Whistle Down The Wind

[lovegod]

Never realised that this classic 1961 movie was based on the novel

... Whistle Down the Wind... written by Hayley's mother ... Mary Hayley Bell !



Born in China , Mary met Sir John in China when he was touring there.



She first appeared on Broadway in "Volpone " in April 1928.



Obviously a very talented lady who wrote plays, novels and screenplays.



In 1996 Lloyd Webber turned her novel into a musical.. collaborating with Jim Steinman.

[didi-5]

The original novel was set in the US, as the Lloyd Webber musical was, I think? But much better imagined in the North of England. I can't imagine Hayley Mills playing someone called Swallow.



It's a wonderful film. Hayley's film Sky West and Crooked was also based on a story by her mother.

[charliekane]

I've said it before somewhere, but Bryan Forbes' direction of the children in this picture is absolutely faultless - no false 'cutesy' kids or phoniness. A lovely film.

[lovegod]

It was also Alan Bates debut as a movie star

[wadey]

Talking to Jesus "I didn't know you smoked"

[lovegod]

have I got it wrong, or was the blockbuster.... ET .... a massive steal from the

Gone with the wind story ?

Instead of Alan Bates hiding out in the barn, it was ET !

[Steve Crook]

have I got it wrong, or was the blockbuster.... ET .... a massive steal from the

Gone with the wind story ?

Instead of Alan Bates hiding out in the barn, it was ET !

I can just imagine ET saying "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn"



Steve

[Dadwasinflame]

Got the Dvd for this a few mmonths ago from a boot sale, Hayley mills is looking lovely in it

[Catrin]

'Praise 'im miss, Praise 'im'

My favourite film ever.

First saw it when I was 10 in 1988.

I always wanted to know who the young actor was, who slapped Hayley Mills face in the playground scene, and what happened to him as an actor,he was a striking looking lad.

It's such a wonderful film. I don't have to say anything else apart from when I have a glass of wine, I play the theme music on my recorder to my bemused friends!

[Elaine]

One of those gritty films which starred children, that became the norm in the fifties and sixties. Tiger Bay, The Kidnappers, A kid For Two Farthings, and of course Kes, but that was later.

[sidney bliss]

remember watching this during a school holiday and fell in love with it. Wonderful film

[Edward G]

The wonderful and infectious whistling theme tune, the great "eyes of a child" dialogue moments ("it's always me that gets it") and great use of Lancashire scenery make this unmissable and a film that never disappoints you on return visits.

[jimw1]

Whistle Down The Wind one of my All time Favourites is 50 years old this year....




There was a special report on the BBC North West News tonight from the Village of Downham where most of the Film was shot.
With Appearances From Alan Barnes who played Charles Bostock







And Diane Holgate who played Nan Bostock.




It was Great to see them looking well after all these Years.........

[wadey]

Thank you jimw1 it will be on the iPlayer soon and very good it was to

[Edward G]

Nice one, Jim.
Alan Barnes seemed to drop out of acting shortly after this role and was apparently quite elusive regarding interviews etc, so it's great to see him and Diane Holgate as they are today.

[didi-5]

Diane has hardly changed in fifty years! Thanks for spotting this, will take a look at the clip.

[jimw1]

Inside Out North West....... Skip through to 19.20....Available until 21 Nov 2011.....



BBC iPlayer - Inside Out North West: 14/11/2011

[wadey]

Thanks for the stills, Alan what a star !

[film fun]

We went to Downham where this was made and stayed in the 'square' where the salvation army where playing in the film. We where in our motorhome and stayed the night parked there. Do not think the local fella was pleased as he aked how long we intended staying. Just had to go there after watching this film again.