The Spanish Gardener

The Spanish Gardener (DVD) (*)

Out of Stock

Screened, competed or awarded at:
Berlin International Film Festival

Language Selections:
English ( Mono )

Product Origin/Format:
United Kingdom ( PAL/Region 2 )

Running Time:
92 min

Aspect Ratio:
Fullscreen

Special Features:
Interactive Menu
Scene Access

Movie filmed in 1956 and produced in:
United Kingdom ( Great Britain, Ireland )

Directed By:
Philip Leacock

Written By:
A.J. Cronin
Lesley Storm

Actors:
Dirk Bogarde ..... Jose
Jon Whiteley ..... Nicholas Brande
Michael Hordern ..... Harrington Brande
Cyril Cusack ..... Garcia
Maureen Swanson ..... Maria
Lyndon Brook ..... Robert Burton
Josephine Griffin ..... Carol Burton
Bernard Lee ..... Leighton Bailey
Rosalie Crutchley ..... Magdalena
Ina De La Haye ..... Jose's Mother
Geoffrey Keen ..... Dr. Harvey
Harold Scott ..... Pedro
Jack Stewart ..... Police Escort
Richard Molinas ..... Police Escort
Susan Lyall Grant ..... Maid
John Adderley ..... Taxi Driver
David Lander ..... Policeman
Maurice Denham ..... Pedro (voice)
Mandy Harper ..... Louisa (uncredited)

Synopsis:

Dirk Bogarde stars in this drama about a father's jealousy towards the relationship his son has with the local Spanish gardener. After seeing his son Nicholas (Jon Whiteley) strike up a friendship with their gardener Jose (Dirk Bogarde), retired diplomat Harrington Brande (Michael Hordern), jealous of the relationship the two have formed, conspires to have the man sent to prison by framing him for theft. Harrington's plans soon come unstuck, however, when the gardener escapes, and Nicholas, learning of his father's actions, decides to run off and join his friend.

A story of family interaction, this is an adaptation of an A.J. Cronin novel, with Dirk Bogarde in the title role. More a character study, the movie depicts an insecure man who sees his son's close relationship with their Spanish gardener and is jealous of it. Torn by the jealousy, he contrives to frame the man and have him sent off to jail, but the gardener escapes. When the son discovers what his Father has done, he runs off to be with the gardener, with his Father hot in pursuit. A touching story of a Father/son relationship, it is also the story of the friendship between the young boy and the gardener.

Jon Whiteley gives a remarkably natural performance for a child actor and his scenes with DIRK BOGARDE and MICHAEL HORDERN are excellently played...... Separated from his wife and embittered by a lack of promotion, Harrington Brande (Michael Hordern) is posted to a small port in Spain. With him goes his young son, Nicholas (Jon Whiteley), a shy boy forced to lead a quiet life by his domineering father. At their new home they meet their gardener, Jose (played by Dirk Bogarde) who strikes up a friendship with the boy. Brande becomes jealous of his son s relationship with Jose and bans Nicholas from speaking to the gardener. Things go from bad to worse when Nicholas watch is stolen and planted on Jose, who is then arrested. Will Brande realise the importance of his relationship with his son before it is too late?

This product was added to our catalog on Sunday 13 March, 2011.

Customers who bought this product also purchased

The Silver Cord (DVD)