saw this movie. Putting it on my short list now. Love seeing Stockwell near the start of a long and wonderful career. 🙂
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Dean Stockwell is utterly fabulous in this movie. He could just about steal the scene from Herbert Marshall.
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What a lovely, lovely tribute, Ruth. We flourished under Paddy’s care, indeed.
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She inspired me to up my game, so to speak. She was so encouraging, wasn’t she?
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A great selection for Paddy’s tribute, beautifully written.
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Do you find blogging isn’t quite the same without Paddy? She gave us all so much.
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A wonderful, metaphorical choice for our blogathon in memory of Paddy. I have seen other versions of The Secret Garden, but this version is the keeper. The fact that Margaret O’Brien and Dean Stockwell (RIP) were both gifted child actors and well-matched as the contentious cousins has a lot to do with the film’s lasting appeal.
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So true! It’s such a treat to see Margaret O’Brien and Dean Stockwell square off in this film. Very talented actors, as you pointed out.
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A perfect choice –you’re so right, she was the best cheerleader. It was a joy to have her drop by your blog, to read her posts, and it’s been joyful celebrating her like this.
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She did bring joy, didn’t she? And she never seemed to go stale with her comments. No matter how many blogs she visited, her observations were always fresh. She must have been fabulous at a dinner party.
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As much as I like this version of The Secret Garden, I prefer the 1993 film with Maggie Smith. Still, both are lovely movies that reflect the quality of the Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel.
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Ah, I haven’t yet seen the 1993 version, but I must, because Maggie Smith.
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There have been remakes, but nothing beats this original film version, in my opinion. I remember seeing it as a child and longing for a secret garden of my own:-)
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This is a special version, isn’t it? I love the cast, and the sets are superb, too.
I know what you mean when you talked about wanting a secret garden when you were a child. I read the book as a kid, and then I was on the Look-Out for any secret gardens lurking about…
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Sorry for your blogging community loss. Paddy sounds lovely.
I have read The Secret Garden, it’s a lovely classic story.
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It’s a terrific story, isn’t it? And a memorable one, too. Did you read it as a child?
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Yes I did and then a couple of years ago. I loved the friendly Robin 💖
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You’ve written a wonderful tribute to our dear friend, Ruth. Your description of Paddy as a loving gardener is so true. I will be seeking out this adaptation – it sounds marvelous. Thank you.
My Secret Garden film growing up was the 1987 Hallmark adaptation with some notables: Derek Jacobi as Mr. Craven, Michael Hordern as Ben Weatherstaff and Colin Firth has a small part as well. There might be other famous folks, but that’s who I recognize. It’s underscored by a haunting Chopin nocturne which is one of my favorite pieces till this day. Nostalgia aside, I’m sure the MGM film will win a place in my heart, too.
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Ooh, sounds like a superb cast in the 1987 version. (Who doesn’t love Jacobi, Hordern & Firth?) I’ll see if I can find it.
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This looks so good! It looks pretty faithful to the book, too. I really liked the way you related the movie to Paddy cultivating friendships with everyone–that was very cool.
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She gave us so much, didn’t she? She invested a lot of time in the classic film community, and that makes her unforgettable.
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One of my favorites!
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It’s a beautiful, hopeful story, isn’t it?
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Although I love this version, I think I prefer the 1990s adaptation with Maggie Smith. Anyhow, this is a wonderful tribute to lovely Paddy.
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I haven’t seen the Maggie Smith version, but the fact she’s in it means I need to see it ASAP.
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