I came across this charming film today, purely by accident while scanning my TV channels. I was absolutely delighted at this lucky chance. It is 52 years ago since I saw it on its 1st release and many memories came flooding back of a film which made a great impression on me as a young boy. The background of old world emigrants carving out new lives in the wilds of Nova Scotia, the script using authentic Scottish phrases and idioms, the splendid acting by the principals all combined to make a lasting memory of this excellent story. As a boy, I could never forget the final scene where the formally stern grandfather relents and orders an Irish Setter for his his 2 grandsons. Their delighted expressions filled the final fade-out - an unforgettable film for me and one which should fill the Christmas TV schedules in preference to some of the less memorable films which turn up every year.
24 Reviews
Adorable Scottish Accents
loreguy25 March 2006
My siblings and I would always call babies "the bah-bee" because of how the boys pronounced that word with Scottish accents that could charm a stone.
Continuing the tradition, my wife and I have used "the bah-bee", or "the bahby" as our secret name for our daughter (now 15).
I have not seen the movie since I was a child, and it is tragic that I and others cannot see it now, due to the lack of DVD or video availability.
I guess it doesn't have enough explosions in it...and the actors mostly act, rather than fight or have sex.
Continuing the tradition, my wife and I have used "the bah-bee", or "the bahby" as our secret name for our daughter (now 15).
I have not seen the movie since I was a child, and it is tragic that I and others cannot see it now, due to the lack of DVD or video availability.
I guess it doesn't have enough explosions in it...and the actors mostly act, rather than fight or have sex.
Oscar winner
dmcslack5 May 2002
It is often overlooked that the (Little) Kidnappers young star Jon Whitely received a special Oscar for his portrayal of Harry in this film. Acting honours aside, this film is about the most perfect little family movie you will ever see.
Nice Old Movie
GManfred18 July 2013
I don't think "The Kidnappers" could be made now. Audiences today have attention spans like gnats on heroin and this picture requires too much thought. Additionally, the pacing is quite slow and deliberate and attuned to the times in which it is set. So, in the wilds of turn-of-the-20th-century Nova Scotia, it can be said that not much of great import ever happened, apart from feuds between neighbors living far apart.
But I'm an old-fashioned guy. I liked it and I thought the acting was exceptional, especially the youngest boy and that of Grandma McKenzie, played by Jean Anderson. Loved the setting as I am a Scotlandphile, a new word to describe my deep appreciation for land north of England, even though it is standing in for Nova Scotia.
The story, such as it was, took time to develop. Two boys arrive at their Grandparents farm, their parents having passed away. There are some trials, tribulations and tedium, all of which give the viewer a taste of life in the bleak, sparsely populated wilderness. Grandpa and the two boys are the whole show, which is a good watch if, like me, you have patience and a good attention span.
But I'm an old-fashioned guy. I liked it and I thought the acting was exceptional, especially the youngest boy and that of Grandma McKenzie, played by Jean Anderson. Loved the setting as I am a Scotlandphile, a new word to describe my deep appreciation for land north of England, even though it is standing in for Nova Scotia.
The story, such as it was, took time to develop. Two boys arrive at their Grandparents farm, their parents having passed away. There are some trials, tribulations and tedium, all of which give the viewer a taste of life in the bleak, sparsely populated wilderness. Grandpa and the two boys are the whole show, which is a good watch if, like me, you have patience and a good attention span.
THE KIDNAPPERS (Philip Leacock, 1953) ***
Bunuel197621 February 2014
A cut-out of this popular children's film was included in my Dad's book of posters dating back from his teenage years and which I used to pore over in my own childhood days; being also aware that Leonard Maltin had granted it (in hindsight) an overly generous ***1/2 rating in his film guide (under its U.S. title of THE LITTLE KIDNAPPERS) and that its two child stars, Jon Whiteley and Vincent Winter, were both awarded a Special Academy Award for Best Juvenile Performance has made me include it in my current Oscar marathon...a day after the long-retired Whitely celebrated his 69th birthday. Incidentally, the film also has the unwieldy subtitle of "A Story Of A Scotch Settlement In The Canadian Province Of Nova Scotia"!
