Memorable, crazy movie

Fresh and Exciting

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

There are so many rave reviews here by so many who cherish this film that it hardly seems necessary to add anything because everyone said it so well. But because I have always truly loved this film and have always tried to endorse it as one of Disney's finest classics, I'm going to add my two cents worth. Heck, I've added a review when there were over 750 reviews of a film already. I find reviewing our movies is good mental exercise for us all. Especially the ones that are near and dear to us like this film, are an obligation.I have always raved 'Candleshoe'. Even when most adults thought I was crazy for heaping so much praise on such a simple children's film. I think that Helen Hayes was one of classic Disney's best stars, and at the time one of their most bankable. She has all the charm, sweetness, and above all, wholesomeness, that is most appropriate for Disney family films. Any true classic Disney film buff will recognize her right along the other Disney stars like Fred MacMurray, Dean Jones, Don Knotts, Haley Mills, and of course Jodie Foster, who was also one of Disney's very best and most profitable money makers. The film is almost flawless to perfection which always impresses me since, anyone who knows the classic Disney live action product, knows they were usually produced on a modest budget with lots of cost cutting. You can never really tell since the films always look neatly and tightly crafted. Everything clicks. Even the obligatory 'Donald Duck' slapstick ending that is trademark Disney formula, doesn't taint the sweet gentleness of this film. Sure it's a little low level to see villains getting hit on the head with frying pans (funny how in many ways the ending here pre-dates John Hughes 'Home Alone' film)and just a little creepy to see small children being chased with knives and maces and things, but it all works out well in the end. There is also toward the end one breath-taking moment with a train and a Helen Hayes staging a stand off.It's nice to know the film is obtaining some cult status in England. It is a funny little film. But it deserves much more than cult status amongst adults. This film should be thought of as a family classic and a true perennial. It really does deserve it for it seems to have acquired some faithful and loving fans.

Lately I have been watching some old Jodie Foster movies, and that brought me to this one, a Disney film make at Pinewood Studios in England. Here Jodie Foster is boyish street urchin Casey Brown.The premise, a con man Harry Bundage finds street-wise delinquent who looks like she could be the 14 year old version of a granddaughter that disappeared at age 4 from the British mansion Candleshoe. Her father and mother died, and her old grandmother, Helen Hayes as Lady St. Edmund, would love to find her again.Harry's angle is this, he found something which makes him believe a treasure of old Spanish gold doubloons is hidden somewhere on the Candleshoe property, and he rescues Casey from the cops, and makes a deal with her, he will give her 10% if she finds the treasure.So, much of the movie is Casey doing everything she can to keep her distance from Lady S Edmund, and the several orphans there, while trying to figure out where the treasure is. Then she eventually finds out that the property will be lost if they can't come up with money for taxes, and eventually Casey begins to understand what "family" means.David Niven is good in several roles, as Colonel Dennis, Mr. Gipping the gardener, and Mr. Priory the butler. Of course we know each is him, but he does that to make the old lady think she still has a staff.A nice, clean, funny movie which showcases Jodie Foster's considerable acting talents as a 14 year old.SPOILERS. In a madcap ending, while the crooks are trying to find the treasure in the old mansion, and the good guys fight them off, the gold is accidentally found inside a fake treasure chest upon which a statue rests his foot. The cops show up just in time to make sure that the treasure gets to the rightful owner. Casey tries to leave town quietly, but the old lady finds her and makes her realize that she really belongs at Candleshoe, even though she probably isn't really the granddaughter. But she might be!

The storyline bears very little similarity to Michael Innes's novel and the fight at the end is a bit infantile but this film is good. The story in the film is a bit like one of those cheesy and awful Children's Film Foundation films I detest so much, in fact it's like the Disney organisation found a discarded CFF script and turned it into a better film. Everything in this film is idealised and this is what makes it so cosy. Even the portrayal of life on the streets in Los Angeles at the beginning is very sanitised. Jodie Foster is transported from this idealised American urban deprivation to an idealised England where butlers who look like David Niven work in stately homes and where people in awful 1970s fashions still travel by steam train. It is a good film for youngsters as the plot is not hard to follow. It may not be a great film, but it is beautiful to look at. Ron Goodwin wrote an excellent score, very reminiscent of Ralph Vaughn Williams, which really adds to the film. Yes, do a remake, but keep the English setting. Helen Mirren would be great as Lady Gwendolyn and Tom Hanks would be my choice to play Priory even though he's American. I can think of a few good British actors to play Bundage. How about Hugh Laurie? Or better still Rowan Atkinson. Jodie Foster could play Clara Grimsworthy this time.

Possibly one of the best family films ever made by Disney. Jodie Foster is brilliant as the wayward teen who's going nowhere. Even at that early age you can see why she has gone on to become one of Hollywoods most successful actresses - she's definitely underrated.Candleshoe is packed full of memorable one liners that just stick with you for months, even years, following watching this film.I grew up watching it and have never stopped! Also, 'Grandmother's' accent is perfect, considering the actress herself is American.Watch this film, you won't be disappointed!Unfortunately I had to surf the Net and order it from America to get hold of my copy, but if you DO find it to buy, don't hesitate.