...probably because it's based on the book of the same name by Philippa Pearce. It's about a boy, named Tom (played by Jeremy Rampling), who has to spend twelve days of his summer vacation at his aunt and uncle's flat, as his brother, Peter (Simon Fenton), has the measles. At first things are quite dull for Tom, since his aunt and uncle have no children and he must stay in quarantine. But an old grandfather clock in the downstairs' hallway (which never strikes the correct time, though its face will show it), allows him to travel back in time. He goes back to the late 19th century, to when the flat was a house, and meets a lonely girl who lives there, named Hatty (Caroline Waldron). With her, Tom plays in the vast gardens and finds a reason to actually want to stay at the flat. This is approximately a six part miniseries, each one around half an hour. It's a BBC production (I'm quite fond of them) and is well-acted. The boy who plays Tom is especially appealing to watch. This is best watched in the evening, as it's sort of like a bedtime story. If you enjoyed the novel (which is very good), then you'll probably like this a lot.
4 Reviews
Flagship show
Leofwine_draca11 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A flagship show of my childhood and one that massively developed my interests in later life: wildlife, Victoriana, history, exploration, science fiction. It's a surprisingly deep adaptation of the Philippa Pearce classic that has plenty to say for itself and makes you feel too. What's not to love? I miss the days of the BBC making such intelligent and thoughtful children's drama. The story is perfectly told over six 25 minute episodes, our protagonist undergoing a character arc worthy of any coming-of-age drama. Everything combines here to make perfection: the photography, the characters, and sentimentality in the days before it got forced down your throat. I had to go and buy this on DVD to see it again as an adult and I'm pleased to say it's every bit as good as I remember.
Classic BBC Drama
lucky_ducks22 February 2001
The Wednesday CBBC drama slot was always filled with quality Stories and this is no exeption. Well acted time travel drama. You cant help but feel sorry for tom when he is lonley in the summer holidays and sent away but the disovery of the garden and the strange girl means that he cant wait for midnight when the clock strikes 13!
Two lonely Children Meet at a magical time and Place
susan.a.allen15 May 2000
The Midnight garden, where two children become friends, learn from one another and grow up. This movie keeps the quiet magic of childhood real, with all it's shocks, tears and pleasures.
My daughter's also adored it (at age 8 & 12).
My daughter's also adored it (at age 8 & 12).
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