The narrative begins with the two Scotch-Canadian little protagonists, newly-orphaned, being dumped on the doorstep of their forbidding Scottish grandfather Duncan Macrae, their kind grandmother and rebellious aunt Adrienne Corri; the old man holds a grudge against the Dutch immigrants coming to live around his Nova Scotia farm since his son, the boys' father, was killed by them in the Boer War. Typically for this kind of moralistic theme and remote setting, there is a Romeo-and-Juliet-type of subplot going on underneath between Corri and friendly Dutch country doctor Theodore Bikel.
The plot proper is kickstarted by the grandfather's refusal to grant the boys' wish of getting themselves a puppy – which the effortlessly scene-stealing Winter (the younger of the two children) rigorously wants to name "Rover"; when Whiteley finds a baby abandoned in a cabin in the woods, they decide to keep it as their pet! When Whiteley skips school for two days to take care of it, he is locked in the woodshed by Macrae as punishment for his truancy; a panicking Winters wakes up at night to alert his grandfather to the baby's presence and needs. This is where the plot thickens: Corri had just fallen out with her father for his mistreatment of Whitely; Bikel has quarreled with the old man for his mistreatment of Corri; the baby's grandfather, another Dutchman (who had been combing the area for it with a posse) comes to apprehend Whiteley and bring him to justice; and the fleeing Corri is trampled by one of the search party's horses!!
Unsurprisingly but not unsatisfactorily, things all turn out nicely in the end at Whiteley's trial: the fact that the latter does not even understand the seriousness of the charges leveled against him by the prosecutor is proof enough of his innocent abduction of the abandoned baby; the baby's grandfather admits that his own daughter's carelessness was to blame for the loss; Macrae tongue-lashes the prosecutor (who wants to send Whiteley to a reform school) and swallows his own pride by thanking the Dutchman for standing up for his grandson. As the old man and his young kin return home from the courthouse, he immediately sets about acquiring for them their much-desired "Rover". The stark rural setting and pleasantly naturalistic performances are the film's trump cards; for the record, director Leacock was later responsible for another superior children's film INNOCENT SINNERS (1957) and Whitely had a short but notable film career as a child star, appearing in such solid fare as Charles Crichton's HUNTED (1952) and Leacock's own THE Spanish GARDENER (1956; both co-starring Dirk Bogarde) and Fritz Lang's period adventure MOONFLEET (1955; with Stewart Granger).
The narrative begins with the two Scotch-Canadian little protagonists, newly-orphaned, being dumped on the doorstep of their forbidding Scottish grandfather Duncan Macrae, their kind grandmother and rebellious aunt Adrienne Corri; the old man holds a grudge against the Dutch immigrants coming to live around his Nova Scotia farm since his son, the boys' father, was killed by them in the Boer War. Typically for this kind of moralistic theme and remote setting, there is a Romeo-and-Juliet-type of subplot going on underneath between Corri and friendly Dutch country doctor Theodore Bikel.
The plot proper is kickstarted by the grandfather's refusal to grant the boys' wish of getting themselves a puppy – which the effortlessly scene-stealing Winter (the younger of the two children) rigorously wants to name "Rover"; when Whiteley finds a baby abandoned in a cabin in the woods, they decide to keep it as their pet! When Whiteley skips school for two days to take care of it, he is locked in the woodshed by Macrae as punishment for his truancy; a panicking Winters wakes up at night to alert his grandfather to the baby's presence and needs. This is where the plot thickens: Corri had just fallen out with her father for his mistreatment of Whitely; Bikel has quarreled with the old man for his mistreatment of Corri; the baby's grandfather, another Dutchman (who had been combing the area for it with a posse) comes to apprehend Whiteley and bring him to justice; and the fleeing Corri is trampled by one of the search party's horses!!
