TotalTelly.co.uk

Devoted to Popular, Cult and Retro TV

Goodnight Mister Tom [1998]


RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £3.46 (subject to change)

Editorial
DVD Description

John Thaw stars as Tom Oakley in the award-winning family drama Goodnight Mister Tom. The DVD is based on the novel by Michelle Magorian and explores the life-long bond which develops between its two lead characters--an illiterate 10 year-old orphan from London (Willie), and a grumpy, cynical old widow who lives alone in the English countryside (Tom). After Willie is forced to seek refuge at Tom’s house in anticipation of the WWII German bombings of London, the story follows the trials and tribulations of the enduring relationship which eventually forms between them. The 101-minute DVD is in DVD 5 format and also features biographies.


Editorial
Synopsis

Set in a small English town at the start of WWII, Goodnight Mister Tom is based on Michelle Magorian's novel about a cantankerous WWI veteran named Tom Oakley (John Thaw), who, against his will, is paired with a London orphan named Willie Beech. The story is based around the relationship which develops between Tom and Willie, who is sent to him after the children of London were evacuated in preparation for the expected German bombings. After initially receiving a cold and hostile reception from Tom, Willie--an illiterate, shy child who has endured a horrific childhood--soon brings out his caring paternal side, which had sadly disappeared many years earlier. The enduring bond and friendship that the two characters share will change both of their lives forever.



It Does The Book Justice
Review date: 2008-08-15 Rating: 10 out of 10

This film truley is amazing, i love how Tom starts out seemingly old and grumpy but this young boy turns him in to a big softie really :P . I also feel for Willam when he turns up at Toms doorstep you really see the fear in his eyes of being left with and old scary man whos like a giant, its shows how so many evacuated children must have when they were really just left in the middle of nowhere with strangers, you see Willam and Tom blossom John Thaw is at his best and really makes the character shine through also the young actor who plays william does an amazing job watch this film its amazing ( also willams mother is Monica out of Shameless :))

Similar Products

Reviews


THE best story in the WORLD!!!!!!!!!
Review date: 2008-07-06 Rating: 10 out of 10

William Beech is evacuated to a small village called Little Weirwold during the Second World War. He is placed with Tom Oakley, a widower who has kept himself to himself for the last 40 years since his wife and child died. Both do each other more good than they can begin to imagine. But their happiness is shattered when Tom recieves a letter from Williams mother, who wishes her son to return to London immediately....

This production was first shown on TV in 1998, and since then it has been repeated numerous times (particularly on ITV3).

I first read the book when I was only 10, and absolutely LOVED it. So when I heard that it had been dramatised, I had to watch it. I was not disappointed. Every thing about it is fantastic. John Thaw and Nick Robinson play Tom and William brilliantly.

The only criticism I can give it is that it was too short; a lot of the story had to be cut out and that meant that there wasn't as much of my favourite character (Zach) as there could have been.


amazing - fact.
Review date: 2008-06-16 Rating: 8 out of 10

i always remember this film. I first watched it on an awful quality VHS at my grandma's eight years ago, and so jumped at the chance of owning it on lovely DVD format!! All the feelings of how much i loved it came back the second i put it in the drive and i sat, mesmorised at 3 in the morning, remembering how it had made me feel all those years ago. A really emotional and powerful trip down memory lane, and a lovely performance by John Thaw, playing the stern but gently loveable Mr Tom. A treat for anyone who has or had a grandparent that was evacuated in the war.

The best of family wartime drama
Review date: 2008-04-20 Rating: 10 out of 10

It's not often that it can be said that a TV adaption does justice to the book it was based upon, but this production of Michelle Magorian's novel of the same name is every bit as wonderful, moving and enjoyable.

Upon the outbreak of WWII, nine year old evacuee Willy Beech is uprooted from his grimy London existance and the abuse of his dubiously religious, mentally ill mother, to the countryside and placed in the reluctant care of gruff widower Tom Oakley.

Neither of them realise how much their lives will be changed by this. Slowly, Willy breaks through Tom's stern exterior, bringing enrichment and happiness to a man whose embittered grief over the loss of his own family had kept him at arms' length from his friends and neighbours for many years. Meanwhile, Willy himself makes friends for the first time in his life and begins to grow confident, educated and happy under Mister Tom's patient guidance.

But even in this faraway rural outpost, the effects of the war take their toll, and this budding father-son relationship is threatened when Willy learns his mother is ill and wants him back with her in London. When Tom does not hear from Willy, he begins to worry and undertakes a journey to London to try and discover Willy- only to find his fears for Willy's welfare confirmed. Soon a twist in events threaten to keep them apart for good, and only Tom's fatherly devotion and patience can help Willy overcome his dreadful ordeal.

Goodnight Mister Tom is a wonderfully heartwarming and at times humerous adaptation, casted beautifully, with a stellar performance from the late John Thaw as Mister Tom. Goodnight Mister Tom perfectly captures the wartime spirit of friendship and solidarity, where individual grief and triumph is felt by all and hope, humour and kindness will be the healing agent of a war-torn community. Five stars.
Prime family drama that will be enjoyed by all ages.


Watch the programme then read the book
Review date: 2008-03-28 Rating: 8 out of 10

I was read Goodnight Mister Tom by my top junior teacher and i can still remember it. I have since re-read the book many times because of the wonderful story. When i heard that they were making a programme, i was a little worried (they always leave stuff out.) But when i saw this TV adaption i was overjoyed. John Thaw plays Mister Tom fantastically and that is why he is one of the best British Actors!The makers of this programme stayed as true to the book as possible and showed the life of evacuees. It is a little rose-tinted i agree, but you soon forge about that when you are introduced to Willy and the relationship and bon he builds up with Mister Tom. I love the book and I love the programme - it is a must for everyone.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Nick Robinson
Annabelle Apsion
William Armstrong
John Thaw
Thomas Orange

Creators:
John Thaw (Primary Contributor)
Nick Robinson (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: ITV DVD
Manufacturer: ITV DVD
EAN: 5037115000934
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, PAL, Widescreen,
Release date: 1999-08-09
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 101 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1999-05-30
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: English (Subtitled)

Add to Cart

© 2006 Darren Hester, DesignsByDarren.com, Some Rights Reserved.
Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional