UK, 1970
60m
35mm, Eastmancolor
mono, English
A British fantasy film directed by Robert Hird.
Plot Summary
Mr Horatio Knibbles is a nattily dressed, 6 foot tall, talking rabbit that only Mary can see.
Credits
Crew
Directed by: Robert Hird
© Children's Film Foundation Ltd. MCMLXX
A CFF Production. Made for the Children's Film Foundation Limited by Anvil Film & Recording Group Limited
Produced by: Hugh Stewart
Unit Manager: Ian Marsden
Screenplay by: Peter Blackmore
From an original story by Wally Bosco
Continuity: Splinters Deason
Photographed by: Adrian Jeakins
Camera Operator: Mike Smith
Edited by: Rhonda Small
Music by: Muir Mathieson
Sound: Douglas Hurring
Special Effects by: Sally Long, Frank George
Studio: Denham Studios, England
Cast
The Children
Lesley Roach (Mary [Bunting])
Gary Smith (Tom)
Rachel Brennock (Nancy)
John Ash (Bob)
Nigel Chivers (Derek)
David Richards (Billy)
The Animals
Mr Horatio Knibbles
Tess
Mrs Magpie
squirrel postman
air mail pigeon
The Adults
Anthony Sheppard
Bernard Horsfall (Mr Bunting)
Jane Jordan Rogers (Mrs Bunting)
Fred Evans (P.C. Briggs)
David Lodge (sergeant)
Freddie Jones (gamekeeper)
Lila Kaye
Links
See also
Harvey (1950)
Extracts included in
Screen Test: 13 October 1981
Press
1971
Today's Cinema no.9919 (2 July 1971) p.9
This is a real showcase production for the CFF, displaying that always admirable organisation at its excellent best. The film is directed with the unobtrusive skill that makes good use of the natural acting abilities of child actors without making them look self-conscious and keeps the fun moving at a cracking pace. Similarly, the well-written script allows the children to feel at home with their everyday dialogue while providing the adults with roles worthy of their experience. The humour is nicely divided between the simplicity that convulses the little ones to the near sophistication of verbal jokes to tickle the fancy of those who might like the think themselves too old for magic rabbits. And to have a girl instead of the usual boy as the central figure is an innovation no less welcome for being overdue. – from a review by Marjorie Bilbow.
References
Periodicals
Monthly Film Bulletin no.453 (October 1971) – credits, synopsis, review
Today's Cinema no.9919 (2 July 1971) p.9 – credits, review (The new films by Marjorie Bilbow)
Books
Reference Guide to Fantastic Films by Walt Lee p.307 – credits