Unsurprisingly but not unsatisfactorily, things all turn out nicely in the end at Whiteley's trial: the fact that the latter does not even understand the seriousness of the charges leveled against him by the prosecutor is proof enough of his innocent abduction of the abandoned baby; the baby's grandfather admits that his own daughter's carelessness was to blame for the loss; Macrae tongue-lashes the prosecutor (who wants to send Whiteley to a reform school) and swallows his own pride by thanking the Dutchman for standing up for his grandson. As the old man and his young kin return home from the courthouse, he immediately sets about acquiring for them their much-desired "Rover". The stark rural setting and pleasantly naturalistic performances are the film's trump cards; for the record, director Leacock was later responsible for another superior children's film INNOCENT SINNERS (1957) and Whitely had a short but notable film career as a child star, appearing in such solid fare as Charles Crichton's HUNTED (1952) and Leacock's own THE Spanish GARDENER (1956; both co-starring Dirk Bogarde) and Fritz Lang's period adventure MOONFLEET (1955; with Stewart Granger).
Love this Film
cat_rose2 January 2007
This film means a lot to me and my family. Duncan MacRae (Grandaddie) is a relative on my mother's side. It is lovely to hear these nice comments about this film from people as I think it is a great film. The two wee boys are such fantastic actors and make the film what it is. I have a cousin who was the spitting image of Davy. We used to make him run around yelling 'Don't eat the babbie, Grandaddie!'
I am still trying to find it on DVD/Video for my grandmother as we only have an old copy that was recorded off the telly. So if anyone can tell me where I could get a hold of an official copy of it that would be great.
I am still trying to find it on DVD/Video for my grandmother as we only have an old copy that was recorded off the telly. So if anyone can tell me where I could get a hold of an official copy of it that would be great.
Two small orphaned children in Nova Scotia find a baby and keep it as a pet.
phyllisbrookss22 March 2005
Another of the older generation chiming in! I saw this on its first release and have never forgotten it. I can still recite whole sections: "Granddaddy, granddaddy, don't eat the babby!" or the two little boys deciding what to call the baby girl: "We'll call it Edward, after the king"; "I still think Rover's a very nice name." And the scene as the Scottish girl washes her hair by the fire under the loving eye of the Dutchman, Theodore Bikel.
The black and white photography is magical. The view of the tall grandfather striding along with his flying beard, seen from the level of the littlest boy, is still tattooed behind my eyes!
Definitely a must-see.
I pair it with another long-time favorite, the South African "Pennywhistle Blues," as a cherished treasure.
The black and white photography is magical. The view of the tall grandfather striding along with his flying beard, seen from the level of the littlest boy, is still tattooed behind my eyes!
Definitely a must-see.
I pair it with another long-time favorite, the South African "Pennywhistle Blues," as a cherished treasure.
Watch it if you get the chance, you'll enjoy
mcdonald19546 November 2007
An absolutely superb family film, free of gimmicks and superstars. every child and adult should grow up seeing this gem. It is one to be liked by all ages. The British Film industry is always credited with third rate pictures, but here we see a film that, although shot in black and white, shows they could churn out films that were the equal of any films that were made in Hollywood. Its also a credit that the actors, especially the youngsters, not forgetting Duncan MacCrae went on to make their mark in similar genre throughout their acting careers. The scenery, spoiled, of course due to lack of colour film being used, showed the ruggedness of the countryside, filming was superb and getting down to basics, how often are there children the stars of a feature length film?
wonderful
gabriel3648 November 2005
I saw this movie on television when I was a child and thought it was wonderful. There must be a copy of this poignant film out there somewhere that can be reproduced for public consumption. I'd love to add it to our video collection. The children were outstanding little actors. I believe that one of the children also played in the British version of Lord of the Flies. The harsh environment of the children and the eventual softening of the heart of the grandfather when he allows them to have a dog was incredibly touching. It reminded me, in a way of my step-father who was a wonderful hardworking man who found it difficult to show affection but when it really counted was always there for you.
