The Secret Garden

Movie Details:

Based on	The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Country	United States United Kingdom Poland
Language	English
Genres	Drama, Family, Fantasy
Release date	13 August 1993 (United States) 20 January 1994 (United Kingdom)
Running time	1hr 41min
Age rating	G
Starring	Kate Maberly Heydon Prowse Andrew Knott Maggie Smith
Directed by	Agnieszka Holland
Screenplay by	Caroline Thompson
Produced by	Fred Fuchs Tom Luddy Fred Roos
Cinematography by	Roger Deakins
Edited by	Isabelle Lorente
Music by	Zbigniew Preisner
Production Company	American Zoetrope
Distributor	Warner Bros.

Cast & Characters:

• Kate Maberly as Mary Lennox
• Heydon Prowse as Colin Craven, Lord Craven’s son and Mary’s cousin
• Andrew Knott as Dickon, Martha’s younger brother
• Laura Crossley as Martha, Mary’s maid, Dickon’s older sister and Mrs Medlock’s Servant
• John Lynch as Lord Archibald Craven
• Maggie Smith as Mrs. Medlock, the housekeeper of Misselthwaite Manor and Lord Craven’s Servant
• Irène Jacob as Mrs. Lennox/Lilias Craven
• Peter Moreton as Will
• Colin Bruce as Major Lennox
• Walter Sparrow as Ben Weatherstaff, the gardener

Storyline:

Set against the beautiful yet ominous backdrop of the Yorkshire Moors, the story follows Mary Lennox, a young girl who becomes orphaned after her neglectful parents die in India. She is sent to live with her reclusive uncle, Archibald Craven, at Misselthwaite Manor. Isolated and lonely, Mary discovers a hidden, neglected garden on the estate. With the help of a local boy named Dickon and her cousin Colin, who is confined to his bed due to illness, Mary brings the garden back to life and learns valuable lessons about friendship, healing, and resilience.

About Movie:

The Secret Garden is a fantasy drama film directed by Agnieszka Holland and executive-produced by Francis Ford Coppola. The screenplay, written by Caroline Thompson, is based on the classic 1911 novel of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The film stars Kate Maberly as Mary Lennox, alongside Heydon Prowse, Andrew Knott, and Maggie Smith. It marks the film debuts for Maberly, Prowse, and Knott.

Production Details

The film was primarily shot at Yorkshire’s Allerton Castle, which served as Misselthwaite Manor for both exterior and interior scenes. Released in the United States on August 2, 1996, by Warner Bros., The Secret Garden received positive reviews from critics for its faithfulness to the novel and its lush cinematography.

Reception

Although it grossed around $40 million worldwide, which was considered modest against its budget, the film was critically acclaimed. Dame Maggie Smith received a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, while Kate Maberly earned a “Special Achievement Award For Outstanding Performance” at the 1994 London Critics Circle Film Awards. The film’s composer, Zbigniew Preisner, won “Best Music” at the 1993 Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards for his impressive score.

Legacy

The Secret Garden has been recognized as one of the best adaptations of Burnett’s novel and has maintained popularity over the years. In 2005, it was included in the British Film Institute’s list of “50 films you should see by the age of 14.” The film has inspired numerous adaptations in various media, including stage productions and other films.Overall, The Secret Garden remains a beloved classic that captures themes of growth, healing through nature, and the transformative power of friendship.

Budget & Box Office Collection:

Budget	$18 million
Opening Day	$4,625,583
Domestic Collection	$31,181,347
Worldwide Collection	$31,181,347