The Little Kidnappers - 1953 version - the best version!!
pamela-christensen6 September 2007
What a great movie. The story is wonderful and the children in this movie are absolutely amazing. They are so natural and adorable. Actually, everyone in this film is believable and natural. The remake with Charleton Heston doesn't even come close in quality to this 1953 heart warmer. The true disappointment is that this movie has never been on video or DVD. I've looked for years and have only found pirated copies of the film as it was taped from television! And it's been years since it was on television, even as a late night movie. I miss it and would be very happy if this film was made into DVD. It's my mother's favorite movie and I would love to get her a VHS or DVD version of it!
Fond memories
gordiepearson10 July 2006
I also remember this film with great fondness after watching with my grandmother many years ago ,the conversation between the older boy Harry and the young lad still brings a smile to my face.."Is this oor babee Harry..?" answer - "No its mine but you can share it". I would love to see this heartwarming film again,the memory of the Grandfather giving the children the two red setter dogs at the end still brings a lump to my throat...I would make this film compulsory viewing and would my love children to see this wonderful tale,I suppose really it could be classed as a feel good film and the atmosphere the film provides showing the rural struggles of Scotland at that time makes it almost Dickensian..tremendos film hope its not lost forever.
A must see
fredhavn14 July 1999
The most beautiful film ever
ameliasuarez27 August 2008
I am much moved by this beautiful film and would like my nephew and niece to see it over and over again to gain some insight of respect,love,poverty,fear,desire for simple things, innocence and to see that one can actually survive without shoes or computer games That a dog is a luxury one must earn through good behaviour and not a given right. The beauty of the simplicity and love shown to the baby by Davy is adorable. Adults marking territories,and legal systems showing compassion are all included in this extraordinary film. Young prohibited love by Kristie and the Duch Doctor are all real life issues and are excellently shown here too, I could go on for ever.... HOW CAN I GET THIS FILM PLEASE! Please Please
Excellent, looking for a VHS copy
montcapps17 August 2001
Wife and I saw this movie when it first appeared, something recently reminded us of it, we (especially she) would like to see it again. I'm on the net looking for a source to buy a video of it but so far have only been able to find copies of the TV version with Charlton Heston. It would be a perfect gift for her birthday on Sept. 8th. It's a unique movie in that it's different from the usual product, it's human interest genre and like a good book that you can't put down. For our 48th anniversary a month ago I gave her a first edition of R. Halliburton's "Royal Road To Romance" which she first read when we married in '53. The word "Quality" is the only one I can think of that best fits this movie.
Essentially a family film
malcolmgsw9 July 2020
Jon Whitely the child lead,who turns in an assured performance in this film,died in May at the age of 75.He chose not to peruse an acting career but became curator of the Ashmolean libray.This is essentially a family film which is well photographed on Scottish locations.
A wonderful reminder of family love
llawrance197229 March 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this film recently and was reminded of just how good it is. The children are adorable and their language and movement incredibly well used by the director/writer. There are so many scenes worth noting, particularly when the Grandfather beats the older boy. Carried out off screen the faces of the three on screen characters, the granny, Aunt Kirsty and the younger child show their feelings and the strictures of a society that demands the respect of discipline without question. The subtle romance carried on between Kirsty and Wilhelm is shown beautifully through the use of expression facially and in tone, a controlled, almost heartbreaking exploration of suppressed feelings. Wow!That is acting, making us feel all they are feeling with the sparest of movements. The ending makes me cry every time showing the change in the grandfather who is finally able to show the love he has for his family. He may not say it but by God he loves those boys and only wants what is best for them. A wonderful film that has easily stood the test of time and reminds everyone who watches how precious a gift love is. I hope that this is available on DVD as I would truly value the chance to share this story with my year 5 class.
One of the most delightful movies ever made
paladinprojects16 April 2020
Other reviews contain great summaries of this film so I won't duplicate that, but only say that it should be classified a classic in any movie lover's book. The acting is amazing, dialogue incomparable, historical timeframe fascinating. Really, don't miss it.
Not at all sentimental.
jromanbaker10 May 2020
This superb film is a masterpiece of English Cinema. I have no idea why it is not shown more, and having seen it on the UK Talking Pictures I hope that they show it often. I will give no spoilers away only to say that the photography was excellent, and so were all the actors without exception. Jean Anderson, a fine actress gave one of the most moving in the film, and there is not a shred of sentimentality in the film. Sentiment yes; love yes, and cruelty, but everything is depicted with a clear eye for exact detail. I have no idea how the director, Leacock, a very fine director in his own right managed to get all the nuances of childhood out of his very young actors but he did. I think it is the greatest film of the 1950's in British Cinema, and it should be up there with the great films of any country. Many reviewers seem to love it having seen it long ago. It was fresh to me and without any past memories of it I found it to be an unreservedly perfect film.
Two children at a loss in a local civil war between hard-headed puritans
clanciai1 June 2018
The overwhelming genuineness makes this fim a masterpiece. Every detail is 100% genuine in the almost intimate rendering of primitive life among primitive people in the wilderness of Nova Scotia, where almost no one even can read - the only established standard and education allowed is a fiercely puritan one. If any book is allowed at all, it's the Bible - or, as the only other book mentioned, "The Pilgrim's Progress".
Theodore Bikel as usual makes a great impression, here as the one outsider, a Dutch doctor who is loathed for his origin, since there has been one casualty from the island in the Boer war - this is 1904, but all the other actors are perfect as well, especially of course the children.
Most impressing though is the tale that is told. It's really the story of a dog, no dog is allowed in the film, the only one appearing doesn't turn up until after half the film, and still it's all about a dog. The sinister grandpa won't have a dog, since dogs can't be eaten, and he only keeps animals for eating them. The two small boys eventually find something to cuddle with like a dog, keeping it away form the grown-ups to avoid their eating it up...
It's a very heart-warming film, and the ladies have their important say as well, finally actually even overcoming the latent local civil war over the ownership of a tiny hill...
The music is perhaps a little over-dramatising the events but very efficient as such. It's a unique film for its sustained absolute realism all the way, and the only film I can think of to come near it in character was "Johnny Belinda" also from Nova Scotia, but this film was all made in England.
Theodore Bikel as usual makes a great impression, here as the one outsider, a Dutch doctor who is loathed for his origin, since there has been one casualty from the island in the Boer war - this is 1904, but all the other actors are perfect as well, especially of course the children.
Most impressing though is the tale that is told. It's really the story of a dog, no dog is allowed in the film, the only one appearing doesn't turn up until after half the film, and still it's all about a dog. The sinister grandpa won't have a dog, since dogs can't be eaten, and he only keeps animals for eating them. The two small boys eventually find something to cuddle with like a dog, keeping it away form the grown-ups to avoid their eating it up...
It's a very heart-warming film, and the ladies have their important say as well, finally actually even overcoming the latent local civil war over the ownership of a tiny hill...
The music is perhaps a little over-dramatising the events but very efficient as such. It's a unique film for its sustained absolute realism all the way, and the only film I can think of to come near it in character was "Johnny Belinda" also from Nova Scotia, but this film was all made in England.
This is a family movie worth watching
maggie-3020 May 1999
Excellent filmed version of an excellent short story
amca196010 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The screenplay is by Neil Paterson, adapted from his own short story "Scotch Settlement". This short story is quite superb, and I've read it with pleasure many times. The film is thus very true to the story, with a few additions to make the result more cinematic.
The story of two orphaned small Scots boys who end up living with their grandparents in Canada is simple enough: lacking parental love and affection, they wish for a dog which their stern grandfather won't allow: "You can't eat a dog." The older boy then "finds" a baby (it had been left by itself while its young minder went off to play) and they decide to take it as their own. They are found out, the older boy Harry is tried and let off; the grandfather sells his precious boots to buy the dog the boys so much wanted.
The acting is superb. The two boys are played to perfection by the young actors: I've seen many films with older and "better" actors who don't bring such assurance to their roles. But for me the star of the show is Duncan Macrae as the stern, unbending, righteous, upright and god-fearing James MacKenzie. Macrae perfectly portrays the harsh and rigid Presbyterianism of the Scots emigrants, but also endows his character with just enough humanity to prevent him from being a monster. He is nicely counterbalanced by Jean Anderson as his wife; a softer more humane character.
The only thing I didn't like was the ending. The original short story (which is narrated by Davy, the younger boy) finishes off with "I was mighty content, not only on account of the dawg, but on account of I now knew ours was a good family, not like some. In our family we was all on the same side." The film finishes with a repetition of James MacKenzie dictating the letter to buy the dog. "Yours in good faith .... James MacKenzie." His names are the last words in the film. But I still think that words by Davy would have been more impactful.
This is quibbling, however. It's a corker of a film, and old and black-and-white as it may be, it stands up very well indeed.
The story of two orphaned small Scots boys who end up living with their grandparents in Canada is simple enough: lacking parental love and affection, they wish for a dog which their stern grandfather won't allow: "You can't eat a dog." The older boy then "finds" a baby (it had been left by itself while its young minder went off to play) and they decide to take it as their own. They are found out, the older boy Harry is tried and let off; the grandfather sells his precious boots to buy the dog the boys so much wanted.
The acting is superb. The two boys are played to perfection by the young actors: I've seen many films with older and "better" actors who don't bring such assurance to their roles. But for me the star of the show is Duncan Macrae as the stern, unbending, righteous, upright and god-fearing James MacKenzie. Macrae perfectly portrays the harsh and rigid Presbyterianism of the Scots emigrants, but also endows his character with just enough humanity to prevent him from being a monster. He is nicely counterbalanced by Jean Anderson as his wife; a softer more humane character.
The only thing I didn't like was the ending. The original short story (which is narrated by Davy, the younger boy) finishes off with "I was mighty content, not only on account of the dawg, but on account of I now knew ours was a good family, not like some. In our family we was all on the same side." The film finishes with a repetition of James MacKenzie dictating the letter to buy the dog. "Yours in good faith .... James MacKenzie." His names are the last words in the film. But I still think that words by Davy would have been more impactful.
This is quibbling, however. It's a corker of a film, and old and black-and-white as it may be, it stands up very well indeed.
A Great Family Movie
david_a_roberts3 September 2021
I saw this movie on TV many years ago as a boy in the 1960's. It was memorable and stuck in my mind during the intervening years. I saw it advertised on the "Talking Pictures" channel this morning and I watched this charming film for the second time. I am not qualified to critique this movie but what I can say is that I thoroughly enjoyed it! It is now available on DVD and I just ordered a copy. It won't be 50 years before I view it for a third time!
A Vague Memory of seeing this movie
spuds-2734429 December 2022
In early 1953, when I was just six, I became quite ill with Rheumatic Fever. After spending six weeks in the hospital, I convalesced at home but I wasn't allowed to strain my heart so I wasn't allowed to walk or to climb stairs. Gradually the doctor gave me permission to stand and then, to take a few steps. I still couldn't climb stairs so had to be carried up to the bathroom.
I turned seven in June of '53 and around the same time friend of my mother's loaned us an antique wheelchair which provided both freedom and thrills if my brother was my chauffeur.
Well, I remember when The Kidnapers opened at a nearby theatre which might have been 100m from our house. So my mother took me to a matinee but not in the wheelchair but in a baby stroller! I still remember going into that dark theatre in that stroller, all arms and legs, like a chimp.
Now I have fond memories of my mother pushing me up the street and into that dark theatre in that baby stroller almost seventy years ago. But I only have vague recollections of that movie....not enough to actually review it. I think it was sad and quite scary...maybe too much so, for a pale little boy who couldn't walk 100 metres.
I turned seven in June of '53 and around the same time friend of my mother's loaned us an antique wheelchair which provided both freedom and thrills if my brother was my chauffeur.
Well, I remember when The Kidnapers opened at a nearby theatre which might have been 100m from our house. So my mother took me to a matinee but not in the wheelchair but in a baby stroller! I still remember going into that dark theatre in that stroller, all arms and legs, like a chimp.
Now I have fond memories of my mother pushing me up the street and into that dark theatre in that baby stroller almost seventy years ago. But I only have vague recollections of that movie....not enough to actually review it. I think it was sad and quite scary...maybe too much so, for a pale little boy who couldn't walk 100 metres.
Boer War, British vs. Dutch
deschreiber15 October 2011
Warning: Spoilers
A lovely movie, heart-warming without being at all sickening-sweet. Highly recommended.
One thing left out in many of the comments here is the role played by the Boer War, which ended not long before 1904, when the story begins. The boys' grandfather, who is now raising them in Nova Scotia, hates the Dutch because his son, the father of the boys, was killed in the brutal war. The second Boer War (1899–1902) brought troops from many parts of the British Empire, including Canada, to fight. Their father, recruited from Winnipeg, Manitoba, was shipped overseas, where he was killed. Although Boers were descendants of Dutch-speaking settlers in southern Africa, in grandfather's eye everyone Dutch is a Boer, responsible for the death of his son, including the Dutchman who works as a doctor in poor Nova Scotia and the neighbour with whom he has a land dispute. Although the film was made in 1953, after the Second World War, it's interesting to see how strong the memories must have been of the Boer War. Even today when you travel around Canada and look at war memorials with the names of the Canadian dead, although few people know anything about the Boer Wars, the lists often begin with soldiers lost in the Boer Wars.
So hatred and prejudice is a theme of the story, set off against the innocence of the boys. Another theme is the inhumanity of religious ideas held too strongly. The grandfather refuses small comforts such as picture books or a dog for the children and is unable to show love for his daughter and grandsons because of his severe interpretation of Christianity. The humanity and normality of his wife and daughter highlight the errors of his way, as does the ending, when he becomes grateful to his Dutch neighbour for saving one of the grandsons.
One thing left out in many of the comments here is the role played by the Boer War, which ended not long before 1904, when the story begins. The boys' grandfather, who is now raising them in Nova Scotia, hates the Dutch because his son, the father of the boys, was killed in the brutal war. The second Boer War (1899–1902) brought troops from many parts of the British Empire, including Canada, to fight. Their father, recruited from Winnipeg, Manitoba, was shipped overseas, where he was killed. Although Boers were descendants of Dutch-speaking settlers in southern Africa, in grandfather's eye everyone Dutch is a Boer, responsible for the death of his son, including the Dutchman who works as a doctor in poor Nova Scotia and the neighbour with whom he has a land dispute. Although the film was made in 1953, after the Second World War, it's interesting to see how strong the memories must have been of the Boer War. Even today when you travel around Canada and look at war memorials with the names of the Canadian dead, although few people know anything about the Boer Wars, the lists often begin with soldiers lost in the Boer Wars.
So hatred and prejudice is a theme of the story, set off against the innocence of the boys. Another theme is the inhumanity of religious ideas held too strongly. The grandfather refuses small comforts such as picture books or a dog for the children and is unable to show love for his daughter and grandsons because of his severe interpretation of Christianity. The humanity and normality of his wife and daughter highlight the errors of his way, as does the ending, when he becomes grateful to his Dutch neighbour for saving one of the grandsons.
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